Hartbeat has closed a deal with Danielle Nicolet (CW’s The Flash) to write and executive produce the film “Black Karen.” Black Karen follows the story of Karen Johnson, a black woman on the verge. Her work, home, and personal life are falling to pieces while she’s plagued by anxiety. After being convinced by her therapist the world is woke and the only one who hasn’t changed is her, Karen decides to improve her life by acting like a white woman would. It all goes great… until it doesn’t. When the private bank Karen works in is robbed, she realizes that the situation needs a hero. However, her strength doesn’t come from acting like a white woman… it comes from embracing the beauty, and badassery, that is her blackness.
The film is based on the original short of the same name which was directed by Meagan Good (Amazon Prime Video’s Harlem) for Women Write Now – Hartbeat’s comedic screenwriting fellowship in partnership with Sundance Institute which is designed to champion the next generation of Black women in comedy through mentorship, advocacy, production, and exhibition.
Hartbeat’s Candice Wilson Cherry is attached to executive produce
Nicolet was among the inaugural 2021 class of fellows to go through the program, where she secured a first-look deal with Hartbeat.
The original Black Karen short can be currently seen on Peacock alongside the full collection of Women Write Now shorts, including Buddy and Bernice (Wilandrea Blair) and Take the Job (Moni Oyedepo) from WWN’s inaugural 2021 fellowship, as well as Night Off (Kiana Butler Jabangwe), Hey Boo (Danielle Solomon), and Power Dynamics (Mayanna Berrin) from WWN’s second series. All three films from the 2022 class also made their debut during the 2023 Sundance Film Festival before heading to Peacock.
Nicolet is a series regular on CW’s The Flash, which is in its final season.
Nicolet is represented by A3 Artists Agency, LINK Entertainment, Vault Entertainment and Goodman, Genow.
“We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Danielle, developing Black Karen from an idea to a short created through the first Women Write Now fellowship in partnership with Sundance Institute, and now to a feature. With WWN, our goal was never to stop at mentorship. We are dedicated to creating career-changing opportunities for Black women writers that extend beyond the fellowship itself,” said WWN co-founder and Hartbeat CEO Thai Randolph.
The new comedy/horror film titled The Blackening has released it’s new trailer! The new film, directed by Tim Story, and starring Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, X Mayo, Dewayne Perkins, Antoinette Robertson, Sinqua Walls, Jay Pharoah, and Yvonne Orji is set to be released June 16th.
The Blackening centers around a group of Black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer. Forced to play by his rules, the friends soon realize this ain’t no motherf****** game.
Directed by Tim Story (Ride Along, Think Like A Man, Barbershop) and screenplay and screen story by Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip, Harlem) & Dewayne Perkins (The Amber Ruffin Show, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), The Blackening skewers genre tropes and poses the sardonic question: if the entire cast of a horror movie is Black, who dies first?
Watch the new trailer below!
LOS ANGELES, March 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — On March 8 at the Sunset Room Hollywood, Lexus and UPTOWN Magazine will collaborate once again — this time to proudly honor the contributions of Black comedians to American culture, arts, and entertainment. The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of hip hop (2023), as Guy Torry’s iconic documentary “Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy,” explores the intersection of the music genre and Black comedy during a significant time in the 1990s.
“This year’s Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood spotlights the history of Black comedians who tell our stories and make us laugh while also navigating complex situations,” said Mia Phillips, Senior Manager, Lexus Advertising and Media. “We applaud these comedians who have broken barriers and we’re delighted to continue the tradition of celebrating those who are impacting the culture.”
Honorees include Guy Torry, creator of “Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy,” Cedric the Entertainer, one of the “Original Kings of Comedy” which won a NAACP Image Award, a Chicago Film Critics Association Award, and National Film Critics Award; and star of CBS’s “The Neighborhood.” Also being honored is Deon Cole, who starred in “Black-ish,” earning him nominations for two NAACP Image Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and now featured in the Netflix special, “Deon Cole: Charleen’s Boy;” and Kym Whitley, who recently was featured in Netflix’s, “You People,” and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award, a BET Comedy Award and won an Indie Series Award.
Lexus has been a long-time supporter of UPTOWN Honors Hollywood, with nearly a decade as its title sponsor. UPTOWN developed the annual pre-Oscar, invitation-only, black-tie affair with Lexus to establish a legacy of recognizing Black excellence in entertainment by bringing together the industry’s most prolific Black creators, writers, producers, filmmakers, and actors to pay tribute to the contributions of Black talent in Hollywood. Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood will be hosted by actor, comedian, writer, and producer Chris Spencer and award-winning media personality Tai Beauchamp.
As referenced by IMdB, “Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy,” is a docuseries examining the influential 90’s comedy showcase started by Guy Torry that helped launch the careers of some of the most famous Black comedians in the industry.
Other notable comedians who performed at The Comedy Store and have experienced fame since then include Dave Chappelle, Martin Lawrence, Leslie Jones, and Kym Whitley.
In the 90s, the popularity of hip hop and Black comedy was on the rise with hit shows, including “Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam,” featuring what are now some of the most iconic comedians whose careers catapulted thanks to the HBO series. Rap artists and Black comics alike are credited in the film with making an indelible mark on society.
“Many comedians were excluded from ‘white’ comedy clubs in the 90s, so we’re excited to laud the talents of those who were often overlooked,” said Len Burnett Jr., co-founder and CEO of Uptown Media Ventures. “Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood showcases the importance of Black voices in Hollywood while celebrating those who overcame barriers, paving a way for other Black comedians to enjoy a successful path forward.”
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and an awards ceremony for approximately 250 guests, including actors, producers, and industry executives. Immediately following, guests will be invited to enjoy a star-studded after party at the Sunset Room Hollywood.
WANDA SYKES: I’M AN ENTERTAINER PREMIERES GLOBALLY ON MAY 23, 2023
· Award-winning comedian Wanda Sykes’ new comedy special, I’m An Entertainer, will premiere globally on Netflix May 23, 2023.
· The special was filmed in early February 2023 at the Miller Theater in Philadelphia.
· The special is directed by Linda Mendoza.
· Page Hurwitz and Sykes serve as Executive Producers under their banner, Push It Productions.
· Push It Productions has produced a number of Netflix’s award-winning comedy including Michelle Buteau: Welcome Buteaupia, Fortune Feimster: Sweet & Salty, Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah, Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready, The Upshaws, and Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration special, the largest-ever gathering of LGBTQ+ comics recorded at Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival in 2022.
· Sykes’ 2019 Netflix comedy special, Not Normal, was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards.
· About the special: Legendary comedian, actress and producer Wanda Sykes returns for her second hour-long Netflix comedy special. From the challenges of raising Gen Z teens to the dilemmas of being a liberal in a hyper charged political climate, Sykes, renowned for her social commentary, delivers her insightful and ferocious wit and candor audiences have come to know and love.
Hollywood, Calif. – February 27, 2023 – On March 4, Netflix is turning Chris Rock’s newest, live stand-up special, Chris Rock: Selective Outrage, into an entire evening of live entertainment from some of the world’s funniest comedians, with a pre-show and post-show bookending Chris Rock’s comedy event. The Show Before the Show pre-show on Saturday, March 4 at 6:30pm PT/9:30pm ET will stream live from The World Famous Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip, hosted by Ronny Chieng with Arsenio Hall, Leslie Jones, Deon Cole, and more.
The show’s comedians will count down to the historic live Netflix comedy event Chris Rock: Selective Outrage, produced and directed by Joel Gallen. The half-hour will include live commentary from fellow comedians and special messages from some of Rock’s friends including Amy Schumer, Cedric the Entertainer, Ice-T, Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Matthew McConaughey, Sir Paul McCartney, Sarah Silverman, Wanda Sykes, and more.
At 7pm PT/10pm ET, legendary comedian, writer, director and actor Chris Rock will be the first artist to perform a live-streaming Netflix special. Immediately following, don’t move! David Spade and Dana Carvey will be hosting The Show After The Show with special guests 6x NBA Champion and 6x MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, JB Smoove, Arsenio Hall, and more live from the Comedy Store wrapping up the epic night.
“March 4 will be a hilarious evening, with an incredible set from Chris Rock – one of the greatest stand-ups of all-time – and contributions from an amazing lineup of special guests,” said Robbie Praw, Netflix Vice President of Stand-up and Comedy Formats. “Our goal is to deliver the best stand-up comedy to our members and this live streaming event further reinforces all the ways we continue to invest in the genre.”
The pre and post-show will be produced by Den of Thieves and directed by Joe DeMaio and executive produced by Jill Leiderman and Den of Thieves’ Jared Morell.
Selective Outrage is Rock’s second Netflix stand-up special. His first, Chris Rock: Tamborine, debuted in February 2018.
The live event builds on Netflix’s legacy of leadership in live comedy. Netflix is a Joke: The Festival was the biggest live, in-person event in Netflix history, taking place in Spring 2022. The unprecedented event sold more than 260,000 tickets, featuring more than 330 comedians performing 295 shows across more than 35 venues in Los Angeles. The festival also featured the first-ever stand-up show at Dodger Stadium.
How to watch Chris Rock: Selective Outrage on March 4
· 6:20pm PT/9:20pm ET: A “Watch Live” red play button will be available for members. If members click on the “Watch Live” button prior to the official start, they will be taken to a waiting room until the pre-show starts.
· 6:30pm PT/9:30pm ET: The Show Before the Show begins, hosted by Ronny Chieng.
· 7pm PT/10pm ET: Chris Rock: Selective Outrage begins.
· Members will be able to rewind, pause and jump to Live.
· If members join late, they can opt to “Play from the Beginning” or start watching from where the Live currently is.
· If members pop out of the Live event, the title will remain under the “Continue Watching” row.
· Chris Rock: Selective Outrage will also be available for streaming on Netflix following the live event.
· The Show Before the Show and The Show After The Show will only be available live on March 4.
Angela Bassett and Beyoncé were the top individual winners at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards on Saturday (Feb. 25), with three awards each. Bassett took the top award — entertainer of the year — and opened her speech by having a little bit of fun with Ariana DeBose’s much-maligned rap at last weekend’s BAFTAs, where the young star rapped, “Angela Bassett did the thing.”
“I guess Angela Bassett did the thing,” Bassett said, to much laughter. This marked the first time all five entertainer of the year nominees were women. The other nominees were Mary J. Blige, Quinta Brunson, Viola Davis, and Zendaya.
Bassett also won outstanding supporting actress in a motion picture for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and outstanding actress in a drama [TV] series for 9-1-1 on FOX.
All three of Beyoncé’s categories were presented prior to Saturday and she wasn’t present on the telecast. She took outstanding album for Renaissance, outstanding soul/R&B song for “Cuff It” and outstanding female artist.
Chris Brown, Brunson, Ryan Coogler, and Davis each won two awards. (Some of their shows also won awards; this counts only awards presented to individuals.)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever won outstanding motion picture, just as the original Black Panther did four years ago. This marks the second time in three years that a franchise film has won in this category. Two years ago, the award went to Bad Boys for Life, the third film in that franchise.
In television awards, ABC’s Abbott Elementary won outstanding comedy series, while Starz’s P-Valley took outstanding drama series.
The 54th annual NAACP Image Awards were presented in nightly ceremonies last week, culminating in a live broadcast on Saturday from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif. The show, hosted by Queen Latifah, aired on BET and was also simulcast across a dozen Paramount Global networks including CBS, MTV, VH1, and CMT.
Here’s the complete list of winners for the 54th NAACP Image Awards:
Angela Bassett
Outstanding New Artist: Coco Jones – “ICU” (Def Jam Recordings)
Outstanding Male Artist: Chris Brown – Breezy (Deluxe) (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
Outstanding Female Artist: Beyoncé – Renaissance (Columbia Records/ Parkwood Entertainment)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album: Kingdom Book One – Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin (Tribl Records, Fo Yo Soul Recordings and RCA Inspiration)
Outstanding International Song: “No Woman No Cry” – Tems (Def Jam Recordings)
Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album: “Lift Me Up” – Rihanna (Roc Nation/Def Jam Recordings)
Outstanding Album: Renaissance – Beyoncé (Parkwood/Columbia Records)
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By – Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, Archie Davis and Dave Jordan (Def Jam Recordings/Hollywood Records)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song: “Positive” – Erica Campbell (My Block Inc.)
Outstanding Jazz Album – Instrumental: JID014 (Jazz is Dead) – Henry Franklin, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Adrian Younge
Outstanding Jazz Album – Vocal: Legacy – Adam Blackstone (BASSic Black Entertainment Records / Anderson Music Group / EMPIRE)
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song: “Cuff It” – Beyoncé (Columbia Record/ Parkwood Entertainment)
Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song: “Hotel Lobby” – Quavo, Takeoff (Motown Records/Quality Control Music)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional): Silk Sonic – “Love’s Train” (Atlantic Records)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary): Chris Brown feat. Wizkid – “Call Me Every Day” (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
Outstanding Motion Picture: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel Studios)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture: Will Smith – Emancipation (Apple)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: Viola Davis – The Woman King (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: Tenoch Huerta – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel Studios)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Angela Bassett – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel Studios)
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture: The Inspection (A24)
Outstanding International Motion Picture: Bantú Mama (ARRAY)
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture: Jalyn Hall – TILL (United Artists Releasing/Orion Pictures)
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel Studios)
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture: Wendell & Wild (Netflix)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture: Keke Palmer – Lightyear (Walt Disney Studios)
Outstanding Short Form (Live Action): Dear Mama… (Film Independent)
Outstanding Short Form (Animated): More Than I Want to Remember (MTV Entertainment Studios)
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture): Ericka Nicole Malone – Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (Hulu)
Outstanding Comedy Series: Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series: Cedric The Entertainer – The Neighborhood (CBS)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series: Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Tyler James Williams – Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Janelle James – Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Outstanding Drama Series: P-Valley (Starz)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: Nicco Annan – P-Valley (Starz)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: Angela Bassett – 9-1-1 (FOX)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Cliff “Method Man” Smith – Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Loretta Devine – P-Valley (Starz)
Outstanding Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special: The Best Man: The Final Chapters (Peacock)
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special: Morris Chestnut – The Best Man: The Final Chapters (Peacock)
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special: Niecy Nash-Betts – Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Netflix)
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special): ABC News 20/20 Michelle Obama: The Light We Carry, A Conversation with Robin Roberts (ABC)
Outstanding Talk Series: Sherri (Syndicated)
Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series): Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls (Amazon Studios)
Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special): The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)
Outstanding Children’s Program: Tab Time (YouTube Originals)
Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited–Series): Ja’Siah Young – Raising Dion (Netflix)
Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble: Jennifer Hudson – The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble: Tabitha Brown – Tab Time (YouTube Originals)
Outstanding Guest Performance: Glynn Turman – Queen Sugar (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
Outstanding Animated Series: The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney+)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television): Kyla Pratt – The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney+)
Outstanding Short Form Series – Comedy or Drama: Between The Scenes – The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
Outstanding Short Form Series – Reality/Nonfiction: Daring Simone Biles (Snap)
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television): Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special: Keith David – From Scratch (Netflix)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special: Nia Long – The Best Man: The Final Chapters (Peacock)
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series: Brittani Nichols – Abbott Elementary – “Student Transfer” (ABC)
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series: Marissa Jo Cerar – Women of the Movement – “Episode 101” (ABC)
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special: Scott Mescudi (Story By), Ian Edelman, Maurice Williams – Entergalactic (Netflix)
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture: Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel Studios)
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series: Angela Barnes – Atlanta – “The Homeliest Little Horse” (FX)
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series: Giancarlo Esposito – Better Call Saul – “Axe and Grind” (AMC)
Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special: Anton Cropper – Fantasy Football (Paramount+)
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture: Gina Prince-Bythewood – The Woman King (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture): Reginald Hudlin – Sidney (Apple TV+)
Outstanding Documentary (Film): Civil (Netflix)
Outstanding Documentary (Television): Everything’s Gonna be All White (Showtime)
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction: Take My Hand – Dolen Perkins-Valdez (Penguin Random House)
Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction: Finding Me – Viola Davis (HarperCollins Publishers)
Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author: Illustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and the Unseen – George McCalman (HarperCollins Publishers)
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Autobiography: Scenes from My Life – Michael K. Williams, Jon Sternfeld (Penguin Random House)
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional: Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration – Tracey Lewis-Giggetts (Gallery/Simon and Schuster)
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry: To the Realization of Perfect Helplessness – Robin Coste Lewis (Alfred A. Knopf)
Outstanding Literary Work – Children: Stacey’s Remarkable Books – Stacey Abrams, Kitt Thomas (HarperCollins – Balzer + Bray)
Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens: Cookies & Milk – Shawn Amos (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
Outstanding News and Information Podcast: Beyond the Scenes – The Daily Show (Central Productions, LLC)
Outstanding Lifestyle / Self-Help Podcast: Therapy for Black Girls (Therapy for Black Girls)
Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast: LeVar Burton Reads (SiriusXM’s Stitcher Studios)
Outstanding Arts and Entertainment Podcast: Two Funny Mamas (Mocha Podcasts Network)
Costume Design, Make-Up & Hairstyling Categories
Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film): Ruth Carter – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel Studios)
Outstanding Make-up (Television or Film): Debi Young, Sandra Linn, Ngozi Olandu Young, Gina Bateman – We Own This City (HBO Max)
Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film): Camille Friend – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel Studios)
Outstanding Social Media Personality: @KevOnStage – Kevin Fredericks
Jackie Robinson Sports Award: Serena Williams
Chairman’s Award: Congressman Bennie Thompson.
Youth Activist of the Year: Bradley Ross Jackson
Activist of the Year: Derrick Lee Forward
Social Justice Impact Award: Benjamin Crump
President’s Awards: Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade
Source: Billboard
In this episode of Box Seats Sports Comedy Talk Show, we discuss if the Chicago Bears should trade the #1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, plus what team may make the deal with them. We also talk about the Los Angeles Lakers historic comeback, the historic play of Dame Dash, and the hottest topics in sports!
Watch the new episode below!
| The inaugural Humor Mill Comedy Awards premiered their electrifying, unforgettable celebration of trailblazing comedic legends, rising stars, and social influencers Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the Director’s Guild of America. With Instagram-worthy show-stopping moments, the night honored the diverse and rich history of urban comedy with a curated group of presenters, honorees, and special tributes. Before the Humor Mill Comedy Awards began, the humor was already in full swing with social media correspondent Juhan Jones’ quick-witted, humorous behind-the-scenes recaps from the red carpet. Opened with an illuminating message from the show’s visionary and Executive Producer, Frank Holder, the stage was set for a night of joy and celebration. Detroit Comedian Tony T. Roberts hit center stage with a hilarious opening song that sent seismic waves of laughter rippling through the crowd. Roberts passed the torch to Host and Executive Producer Chris Spencer, who kept the energy high throughout the evening. Presenters for the night included Stan Lathan, Tiffany Haddish, Brian J. White, Alex Thomas, Jasmine Burke, Dorien Wilson, and many more who paid tribute to the pioneers of urban comedy. Veteran television writer and producer Ralph Farquhar, along with the legendary comedian and actor George Wallace were the night’s honorees. “I’m so glad there’s a show that’s honoring all these comedians that have gone unnoticed all these years,” says Ralph Farquhar. “Black comedians are the backbone of the industry and that’s the truth. I’m glad I was thought of to receive the first Icon Award.” “It’s a true blessing and an absolute honor to be recognized by my community and receive this award from my people,” says George Wallace. |
| The night continued to commemorate the achievements of comedy greats with special history moments honoring the contributions of trailblazers who paved the way for the next generation of comedic talent including Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham, Moms Mabley, Stepin Fetchit, Freddie Prinze and Pat Morita. With its fusion of highlighting the brightest stars of yesterday, today and the future, the Humor Mill Comedy Awards celebrated winners across several categories including “Best Sitcom,” “Funniest Film of the Year” and more. View this year’s Humor Mill Comedy Awards winners below: |
| BEST SITCOM – REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS IN TV/FILM – KIM FIELDS BEST COMEDIC ACTOR IN TV/FILM – DC YOUNG FLY FUNNIEST FILM OF THE YEAR – DAY SHIFT SKETCH OF THE YEAR – JUHAHN JONES BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS – DAPHNIQUE SPRINGS COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR – EARTHQUAKE COMEDY SPECIAL OF THE YEAR – DAVID ARNOLD BEST COMEDIC BRAND ADVERTISING – OLD SPICE – DEON COLE, GABRIELLE DENNIS |
| The Humor Mill Comedy Awards paid a heartwarming special tribute to comics we lost in 2022. “Comedy has always held a special place in my heart, and to me, it’s a medium that is designed to celebrate those we’ve lost who have dedicated their lives to bringing laughter and joy to people all around the world while spotlighting the talented comedians who are still here,” says founder and executive producer of the show Frank Holder. Holder closed the night with a poignant and uplifting message, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to bring together the best and brightest of urban comedy. For more information on Humor Mill and air date, visit www.humormilltv.com or connect on social media @humor_mill on Instagram, @thehumormill on Twitter and @HumorMill on Facebook. |
In a dream on-screen sitcom pairing two decades in the making, Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. are set to star in a father-son multi-camera comedy. CBS is developing the untitled project, co-written by the elder Wayans and former Last Man Standing executive producer Kevin Hench.
The comedy revolves around legendary talk radio host and happily divorced “Poppa” (Wayans), who has to drag his grown son (Wayans Jr.), who has all his charm and none of his drive, kicking and screaming into adulthood before he turns 40.
Wayans, Hench and Wayans Jr. executive produce. CBS Studios, where Wayans Jr.’s Two Shakes Entertainment has been based since its launch, is the studio.
This marks Wayans’ return to network comedy after he co-created, executive produced and starred in ABC’s My Wife and Kids, which ran on ABC for five seasons from 2001-05. It is on that multi-cam show that his son, Wayans Jr., made his TV acting debut with a major recurring role. He went on to star in single-camera comedies Happy Endings and New Girl before headlining the CBS multi-camera sitcom Happy Together.
That CBS sitcom lasted a season, but it gave fans a taste of what the Wayanses’ onscreen father-son dynamic would look like when Wayans guest starred as Wayans Jr.’s father in an episode titled, “Like Father, Like Son.”
Wayans Jr., who also appeared on his father’s Showtime sketch comedy The Underground, most recently was seen in the films Supercool, Cherry and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. He recently wrapped Netflix’s Players and is an executive producer on the streamer’s upcoming drama series Glamorous.
Wayans is a four-time Emmy nominee who co-created and starred in the iconic sketch series In Living Color. He most recently starred as Roger Murtaugh on Fox’s Lethal Weapon series and next will be seen starring alongside Pam Grier in Tubi’s noir thriller Cinnamon.
In addition to his lengthy stint as executive producer on Tim Allen’s Last Man Standing, Hench co-created and executive produced Cristela and Mr. Iglesias. He is currently executive producing Allen’s new Disney+ series The Santa Clauses.
Source: Deadline
The Inaugural Humor Mill Comedy Awards unveils its distinguished honorees and remarkable nominees for a celebration of the funniest and most talented performers in television, film, and social media Tuesday, February 21 at The Director’s Guild of America (DGA). Veteran television writer and producer Ralph Farquhar and world renowned comedic legend George Wallace blaze the trail as the pioneer recipients of the Icon and Lifetime Achievement Awards commemorating their legacy of laughter.
As the genius behind hit shows like “Moesha,” “The Parkers,” “Married… with Children,” “The Proud Family,” and the Emmy-Award winning Disney+ Original “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” television executive producer and writer Ralph Farquhar is tapped to receive the prestigious Icon Award. His significant impact on the world of television has produced some of the most beloved shows of all time and has shaped the understanding of urban comedy in scripted television. Stand-up comedy maestro George Wallace will be presented the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award for his over four decades of selling out comedy clubs and concert venues all over the globe. Wallace began his career in comedy as a writer for “The Redd Foxx Show” and went on to make huge waves in stand-up comedy, television, and radio. He turned classic film roles into unforgettable characters with his captivating performances in classic films like “Car Wash,” “Batman Forever,” and “Little Nicky,” to name just a few.
“The Humor Mill Comedy Awards holds special significance as a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the African-American community during Black History Month,” says Founder Frank Holder. “With unique perspectives and experiences, urban comedians bring the power of healing, unity, upliftment and resilience to the art form of comedy generation after generation.”
A hand-picked cohort of comedy royalty, nominated by the comedy elite and chosen from the finest crop of comedic stars and social influencers, make up the first-ever Humor Mill Comedy Awards line-up. Below is a list of categories and nominees:
BEST SITCOM
BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS IN TV/FILM
BEST COMEDIC ACTOR IN TV/FILM
FUNNIEST FILM OF THE YEAR
SKETCH OF THE YEAR
BEST COMEDIC ACTRESS-SOCIAL MEDIA
Chris Spencer, the mastermind behind “The Real Husbands of Hollywood” and head penman for “Wild ‘n Out,” will rock the mic as host. The show will get a double dose of hilarity with the comedic flair and golden punchlines of Detroit co-host Tony Roberts. Adding his own brand of humor, comedian Juhahn Jones will deliver quick-witted behind-the-scenes moments as a social media correspondent.
Voting for nominees is open through February 17 and votes can be cast here. Pre-show media interview opportunities are available upon request here including a virtual press day featuring Chris Spencer, Tony Roberts and Juhahn Jones Monday, February 16 from 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. PST.