June 2024

COTTONTAIL

Sylvester June 29, 2024

SYNOPSIS 

After the death of his wife, Kenzaburo receives an unexpected letter from beyond the grave. His late wife asks him to travel to Lake Windermere in England with their son to scatter her ashes. Plagued by sweet and painful memories of his wife, Kenzaburo travels to England from Tokyo to fulfill her final wish, but the father and son’s fraught relationship threatens to upend their journey.  

 DRAMA – ROMANCE – FAMILY – INDEPENDENT | EN, JA | 94 min. | NR TV-14

WINNER BNL BNP Parisbas Best Debut Award – Rome Film Fest

 Starring 

CIARÁN HINDS 

LILY FRANKY 

AOIFE HINDS 

RYÔ NISHIKIDO 

 AE KIMURA 

RIN TAKANASHI   

YURI TSUNEMATSU

Written & Directed by 

PATRICK DICKINSON  

Produced by 

GABRIELLE TANA 

KÔSUKE OSHIDA 

CAROLYN MARKS BLACKWOOD 

HÉLÉNE THÉODOLY 

Apple TV+ Debuts Trailer for Limited Series Thriller, Lady in the Lake

Sylvester June 18, 2024

Apple TV+ debuts trailer for gripping limited series “Lady in the Lake,” created and directed by Alma Har’el, and starring Academy Award-winner Natalie Portman and Emmy-nominee Moses Ingram

Based on the 2019 novel by New York Times bestselling author Laura Lippman, new Apple Original drama premieres Friday, July 19, 2024

Apple TV+ today unveiled the trailer for its new series “Lady in the Lake,” the upcoming, seven-part limited series starring Academy Award and Golden Globe Award-winner Natalie Portman, who also serves as executive producer, and Emmy Award nominee Moses Ingram, and created and directed by Alma Har’el. “Lady in the Lake” will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, July 19, 2024, followed by new episodes every Friday through August 23, 2024.

When the disappearance of a young girl grips the city of Baltimore on Thanksgiving 1966, the lives of two women converge on a fatal collision course. Maddie Schwartz (Portman), a Jewish housewife seeking to shed a secret past and reinvent herself as an investigative journalist, and Cleo Johnson (Ingram), a mother navigating the political underbelly of Black Baltimore while struggling to provide for her family. Their disparate lives seem parallel at first, but when Maddie becomes fixated on Cleo’s mystifying death, a chasm opens that puts everyone around them in danger. From visionary director Alma Har’el, “Lady in the Lake” emerges as a feverish noir thriller and an unexpected tale of the price women pay for their dreams. 

Starring alongside Portman and Ingram in the series are Y’lan Noel, Brett Gelman, Byron Bowers, Noah Jupe, Josiah Cross, Mikey Madison and Pruitt Taylor Vince.

Hailing from FIFTH SEASON, “Lady in the Lake” is produced by Crazyrose and Bad Wolf America, and is created, executive produced, written and directed by Har’el alongside producing partner Christopher Leggett. In addition to starring, Portman serves as executive producer alongside producing partner Sophie Mas. Nathan Ross and the late Jean-Marc Vallée serve as executive producers for Crazyrose, and Julie Gardner executive produces for Bad Wolf America. Layne Eskridge, Amy Kaufman, Boaz Yakin and author Lippmann also executive produce. The soundtrack has been composed by Marcus Norris, the founder and artistic director of the South Side Symphony. The live performances were composed and produced by the critically acclaimed, Bekon, a Grammy-nominated producer known for his work on Kendrick Lamar’s albums DAMN. and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 489 wins and 2,153 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

39TH ANNUAL STELLAR AWARDS: THE GREATEST NIGHT IN GOSPEL MUSIC

Sylvester June 12, 2024

39TH STELLAR AWARDS SET TO AIR ON THE STELLAR TV NETWORK SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD AT 8PM EST AND 10PM EST AND IN NATIONAL TV BROADCAST SYNDICATION FROM 

AUGUST 10, 2024 – SEPTEMBER 8, 2024;

Kim Burrell to Receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award

Tye Tribbett to Receive the 

James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award

Tye Tribbett Tops Nominations List With 8;

Pastor Mike Jr. and Ricky Dillard Earn 6 Nominations;

Jonathan McReynolds and Erica Campbell Earn 5 Nominations

Central City Productions recently announced the nominees in 36 categories for the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awardstaping on Saturday, July 20th, returning to Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the evening will bring together gospel music’s brightest stars for a celebration billed as “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music.” The 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3rd at 8PM and 10PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 – September 8, 2024.

Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “The Stellar Awards has always been a beacon of hope and inspiration, celebrating the very best in gospel music. We are thrilled to have Loni Love and Rickey Smiley as our hosts this year, and we know they will bring a special touch of joy and excitement to the evening.” 

Celebrated artist Kim Burrell is set to receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award; and GRAMMY Award and multiple Stellar Award winner Tye Tribbett is set to receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award.

Adding to the excitement, this year’s Stellar Awards is part of the STELLAR PLUS week, a fun-filled extravaganza centered around the flagship show. From fashion and Afrobeats day events to masterclasses and more, the Stellar Plus week offers a diverse array of activities for attendees. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, fashion lover, or someone seeking inspiration, there’s something for everyone. For those planning to attend, a full list of events and ticket information is available at stellarplusexperience.com. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of gospel music history and celebrate the artists who inspire us all. Stellar Plus events are sponsored by: Amazon Music, Compassion, The Recording Academy and more. Stellar Plus Event tickets are available now at stellarplusexperience.com. 

Stellar Awards taping Tickets are available now at www.stellarawards.com or Ticketmaster.com. Additional announcements regarding ancillary events will follow. Some of the biggest names in Gospel will be appearing as participants in this year’s show – stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellars on Instagram and Twitter, or Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook for the latest news and updates about the Greatest Night in Gospel Music.

This year’s Stellar Awards is Sponsored by Procter & Gamble with Presenting Sponsorship provided by AT&T, State Farm, McDonalds, Disney, Walmart, AFLAC and General Motors.

The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson as Talent Producer and Daniel Moore as Music Director.

A full list of the 39th annual nominees can be found on the official Stellar Awards website. For more information, please visit stellarawards.com and join the conversation using the hashtag #TheStellars.

# # #

TARAJI P. HENSON RETURNS TO HOST “BET AWARDS” 2024

Sylvester June 3, 2024

Today, BET announces Academy Award® nominated and Golden Globe® winning actor, author, director, producer, and philanthropist Taraji P. Henson will return to host “BET Awards” 2024 LIVE from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. GRAMMY® award winning global entertainment icon USHER will be honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement BET Award. Previously announced performers included GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, and Victoria Monét. “BET Awards” 2024, will air LIVE on Sunday, June 30, 2023, on BET at 8 PM ET/ PT.

“I am thrilled to be returning as the host of the ‘BET Awards’ for the third time. I am also looking forward to celebrating my peers and the impact of our culture on entertainment,” said Taraji P. Henson.

“Taraji is a phenom, known for her vibrant personality and charisma, and we are excited to welcome her back to host Culture’s Biggest Night, ‘BET Awards,’ the ultimate celebration of Black creativity,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “We are equally as thrilled to have so many incredibly talented performers join us, standing on culture’s biggest stage to deliver an unforgettable night.”

“BET Awards,” has been the #1 cable award show among all adults 18-49 for the last three consecutive years and is the #1 cable award show among Black adults 18-49 for the 22nd consecutive year (CY02-CY23). “BET Awards” is the ultimate platform to showcase the best, brightest, and most beautiful aspects of the Black experience – honoring the present and future of Black music, creativity, and sportsmanship, by celebrating the culture and being a driving force for social change. 

Drake leads “BET Awards” 2024 nominations with an outstanding seven nods. The official “BET Awards” 2024 nominees were selected by a voting academy of esteemed music industry insiders, performers, and presenters. Click HERE for the complete list of “BET Awards” 2024 nominees.

Voting for “BET Awards” 2024 Viewer’s Choice Award begins June 6, 2024, and ends June 30, 2024, at 6:30 PM PT/ 9:30 PM ET.

BET.com/bet-awards is the official site for “BET Awards” 2024 and is the official source for the latest news and updates about this year’s show. Follow us @BET and @BETAWARDS.

Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, will oversee and Executive Produce the annual show, with Jamal Noisette, SVP, Tentpoles & Music Community Engagement to Co-Executive Produce for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as Executive Producers.

BET is transforming Culture’s Biggest Night into Culture’s Biggest Week with BET Experience 2024, promising the ultimate in Black culture and entertainment. With a lineup of culture’s most influential artists including Cardi B, Davido, Gunna, Sexyy Red, The Roots, Common, Queen Latifah, Jungle Brothers, and many more electrifying artists, experts, and tastemakers.

Attendees will enjoy unforgettable live performances, comedy shows, culture-shifting conversations, immersive workshops, and much more! Anchoring this year’s Experience is fan-favorite, BETX 2024 Fan Fest, a free, all ages two-day cultural festival taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29. For more information, visit BETExperience.com.

BLINK TWICE starring Naomi Ackie & Channing Tatum

Sylvester June 3, 2024

When tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun soaked days and everyone’s having a great time. No one wants this trip to end, but as strange things start to happen, Frida begins to question her reality. There is something wrong with this place. She’ll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive.

Directed by: Zoë Kravitz

Written by: Zoë Kravitz & E.T. Feigenbaum

Produced by: Bruce Cohen, p.g.a., Tiffany Persons, p.g.a., Garret Levitz, p.g.a., Zoë Kravitz, Channing Tatum

Executive Producers: Stacy Perskie, Jordan Harkins, Vania Schlogel

Cast: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, with Geena Davis and Alia Shawkat

Genre: Suspense, Horror, Drama

Rated: R for strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use and language throughout, and some sexual references