The expression “less is more” is applicable to many things, but entertainment is something that you probably wouldn’t suspect would be coupled with the phrase. We tend to want bigger, louder, over the top forms of amusement.
There are times, however, when getting straight to the point works best. Such is the case with some award shows. Sometimes the competitive nature of the ceremony needn’t come into play. You just wanna see the people who put in work get their just deserts. This past weekend was indicative of such as Black excellence was honored and celebrated by BET Networks at the taping of the 2016 BET Honors at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Hosted by comedian and actor Arsenio Hall, the star-studded evening recognized the career achievements, thus far, of the following:
Mellody Hobson, Corporate Citizen Award—CBS News financial analyst and chairman of the board of directors for DreamWorks Animation are titles that decorate her current resume. Ariel Investments, one of the largest African-American owned money management and mutual fund companies in the U.S., is where she has garnered her impact. As an employee of the firm for the past 25 years, Hobson has served in the capacity of president of the company since the year 2000.
Eric Holder Jr., Public Service Award—New York native Holder (Bronx born, Queens bred, Stuyvesant High School grad) is one of the few African-American males who can attest that he’s benefitted from the law. After graduating from Columbia University Law School, Holder held positions as a lawyer in private practice, a judge in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and in the U.S. Government, where he reached a pinnacle as the 82nd attorney general of the United States. Holder, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama, was the first African-American to hold the position of U.S. attorney general.
Patti LaBelle, Musical Arts Award—Known to some as Dwayne Wayne’s mama and to others as a chef, specifically for the sweet potato pie that’s taken a life of its own, LaBelle is first and foremost one of the great voices of our or any time. Nuff said! Experience it for yourself. She has area performances Friday, April 1 at the NYCB Theatre, 960 Brush Hollow Road, in Westbury, N.Y., and Saturday, April 2 at the Tropicana Casino, 2831 Boardwalk, in Atlantic City, N.J.
Lee Daniels, Television and Film Award—Serving as a writer, producer and director, his films have told impactful stories and provided stellar all-around performances resulting in Academy Awards for Halle Berry (Best Actress) and Mo’Nique (Best Supporting Actress). Right now though, he may reach the status of icon because of the popularity of the television series “Empire.” Future must-see projects with the Lee Daniels stamp will be a documentary on the Apollo Theater’s legacy and impact and the Richard Pryor biopic.
Daniels provided the emotional high point of the show when he revealed how a fellow honoree helped him to arrive at his current station. “La [Patti LaBelle], that I’m even here with you tonight, when you were responsible for me getting off drugs, I love you. I called her up one night at 3 o’clock in the morning babbling, babbling, babbling. I was high as a kite, and she said, ‘Lee, you know Jesus?’”
L.A. Reid, Business of Entertainment Award—Ever heard of Sam Salter or Damian Dame? I’m sure you know Cee Lo Green and T.I. Know what they have in common? They, along with a handful others, have had the privilege of being signed to LaFace Records. That’s an honor to say the least, because if you’ve sold 100 records or 100 million records, to crack that roster you had to have been an extraordinary talent. That speaks volumes to the ears of Reid. He had a knack of picking talent and for the most part, molding stars. He’s also, as a songwriter, producer, record executive and television personality, met and exceeded standards.
At the taping of the BET Honors, he revealed to some and reminded others that his journey began behind a drum set as a part of the group the Deele. After 28 years, the original group, reunited for a performance.
The BET Honors will premiere Monday, March 14 at 8 p.m.
Over and out. Holla next week. Until then, enjoy the nightlife.