Sinners’ remarkable run hasn’t finished just yet.
Ryan Coogler’s genre-busting drama amassed 16 Oscar nominations this morning, the most for any movie in history — topping the previous record shared by 1950’s All About Eve and 2016’s La La Land. The tally includes a major showing above the line — with nods in best picture, lead actor (Michael B. Jordan), supporting actor (Delroy Lindo), supporting actress (Wunmi Mosaku), director and original screenplay (both Coogler) — and indicates serious strength opposite presumed front-runner One Battle After Another, which runs close behind with 14 nominations and the winner of best-picture prizes from the Critics Choice and Golden Globe Awards.
Already upon its April release, Sinners became the highest-grossing movie domestically in 15 years, going back to Christopher Nolan’s Inception, after a road to theatrical release trailed by industry skepticism and controversy. The film not only silenced doubters but emerged as the theatrical phenomenon of the spring in North America, generating universal critical acclaim and substantial awards buzz for its industry veterans both in front of and behind the camera.
Coogler’s run as a filmmaker has been unimpeachable, with both critics and audiences embracing everything from his indie debut Fruitvale Station to his subsequent franchise efforts in Creed and Black Panther. He came into this awards season with two prior Oscar nominations, for producing Shaka King’s best picture nominee Judas and the Black Messiah and co-writing the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever song “Lift Me Up.” (Black Panther was also nominated for best picture, but Coogler didn’t produce the film and thus wasn’t nominated for it.)
In other words, Sinners has given Coogler his first-ever directing and screenplay Oscar nods — and he is now the seventh Black filmmaker ever to be nominated for the best-director prize. The last was Spike Lee, seven years ago for BlacKkKlansman.
Michael B. Jordan, meanwhile, has finally received his first Oscar nomination — perhaps fittingly for playing two roles, twins Smoke and Stack Moore. Jordan’s first-ever lead film role came 12 years ago in Coogler’s Fruitvale Station; the success of Sinners thus marks a fitting full-circle moment for the pair. This is also the first nomination for both Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo, while several below-the-line nominees, including costume designer Ruth E. Carter and composer Ludwig Göransson, are back in the hunt after having won Oscars for their work on Coogler’s Black Panther movies.
Sinners is considered a favorite in the original-screenplay race and will certainly compete below the line, but one category of particular intrigue for the film is brand new: best casting. Francine Maisler is nominated for her work assembling the movie’s ensemble — including Miles Caton in his much-lauded debut role — and is a legend of her field, having worked regularly with the likes of Adam McKay, Aaron Sorkin, Barry Jenkins, and Denis Villeneuve. Had the Academy instituted the category before 2026, you can bet she’d have been a mainstay. Finally, they have the chance to honor her.
The question is: Just how much deeper could the Sinners embrace run? Based on today’s showing, it’s not to be counted out anywhere.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Lizzo, the Grammy-winning singer, rapper, and flutist, is set to bring her unique blend of music and humor to the stage at the upcoming Netflix Is A Joke Fest in Los Angeles. The festival, which has quickly become one of the largest celebrations of comedy in the world, will feature Lizzo in a special performance that combines her chart-topping hits with comedic storytelling and playful banter.
The event marks Lizzo’s debut at Netflix’s comedy festival, and her set promises to be one of the most talked-about performances of the week. Known for her bold personality, sharp wit, and infectious energy, Lizzo has long incorporated humor into her artistry, whether through her lyrics, stage presence, or candid interactions with fans. By blending music and comedy, she is poised to deliver a show that highlights her versatility as both a performer and entertainer.
Netflix Is a Joke Fest, held across multiple venues in Los Angeles, has become a showcase for some of the biggest names in comedy, including stand-up legends, rising stars, and crossover performers. Lizzo’s participation underscores the festival’s commitment to expanding the boundaries of comedy by embracing artists who bring laughter through unconventional formats.
Her set is expected to feature live renditions of fan favorites like “Truth Hurts” and “About Damn Time,” alongside comedic interludes that highlight her personality and perspective. Fans can anticipate a performance that is equal parts concert and comedy show, reflecting Lizzo’s ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels.
The announcement has generated excitement among both comedy and music fans, many of whom see Lizzo’s appearance as a perfect fit for the festival’s eclectic lineup. With her fearless approach to performance and her knack for blending genres, Lizzo’s show at Netflix Is a Joke Fest is likely to be one of the highlights of the Los Angeles event.
Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell are officially reuniting for a new feature film, Kenan & Kel Meet Frankenstein, a horror-comedy inspired by the classic Abbott and Costello monster movies. Production is set to begin in summer 2026, marking the duo’s first major collaboration since Good Burger 2 in 2023.
Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, beloved for their 1990s Nickelodeon sitcom Kenan & Kel and cult hit Good Burger, are teaming up once again for a project that blends comedy with horror. The announcement was made during Prime Video’s sports talk show Good Sports, where Mitchell filled in as guest host alongside Thompson. The reveal delighted fans who have long hoped for another collaboration between the two comedians.
Kenan & Kel Meet Frankenstein follows two delivery drivers whose routine drop-off takes a terrifying turn when they arrive at a mysterious castle and accidentally awaken Frankenstein’s monster. What begins as an ordinary night quickly spirals into a fight for survival, with Thompson and Mitchell’s comedic chemistry driving the story. The film pays homage to the classic Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), updating the formula with modern humor and horror elements.
The screenplay is being written by Jonah Feingold, known for At Midnight and 31 Candles. The project is co-produced by Thompson’s Artists for Artists company and Range Media Partners, with John Ryan Jr., Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Carter Swan also producing. Executive producers include Will Hariton, Azim Spicer, and Monica Weber. Production is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026, with sales handled by Range Media Partners.
This marks the duo’s first feature film together since Good Burger 2, which premiered on Paramount+ in 2023. Their partnership stretches back to Nickelodeon’s All That in the mid-1990s, where their comedic chemistry quickly made them fan favorites. They later starred in Kenan & Kel (1996–2000) and the original Good Burger (1997), cementing their place in pop culture.
The reunion of Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell in Kenan & Kel Meet Frankenstein is more than just a nostalgic throwback. It represents a blending of genres—horror and comedy—that has historically resonated with audiences, while also showcasing the enduring appeal of their partnership. For fans who grew up watching them on Nickelodeon, this film offers a chance to see the duo in a fresh, yet familiar, light.
Gabrielle Union (The Inspection) has signed on to star in Perdita, a paranormal psychological thriller marking the narrative feature debut of Megan Raney Aarons, which is set to begin production in Ontario, Canada, in March.
Inspired by Henry James’ 1868 short story, The Romance of Certain Old Clothes, Perdita follows rootless loner and remote island park ranger, Pearl (Union), who walks out on her job and workplace lover after a strange encounter with an apparition throws her sanity into question. When she discovers she’s been bequeathed a derelict house in Detroit, she becomes hellbent on solving this seemingly random mystery, only to find herself fighting for both her life and her grasp on reality, as she confronts forces who want her to see she’s not alone.
Award-winning screenwriter and playwright Matthew Hurt (Hello Muscles, Last Rights) penned the script, from a story he conceived with Aarons.
Producers on Perdita include GRAiNEY PICTURES Ltd’s Colin K. Gray, Jake Horowitz & Larissa Primeau, along with Daniel Sheldon & Chad Oliver of Inner Media Capital (F*ck Valentines Day, Jacob Beats Up Nate). Executive producers are Ramfis Myrthil (Terrestrial, Ricky), Amber Templemore (Silo, Hawkeye), and Byron Beane (Cheap AF, Illuminator), who also serves as the film’s casting director alongside Kevin Scott (Outlaw Johnny Black, The United States vs. Billie Holiday) and Hannah Antaki (Violence, Peak Everything) for Canada. GRAiNEY PICTURES’ Canadian EPs are Joel Cohen (The Simpsons), Robert Cohen (Somebody Somewhere, Being Canadian), and Erik T. Wilson (Kaz: Pushing the Virtual Divide).
“Blending a story set in 2009 against a Civil Rights-era ’60s backdrop, Perdita is deeply personal as an homage to the activism of my parents and my godmother – the first African-American woman ordained in her denomination,” Raney Aarons told us. “As a thrilling piece of entertainment, it’s also a quiet commentary on today’s political landscape. I’m honored that such a dedicated, talented and accomplished team of creatives share my passion for this picture, and I’m beyond excited that Gabrielle is breathing life into Pearl. I can’t wait for audiences to cross this haunting Rust Belt threshold with us.”
Union was most recently seen alongside Bill Murray, Jennifer Coolidge, and Ed Harris in the crime comedy, Riff Raff. An executive producer of Amazon MGM’s hit rom-com The Idea of You, she recently wrapped production as exec producer and star of the horror film, The Casket Girls, and will soon be heard lending her vocal talents to the animated film, GOAT, hitting theaters February 13, alongside the NBA’s Stephen Curry. Currently, Union is in production on the new Amazon MGM rom-com Blame It on Rome, starring opposite Michele Marrone. A Gotham and Independent Spirit Award nominee for A24’s The Inspection, she is repped by CAA, Range Media, and Felker Toczek Suddleson.
Canadian-born Raney Aarons is a director, writer, producer, activist and co-founder of production company, GRAiNEY PICTURES (Unzipped: An Autopsy of American Inequality, Atari: Game Over). She was knighted with Hungary’s highest civilian honor for the political sports documentary, Freedom’s Fury, alongside her brother and GRAiNEY co-founder, Colin K. Gray, and EPs Lucy Liu and Quentin Tarantino. Most recently, Raney Aarons wrote and directed the short thriller, Demolition, which received accolades at film festivals across the globe. Currently attached to helm the Spyglass sci-fi thriller Illuminator, from 10 Cloverfield Lane scribes Josh Campbell & Matt Stuecken, she is repped by The Nord Group and with GRAiNEY PICTURES at The Characters (Canada).
Hurt is repped by Range and The Nord Group.
Source: Deadline
Comedian Ali Siddiq has announced his first-ever arena performance as part of his newly unveiled national tour, The Custom Fit Tour, which will visit 26 markets across the United States from April through June 2026. The milestone arena show will take place at the Chesapeake Arena in Baltimore this May.
Ali Siddiq, long celebrated for his storytelling style and sharp comedic timing, is stepping into a new chapter of his career with The Custom Fit Tour. After years of building a loyal following through live performances and viral online specials, Siddiq will headline his first arena show, a major milestone for any stand-up comedian. The Chesapeake Arena in Baltimore will host this landmark performance, underscoring Siddiq’s growing national appeal.
The Custom Fit Tour will span 26 markets nationwide, running from April through June 2026. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. local time, with artist pre-sales beginning on Wednesday, January 21, and local pre-sales on Thursday, January 22.
Siddiq’s rise to arena-level comedy has been fueled by his recent accomplishments. His special Ali Siddiq: My Two Sons earned a 2026 NAACP Image Award nomination, making history as the only independently produced and released YouTube comedy special to receive such recognition. In addition, he released multiple hours of stand-up in 2025, including Rugged and Mondays, the latter of which garnered nearly 3 million views in just three weeks on YouTube.
Ali Siddiq’s arena debut represents more than just a career milestone—it signals the growing influence of comedians who leverage digital platforms to build audiences outside traditional networks. His ability to translate online success into large-scale live performances highlights the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy in the streaming era.
With The Custom Fit Tour, Ali Siddiq is poised to bring his unique brand of comedy to fans across the country, culminating in his first arena show in Baltimore. Backed by critical acclaim, viral success, and a dedicated fan base, Siddiq’s 2026 tour promises to be one of the year’s most exciting comedy events.
Comedian Nick Lewis, a beloved figure in the Charlotte, North Carolina, comedy scene, has passed away after a series of health challenges and accidents that marked his final year. Known for his sharp wit, resilience, and ability to connect with audiences, Lewis leaves behind a legacy of laughter and perseverance.
Nick Lewis built his reputation as a stand‑up comedian with a style that blended everyday observations with a warm, approachable delivery. Based in Charlotte, he became a fixture in regional comedy clubs and entertainment circles, often performing for audiences who appreciated his ability to find humor in life’s unpredictability. His work with K4 Entertainment helped him reach wider audiences, and he was celebrated not only for his performances but also for his mentorship of younger comics.
Lewis’s final year was marked by significant health challenges. In December 2023, he collapsed in his driveway after a routine workout, with doctors suspecting a bleeding blood vessel as the cause. He was hospitalized and underwent weeks of treatment, with his community rallying around him through fundraisers and support campaigns.
In July 2024, tragedy struck again when Lewis was involved in a devastating head‑on collision with an 18‑wheeler tractor trailer. His car flipped multiple times and was hit by a second truck. Though he survived and was hospitalized in stable condition, the accident compounded his health struggles and underscored the fragility of his recovery.
Throughout his health battles, Lewis’s family, friends, and fans rallied to support him. Fundraisers were organized to help cover medical expenses, and his resilience became a source of inspiration. His story highlighted the challenges faced by performers who balance their careers with personal health struggles, and the importance of community in times of crisis.
Nick Lewis’s passing is a profound loss to the comedy world, particularly in Charlotte, where he was a familiar and cherished presence. His humor, perseverance, and ability to bring people together through laughter will be remembered by audiences and fellow comedians alike.
Though his journey ended too soon, Lewis’s legacy lives on in the joy he brought to countless people. His story is a reminder of the power of comedy to uplift, even in the face of hardship, and of the enduring impact one performer can have on a community.
We here at The Humor Mill wish his family our deepest condolences in his untimely passing.
Los Angeles will once again become the epicenter of laughter as the Netflix is a Joke Fest returns for a third time, bolder, funnier, and more star-studded than ever before.
The week-long comedy extravaganza — produced by Netflix in partnership with Live Nation — will feature over 350 live events, including stand-up performances, variety shows, comedy podcasts, tapings, exclusive events, and screenings.
“What makes this fest so special is the sense of community — it’s a rare moment where the comedy industry and the fans come together in one place,” said Tracey Pakosta, Netflix Vice President of Comedy Series. “We’re not just putting on shows; we’re creating one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate the range, depth, and sheer brilliance of the comedy world right now.”
Festival exclusive events include Night of Too Many Stars — the stand-up, variety, and music telethon to benefit NEXT for Autism — hosted by Jon Stewart, a taping of Nate Bargatze’s upcoming Netflix comedy special, Shane Gillis and Friends at the Hollywood Bowl, and the live semifinals and finals of Funny AF with Kevin Hart to search for the world’s next funniest comedian, among many others.
Netflix is a Joke Fest takes place May 4–10, 2026.
Thirty-five venues in Los Angeles will play host to the festivities, including the Hollywood Bowl, The Greek Theatre, the Intuit Dome, The Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, and Hollywood Improv.
Some of the world-renowned talent — with more announcements to come — joining this year’s festival include:
Malin Akerman, Mo Amer, Eric André, Jeff Arcuri, Fred Armisen, Maria Bamford, Ralph Barbosa, Nate Bargatze, Hannah Berner, Mike Birbiglia, Rachel Bloom, Joel Kim Booster, Bill Burr, Michelle Buteau, Nicole Byer, Nick Cannon, Jerrod Carmichael, Steve Carell, Dana Carvey, Ronny Chieng, Margaret Cho, Deon Cole, Larry David, Pete Davidson, Paige DeSorbo, Tim Dillon, Earthquake, Alex Edelman, Danny Elfman, Franco Escamilla, Feid, Fortune Feimster, Flight of the Concords, Ben Folds, Jim Gaffigan, Zarna Garg, Mo Gilligan, Shane Gillis, Nikki Glaser, Ilana Glazer, Brett Goldstein, Stavros Halkias, Chelsea Handler, Kevin Hart, Patti Harrison, Marcello Hernández, Jeff Hiller, Tony Hinchcliffe, Robby Hoffman, Kate Hudson, Nate Jackson, Jameela Jamil, Sam Jay, Jim Jefferies, Ken Jeong, Anthony Jeselnik, Mindy Kaling, Jimmy Kimmel, Bert Kreischer, Nick Kroll, Bobby Lee, David Letterman, Lizzo, Luenell, Natasha Lyonne, Mae Martin, Heather McMahan, Hasan Minhaj, Diane Morgan, Leanne Morgan, Sam Morril, John Mulaney, Mark Normand, Tig Notaro, Ego Nwodim, Conan O’Brien, Bob Odenkirk, Atsuko Okatsuka, Patton Oswalt, Tom Papa, Ms. Pat, Trisha Paytas, Edi Patterson, Matt Rife, Seth Rogen, Jelly Roll, Adam Sandler, Andrew Santino, Kristen Schaal, Andrew Schulz, Iliza Shlesinger, Tom Segura, Jerry Seinfeld, Shaq, Brittany Snow, Martin Short, Sarah Silverman, Bill Simmons, Will Smith from the Dodgers, David Spade, Sommore, Brenda Song, Meg Stalter, Jon Stewart, Wanda Sykes, Bob The Drag Queen, Taylor Tomlinson, Kill Tony, Julio Torres, Trixie & Katya, Mike Tyson, Jonathan Van Ness, Nick Viall, Theo Von, Dwyane Wade, Sheng Wang, Katt Williams, Justin Willman, Ali Wong, Jimmy O. Yang, Ramy Youssef, Noah Wyle.
Tickets for events across the festival go on sale at 10 a.m. PT on Jan. 23 via www.NetflixIsAJokeFest.com.
Veteran comedian Bruce Bruce will debut his first Netflix comedy special, I Ain’t Playin’, on March 13, 2026. Filmed at Chicago’s Old Vic Theater, the special marks his first televised stand‑up release in 14 years, bringing his signature observational humor back to a global audience.
Bruce Bruce, born Bruce Church in Atlanta, Georgia, has announced the premiere of I Ain’t Playin’, his long‑awaited Netflix debut. The special will be released worldwide on March 13, 2026, and represents a major return to the spotlight after more than a decade away from televised comedy. His last major specials, Losin’ It in 2011 and Bruce Bruce Live in 2003, cemented his reputation as one of the most charismatic voices in stand‑up, making this comeback especially significant.
The new hour‑long special was taped at the Old Vic Theater in Chicago, a venue known for its dynamic performances. Audiences can expect Bruce Bruce’s trademark style: sharp anecdotes, playful observations, and commentary on everyday absurdities. He describes the special as his way of “calling it how I see it,” reflecting on generational differences and cultural shifts with the kind of humor that has always connected him to fans across age groups.
Bruce Bruce first broke through nationally in 1993 with an appearance on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. His path to comedy was unconventional—he began as a Frito‑Lay salesman, where his humor at corporate meetings led to stand‑up opportunities. Over the years, he has hosted BET’s ComicView and appeared in films and television shows, building a career that blends stand‑up with broader entertainment.
The release of I Ain’t Playin’ is more than just a personal milestone. It underscores the enduring appeal of veteran comedians in the streaming era and highlights Netflix’s commitment to showcasing diverse comedic voices. For longtime fans, it is a chance to reconnect with Bruce Bruce’s wit, while new audiences will discover his unique ability to find laughter in everyday life.
With I Ain’t Playin’ premiering on March 13, 2026, Bruce Bruce is poised to deliver a comedy event that blends his decades‑long experience with fresh takes on modern culture, ensuring plenty of laughs for viewers around the world.
Kid Cudi quietly stepped into stand-up comedy, and the timing, the trauma, and the untold stories make this pivot impossible to ignore.
Kid Cudi and comedy? Hip-Hop is forever allergic to staying in its lane. We have T.I. over there doing his thing. Now, the artist formerly known for emo rap, moonwalking, and humming his feelings now has a mission to make people laugh. If this keeps up, T.I. might have to slide his throne over a few inches.
Cudi popping up as a stand-up comic feels random until you think about it for more than five seconds. This is a guy whose entire career has been built on personal discomfort, honesty, and also saying the quiet parts out loud. He was a hero of the misfits. That makes comedy an interesting proposition. According to his own Instagram, he just wrapped his very first comedy set, called it a lot of fun, and said he did a good job. I believe him. Not because I was there, but because Cudi has been living in awkward truths for two decades, and awkward truths are comedy gold.
Here’s what he had to say:
“Hearing people laughing their a#### off and enjoying my set really touched my heart I was maaaaad nervous, this was another type of nervousness I hadn’t felt before. The high I felt when I got off stage, never felt that before either. I wanna say to everyone that showed love, all my friends that showed up and all the other comics on the bill that supported me and were rooting for me, THANK U SO F#CKIN MUCH!!!”
What makes this moment extra spicy is the timing. Cudi was just in the headlines after an incident involving Sean “Diddy” Combs that allegedly included a firebombed car. That alone is a five-minute opener if he ever decides to go full scorched earth…comedically. Then there is the music industry trauma, the fame whiplash, and even Kanye West. That is a lot of lived experience. Imagine the punchlines? I’m thinking Ali or Mike Tyson.
Kid Cudi has been the depressed loner…but forever? EH. He’s evolved publicly. Comedy feels like another chapter to me. As for inspiration, nobody knows. My quiet suspicion points toward Dave Chappelle, but that is pure conjecture. Cudi has not said a word. For now, we just know this. Hip-Hop comedy just got a new player.
Here’s what he posted:
Source: AllHipHop.com
Thomas Kent ‘T.K.’ Carter, the actor known for roles in The Thing (1982) and Punky Brewster, has died. He was 69.
The actor was found dead on Friday in his Duarte, California home after calling 9-1-1 at 5:42pm, TMZ reported. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but foul play is not expected.
Born Dec. 18, 1956 in New York City, Carter grew up outside of Los Angeles, where he began performing as a standup comedian at age 12, going on to perform at the Comedy Store and other notable venues.
Carter was known for his role as rollerskating chef Nauls in John Carpenter’s The Thing, in addition to playing Mike Fulton in the first two seasons of Punky Brewster from 1985 to ’86.
Making his onscreen debut in a 1976 episode of NBC’s Police Woman, Carter also appeared in shows like Good Times, The Waltons, The Jeffersons, Just Our Luck, 227, Good Morning, Miss Bliss (Saved by the Bell: The Junior High Years), Family Matters, The Sinbad Show, Moesha, The Steve Harvey Show, The Nanny and Dave, in addition to voice roles in The Transformers and Jem.
Additionally, he starred in movies like Seems Like Old Times (1980), Southern Comfort (1981), Doctor Detroit (1983), Ski Patrol (1990), Space Jam (1996), and My Favorite Martian (1999).
Source: Deadline