Variety reports that Taraji P. Henson is set to receive top honors at the 2016 Women in Film Crystal & Lucy Awards fundraiser dinner June 15 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Henson, who is a Golden Globe-winning and Emmy-nominated actress for her lead role as Cookie Lyon on Fox’s “Empire” is the recipient of the Lucy Award for Excellence in Television. The annual benefit gala advocates gender parity for women throughout the industry, and this year’s theme, “Designing Change,” will highlight the organization’s year-round commitment to design and promote initiatives that will continue to increase opportunities for women on and off screen.
Philadelphia teen artists, the Chattaboyz, stirred up more talk as they appeared with DJs and MCs who took part in RapACon May 29 in Philadelphia. RapACon (www.rapacon.com) is a first-of-its-kind, experimental traveling event that provides authentic hip-hop displays. The unique all-day affair included performances, seminars, exhibitions, competitions and costumed hip-hop tributes (cosplay). The Chattaboyz, a duo of brothers, Nesco, 18, and Lil Shorty, 16, who are backed by their drummer and performing friends, are promoting their hot single, “The Weekend,” and its accompanying video, which resembles a real-life house party.
After a recent Beyoncé concert in her native city of Houston, her dad, Mathew Knowles, was photographed in a fun-loving group hug with the superstar songstress and Blue Ivy. It was one of many such moments, where the two have enjoyed time spent since his granddaughter’s arrival. Says Mathew, “That picture shows three generations of my bloodline captured together. As far as being famous father, it doesn’t matter if fame lasts 15 minutes or 50 years … families are forever, and blood is thicker than everything.”
The Brooklyn Community Services 150th anniversary kickoff gala Monday, June 6, at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, will honor philanthropists and long-time BCS supporters Charles J. and Irene Hamm; builder and corporate leader, Forest City Ratner Companies; NYC first lady and mental health care activist, Chirlane McCray; BCS program honoree Lametta Darlington; and BCS board member Ellen Fine Levine. The evening includes a reception, auction, dinner and awards presentation.
The new action comedy, “Central Intelligence,” will screen on opening night of the 20th annual American Black Film Festival Wednesday, June 15, at the Olympia Theater, 174 E. Flagler St., Miami. The opening night film is presented by the Motion Picture Association of America, courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures, in advance of its nationwide release. Starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, “Central Intelligence” follows a one-time bullied geek, Bob (Johnson), who grew up to be a lethal CIA officcr, coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, Bob enlists the help of former “big man on campus,” Calvin (Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days.
