Marking 30 Years Since Her AMAs Hosting Debut, the Legendary Artist, Actor, Producer, and Entrepreneur Will Honor the Most Influential Artists and Songs of Today
CBS and Dick Clark Productions (DCP) announced that GRAMMY(R) Award-winning musician, critically acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe(R)-winning and Academy Award(R)-nominated actress and producer Queen Latifah will host the 52ND AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS (AMAs), airing LIVE coast-to-coast from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 (8:00 PM, ET, 5:00 PM, PT) on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.*
Queen Latifah has a longstanding history with the AMAs, previously serving as a co-host in 1995 and delivering memorable performances in the years since. The 52ND AMAs will honor the most influential artists and songs of today alongside unforgettable performances and special moments in a multi-genre, cross-generational celebration of music.
“I am so excited to return to the American Music Awards stage to host this year,” said Latifah. “It’s been an incredible year for music and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Queen Latifah back as host of the American Music Awards,” said Jay Penske, CEO, Dick Clark Productions. “A true powerhouse and trailblazer, she brings a dynamic presence and deep connection to both fans and fellow artists, making her the perfect choice to lead a night celebrating the biggest names and most defining moments in music.”
Queen Latifah is a GRAMMY(R) Award-winning artist and Oscar-nominated actress whose career spans music, film, television, and production. She earned an Academy Award nomination, along with Golden Globe and SAG nominations, for her role as Mama Morton in “Chicago,” and won both a Golden Globe and SAG Award for “Life Support.” A trailblazer in entertainment, she became the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006 and has received seven GRAMMY nominations, winning Best Rap Solo Performance in 1994. Her cultural impact was further recognized with the National Medal of the Arts in 2024 and honors at the 2023 Kennedy Center Honors. Beyond acting, she has built a successful production career through Flavor Unit Entertainment, producing films and television projects including “Bessie” and “The Perfect Holiday.”
Making her big screen debut in Spike Lee’s 1991 film “Jungle Fever,” Latifah then starred in “Set It Off” and co-starred with Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito in the critically acclaimed “Living Out Loud.” From 1993-1998, Latifah starred in the network comedy “Living Single.” Following “Chicago,” she starred in and executive-produced the box office hit “Bringing Down the House.” Her additional film credits include “The Secret Life of Bees,” alongside Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and Dakota Fanning; Neil Meron and Craig Zadan’s “Hairspray”; “Mad Money” opposite Diane Keaton and Katie Holmes; “Just Wright”; “Joyful Noise”; “The Last Holiday”; “Beauty Shop”; “Girls Trip” alongside Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddish; and “Hustle” opposite Adam Sandler. She took to the stage and small screen performing as the title character in the television musical “The Wiz Live!” and as Ursula in ABC’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid.”
In recent years, Latifah headlined and executive produced CBS’ THE EQUALIZER, which became the #1 new series in the 2020-2021 season. Looking ahead, she is set to reprise her role as Ellie in “Ice Age: Boiling Point,” continuing her long-running involvement in the popular animated franchise.
Last year’s AMAs reached over 10 million unique viewers across its CBS and Paramount+ premiere on Memorial Day and encores on MTV, CMT and BET. The CBS broadcast marked the show’s largest audience since 2019, with a +38% increase over its last live airing in 2022 on ABC.
Nominations for the 52ND AMAs will be announced on Tuesday, April 14, with fan voting opening the same day, which will remain open until Friday, May 8. Additional details, including performers, presenters and special honorees for the 52ND AMAs, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets for the star-studded must-see show are now available on AXS.
*Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.
Comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is expanding his brand into the streaming world with the launch of Fluffy TV, a new family‑friendly FAST channel created in partnership with Fuse Media. The channel will spotlight Iglesias’ signature humor while offering a lineup designed for viewers of all ages.
Fluffy TV will feature a curated mix of Iglesias’ stand‑up specials, behind‑the‑scenes content, and comedy programming that aligns with his upbeat, inclusive style. The goal is to create a space where families can enjoy comedy together — a rarity in the current streaming landscape.
Fuse Media, known for its multicultural entertainment platforms, will distribute Fluffy TV across major FAST services. The partnership taps into Fuse’s growing presence in the ad‑supported streaming space and Iglesias’ massive global fanbase.
In addition to Iglesias’ own work, the channel plans to showcase emerging comedians, family‑friendly series, and original short‑form content. The focus is on humor that’s accessible, positive, and community‑driven — a natural extension of Iglesias’ long‑standing appeal.
For Iglesias, Fluffy TV marks a new chapter in his career, giving him a dedicated platform to reach fans beyond live tours and traditional specials. It also positions him as one of the few comedians with a branded FAST channel built around their comedic identity.
Fluffy TV is set to roll out across multiple FAST platforms later this year, with additional programming announcements expected as the launch approaches.
The first trailer for Stop! That! Train! has arrived, and it’s every bit as outrageous as fans hoped. RuPaul stars as the fabulously over‑the‑top President Gagwell, anchoring an action‑comedy packed with camp, chaos, and a lineup of Drag Race icons who bring the glamour even at full speed.
The film follows a high‑stakes (and highly ridiculous) mission to stop a runaway train before it wreaks havoc. The trailer teases explosive set pieces, slapstick mayhem, and a parade of drag‑infused heroics. RuPaul’s Gagwell commands the screen with presidential absurdity, delivering one‑liners with the confidence of someone who knows the world is watching — and living for it.
Several fan‑favorite queens make appearances, each leaning into the film’s heightened, comic‑book energy. Their cameos add layers of camp, fashion, and pure spectacle, turning the train into a runway on rails.
Stop! That! Train! blends action‑movie tropes with drag‑theater flair, creating a tone that’s equal parts parody and celebration. The trailer promises a film that doesn’t take itself seriously for a second — and that’s exactly the point.
With its mix of drag royalty, absurdist humor, and high‑octane antics, the film is shaping up to be a standout comedy event. More details on the release date and full cast are expected soon.
Netflix has officially revealed the lineup for Kevin Hart’s new comedy competition series, Funny AF, along with a high‑energy trailer showcasing the rising comics set to battle for the top spot. The series marks Hart’s latest collaboration with the streamer as he continues expanding his footprint in unscripted entertainment.
The newly announced contestants represent a mix of stand‑up veterans, viral sensations, and fresh faces from comedy clubs across the country. Each will compete in a series of challenges designed to test their timing, originality, and ability to win over both the judges and the audience.
The trailer teases rapid‑fire sets, behind‑the‑scenes tension, and Hart offering both mentorship and his signature tough‑love humor.
Funny AF blends traditional stand‑up with reality‑competition elements. Contestants face themed challenges, perform in front of live crowds, and receive feedback from Hart and a rotating panel of guest judges. Only one comic will walk away with the title — and a career‑boosting prize package.
The series continues Hart’s growing partnership with Netflix, which already includes stand‑up specials, films, and his Hartbeat‑produced projects. With Funny AF, he shifts the spotlight to the next generation of comedians, positioning the show as both a competition and a talent incubator.
The trailer confirms that Funny AF will debut later this year, with episodes dropping weekly. Netflix is positioning the show as a major comedy event, aiming to tap into the same audience that has embraced Hart’s previous projects.
Check out the trailer above and list of contestants below.
NYC CONTESTANTS
LA CONTESTANTS
CHICAGO CONTESTANTS
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has announced its star‑studded 2026 lineup, spotlighting a powerful mix of established icons and rising talent. This year’s festival will feature appearances and premieres from Jamie Foxx, Marsai Martin, Courtney B. Vance, Jesse Williams, and Coco Jones, underscoring ABFF’s continued commitment to elevating Black voices across film, television, and digital storytelling.
The 2026 program showcases a dynamic blend of genres and perspectives, with Foxx leading several marquee conversations and screenings. Martin, one of Hollywood’s youngest multi‑hyphenates, returns to ABFF with new projects that highlight her expanding creative footprint. Vance and Williams will headline panels focused on acting craft and industry evolution, while Jones brings her growing influence in both music and film to the festival stage.
Alongside its celebrity‑driven events, ABFF continues to champion emerging filmmakers. The 2026 lineup includes a robust selection of narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and episodic projects from creators across the African diaspora. The festival remains a crucial launchpad for new talent, with many past participants going on to secure major studio deals and awards recognition.
This year’s festival will also include masterclasses, industry roundtables, and exclusive conversations with leading creatives. Attendees can expect discussions on storytelling, representation, and the evolving landscape of Black cinema and television. Special musical and cultural events featuring Jones and other artists round out the weeklong celebration.
Now in its third decade, ABFF continues to expand its reach as one of the most important showcases for Black talent in the entertainment industry. The 2026 edition reinforces the festival’s role as both a cultural celebration and a professional incubator for the next generation of storytellers.
CBS is making a dramatic shift in its late‑night strategy, handing over the entire post‑local‑news block to media mogul Byron Allen once The Late Show with Stephen Colbert signs off in May. The network has finalized a time‑buy agreement that allows Allen to lease both the 11:35 p.m. and 12:37 a.m. hours through the 2026–2027 season, marking the end of CBS‑produced late‑night programming for the first time in more than three decades.
Colbert’s final episode airs May 21st, closing a franchise that began in 1993 with David Letterman’s arrival at CBS. The very next night, Allen steps in with a two‑hour comedy block built around his long‑running series Comics Unleashed and the comedy game show Funny You Should Ask. Back‑to‑back episodes of Comics Unleashed will occupy the 11:35 p.m. slot, followed by Funny You Should Ask at 12:37 a.m.
CBS executives have framed the move as a financial decision. Producing a traditional late‑night talk show has become increasingly expensive, and leasing the time to Allen allows the network to profit regardless of ratings, since Allen Media Group pays for the airtime and sells its own advertising. Even though CBS expects ratings to dip without The Late Show, the time‑buy model offsets those losses.
Allen has been steadily building toward this moment. He previously leased the 12:37 a.m. slot during gaps in CBS’s schedule—first after The Late Late Show with James Corden ended in 2023, and again after After Midnight wrapped in 2025. His company has produced Comics Unleashed for two decades, recently reviving it with new episodes for CBS. Allen has openly described securing the 11:35 p.m. hour as a goal he has pursued for 50 years.
Both Comics Unleashed and Funny You Should Ask are designed as evergreen, low‑cost comedy formats featuring rotating comedians and minimal topical content. CBS considers the shows’ national network programming, meaning affiliates are expected to carry them despite the shift away from in‑house production.
The agreement currently covers just one season. CBS has left the door open to returning to original late‑night programming in the future—if a financially viable format emerges. For now, the network is betting on Allen’s proven ability to deliver consistent, advertiser‑friendly comedy at a fraction of the cost of a traditional talk show.
A major biopic about comedy legend Redd Foxx is officially moving forward. Veteran filmmaker Bill Duke has signed on to direct Seeing Redd, the first estate‑approved feature film chronicling the life of the groundbreaking entertainer. The project is being produced by T.I. and Roger Bobb, bringing together a team deeply rooted in both comedy and Black entertainment history.
Redd Foxx—best known for Sanford and Son and his trailblazing stand‑up career—remains one of the most influential figures in American comedy. His raw, fearless style paved the way for generations of performers, and Seeing Redd aims to capture both his brilliance and the personal struggles that shaped his life.
With the full support of Foxx’s estate, the film is positioned to offer an intimate, authentic look at the man behind the iconic persona.
Bill Duke, whose directing credits include A Rage in Harlem, Deep Cover, and episodes of Black Lightning and Queen Sugar, brings decades of experience to the project. Known for his ability to blend emotional depth with cultural insight, Duke is expected to guide the biopic with a steady, thoughtful hand.
His involvement signals a serious, character‑driven approach to Foxx’s story.
Rapper‑actor T.I. and producer Roger Bobb—a longtime collaborator with Tyler Perry—are producing the film. Their combined backgrounds in comedy, music, and film production add a contemporary edge to the project while honoring Foxx’s legacy.
The team has emphasized that the film will explore Foxx’s rise from nightclub comic to television superstar, as well as the challenges he faced navigating fame, finances, and the entertainment industry.
Casting announcements and production timelines are expected soon. With Duke directing and the estate’s blessing, Seeing Redd is shaping up to be the definitive cinematic portrait of a comedy icon whose influence still echoes through stand‑up, sitcoms, and pop culture today.
In this episode of Box Seats, we discuss the games from the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight, as it dwindles down to the Final Four! Included in this conversation is the Duke versus UConn game that had a historic finish!
Plus, we talk about the arrest of Tiger Woods, some of the huge NBA games over the weekend, and the rest of the hottest topics in sports!
This episode features comedians Mike Shawn, Howie Bell, Damien Jones, and filmmaker Jason Hayes.
Watch the complete episode above!
“Supergirl,” DC Studios’ newest feature film to hit the big screen, will be in theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures, starring Milly Alcock in the dual role of Supergirl/Kara Zor-El. Craig Gillespie directs the film from a screenplay by Ana Nogueira.
When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice.
Alcock stars alongside Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, and Jason Momoa.
DC Studios heads Peter Safran and James Gunn are producing the film, which is based on characters from DC, Supergirl based on characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film is executive produced by Nigel Gostelow, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars P. Winther. Behind the camera, Gillespie is joined by director of photography Rob Hardy, production designer Neil Lamont, editor Tatiana S. Riegel, costume designers Anna B. Sheppard and Michael Mooney, Visual Effects Supervisor Geoffrey Baumann, music supervisor Susan Jacobs and composer Claudia Sarne.
DC Studios Presents a Troll Court Entertainment / The Safran Company Production, A Film by Craig Gillespie, “Supergirl,” which will be in theaters and IMAX ® across North America on June 26, 2026, and internationally beginning 24 June 2026, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Axel Foley. Billy Ray Valentine. Prince Akeem Joffer. Professor Sherman Klump. Donkey. These are just a few of the iconic characters Eddie Murphy has brought to life on film over his five-decade career. And soon, fans can see the actor and comedian be recognized for those roles, along with many more.
The American Film Institute (AFI) announced that The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy will premiere on Netflix on May 31st. This marks the first year the Emmy–winning televised special will stream on the service, bringing the celebration of Murphy’s illustrious career to a global audience.
Murphy is one of the most commercially successful actors in history and remains one of the industry’s top five box-office performers overall; he’s starred in multiple $100 million pictures over the past three decades, including Beverly Hills Cop and Daddy Day Care, and won a Golden Globe and earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Dreamgirls.
Murphy, who will receive the AFI Life Achievement Award at a gala tribute at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 18, 2026, will certainly be in good company. Recent past recipients include Francis Ford Coppola, Nicole Kidman, Julie Andrews, and Denzel Washington. According to AFI, this award is given every year to an individual “whose talent has in a fundamental way advanced the film art; whose accomplishment has been acknowledged by scholars, critics, professional peers, and the general public; and whose work has stood the test of time.”
“AFI is grateful to Ted Sarandos and the talented team at Netflix for the opportunity to share this proud tradition with the world,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “And to do so in honor of Eddie Murphy will allow us to shine a proper light on the impact of art at a time the world needs it most.”
Ahead of The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy, you can get to know more about the actor by streaming Being Eddie. The 2025 Netflix documentary chronicles Murphy’s meteoric rise from teen comic phenom to Saturday Night Live breakout and stand-up supernova to box-office titan. Fans can also revisit some of his past work in Netflix originals, including Dolemite Is My Name, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, and You People.
Source: Netflix