Amazon MGM Studios has signed an exclusive first-look TV and film deal with “Lizzo’s Watch Out For the Big Grrrls” Director Nneka Onuorah, the studio announced on Tuesday.
“Nneka has a track record of crafting stories that excite, intrigue, and inspire,” said Vernon Sanders, Amazon MGM Studios’ head of television. “This is a process we’ve been fortunate to experience firsthand, and we cannot wait to reignite our professional relationship under this formal deal.”
Onuorah won the Primetime Emmy award for outstanding directing for a reality program for Prime Video’s “Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls” in September 2022. The series also won the Emmy for outstanding competition program. The 2022 Emmys marked Onuorah’s first nomination and win in her directing career.
Her other credits include “The Same Difference” and “The Legend of the Underground,” both of which were nominated for outstanding documentary at the GLAAD Media Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.
“Nneka has a track record of crafting stories that excite, intrigue, and inspire,” said Vernon Sanders, Amazon MGM Studios’ head of television. “This is a process we’ve been fortunate to experience firsthand, and we cannot wait to reignite our professional relationship under this formal deal.”
Onuorah won the Primetime Emmy award for outstanding directing for a reality program for Prime Video’s “Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls” in September 2022. The series also won the Emmy for outstanding competition program. The 2022 Emmys marked Onuorah’s first nomination and win in her directing career.
Her other credits include “The Same Difference” and “The Legend of the Underground,” both of which were nominated for outstanding documentary at the GLAAD Media Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.
- 1/9/2024
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon MGM Studios has signed an exclusive first-look series and film deal with Emmy-winning director Nneka Onuorah.
The Nigerian-American filmmaker, producer and activist is committed to telling narratively—and formally—daring stories that reexamine and lift up underrepresented communities.
In 2022, she won the Primetime Emmy award for “Outstanding Directing for a Reality Program” for Prime Video’s Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls. This marked Onuorah’s first nomination and win, and a historic moment for queer, women of color directors at the Emmys.
“It’s an honor to be a part of the creative fabric of what Jen and her team are building at Amazon,” said Onuorah in a statement to Deadline. “I’m proud of the groundbreaking stories that we’re already telling together, and excited to continue my artistic journey into scripted series and films with Amazon as well.”
“Nneka has a track record of crafting stories that excite,...
The Nigerian-American filmmaker, producer and activist is committed to telling narratively—and formally—daring stories that reexamine and lift up underrepresented communities.
In 2022, she won the Primetime Emmy award for “Outstanding Directing for a Reality Program” for Prime Video’s Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls. This marked Onuorah’s first nomination and win, and a historic moment for queer, women of color directors at the Emmys.
“It’s an honor to be a part of the creative fabric of what Jen and her team are building at Amazon,” said Onuorah in a statement to Deadline. “I’m proud of the groundbreaking stories that we’re already telling together, and excited to continue my artistic journey into scripted series and films with Amazon as well.”
“Nneka has a track record of crafting stories that excite,...
- 1/9/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Lizzo is speaking out amid sexual harassment and hostile work allegations aimed at the pop star from former dancers.
“I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days,” wrote the Grammy-winning singer in a lengthy statement on Instagram (below) on Thursday. “There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world.”
This week, Lizzo’s former dancers accused the pop star and her employees of interrogating them about their weight and pressuring them to engage in sexually explicit acts at sex shows. The dancers, two of whom appear on Lizzo’s reality show, said they were subjected to a hostile work environment and dealt with sexual harassment, even claiming they were pushed to engage with nude performers.
“I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last few days,” wrote the Grammy-winning singer in a lengthy statement on Instagram (below) on Thursday. “There is nothing I take more seriously than the respect we deserve as women in the world.”
This week, Lizzo’s former dancers accused the pop star and her employees of interrogating them about their weight and pressuring them to engage in sexually explicit acts at sex shows. The dancers, two of whom appear on Lizzo’s reality show, said they were subjected to a hostile work environment and dealt with sexual harassment, even claiming they were pushed to engage with nude performers.
- 8/3/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Outfest announced the full line up for its 41st Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Festival presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Genesis Motor America, taking place July 13 – 23 in venues around Los Angeles and is headquartered at the Directors Guild of America in West Hollywood. Tickets and passes are available to Outfest members today, and to the general public starting Friday, June 23rd.
The festival also announced that it will be honoring Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone with the James Schamus Ally Award during the festival’s closing night in recognition of allies’ efforts to foster Queer and Trans moving images and to promote our communities’ stories to a broader audience. Additionally, McCarthy and Falcone are both executive producers on Relighting Candles: The Tim Sullivan Story, a short documentary directed by Zeb Newman and Michiel Thomas that will be featured at this year’s festival, about a West Hollywood candle shop owner...
The festival also announced that it will be honoring Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone with the James Schamus Ally Award during the festival’s closing night in recognition of allies’ efforts to foster Queer and Trans moving images and to promote our communities’ stories to a broader audience. Additionally, McCarthy and Falcone are both executive producers on Relighting Candles: The Tim Sullivan Story, a short documentary directed by Zeb Newman and Michiel Thomas that will be featured at this year’s festival, about a West Hollywood candle shop owner...
- 6/22/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
“Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” is now auditioning singers for Season 2 of the Prime Video series, Amazon Studios announced on Monday.
The series, in which plus-size dancers competed to be part of Lizzo’s onstage performers, was the first reality streaming competition to take home the Emmy in 2022 for its first season.
“Lizzo is one of the most exciting, creative, joyful artists in the industry, and the impact of her Emmy award-winning series ‘Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls’ exceeded our every expectation,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon and MGM Studios. “We are excited to continue our relationship with Lizzo and can’t wait for our global Prime Video audience to experience what’s next.”
Also Read:
‘Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls’ Director Explains the Bright and Sexy Feel of the Amazon Reality Show
“I’m thrilled to continue this...
The series, in which plus-size dancers competed to be part of Lizzo’s onstage performers, was the first reality streaming competition to take home the Emmy in 2022 for its first season.
“Lizzo is one of the most exciting, creative, joyful artists in the industry, and the impact of her Emmy award-winning series ‘Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls’ exceeded our every expectation,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon and MGM Studios. “We are excited to continue our relationship with Lizzo and can’t wait for our global Prime Video audience to experience what’s next.”
Also Read:
‘Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls’ Director Explains the Bright and Sexy Feel of the Amazon Reality Show
“I’m thrilled to continue this...
- 4/3/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
The MacRo Lodge is back at Sundance for its 6th annual edition of programming and events centered on celebrating diversity and inclusion.
Over the course of four days, the invite-only showcase will host screenings, panels and parties at its location on Park City’s Main Street.
MacRo, which also sponsors the festival, is presented by the company’s founder and CEO Charles D. King and his wife, Chief Brand Officer Stacey Walker King. Confirmed guests include Algee Smith, Daniel Dae Kim, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Logan Browning, Meagan Good, Misty Copeland, Pinky Cole, Sanaa Lathan, Sierra Capri, Teyana Taylor and William Catlett. Directors A.V. Rockwell, Boots Riley, Nneka Onuorah, Peter Nicks, Ryan Coogler and Thembi Banks will make appearances, as well as producer Erick Peyton and writer/producer Tracy Oliver, among others.
Also Read:
Sundance’s 20 Buzziest Movies for Sale in 2023, From ‘Cat Person’ to ‘Shortcomings’ (Photos)
Programming kicks...
Over the course of four days, the invite-only showcase will host screenings, panels and parties at its location on Park City’s Main Street.
MacRo, which also sponsors the festival, is presented by the company’s founder and CEO Charles D. King and his wife, Chief Brand Officer Stacey Walker King. Confirmed guests include Algee Smith, Daniel Dae Kim, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Logan Browning, Meagan Good, Misty Copeland, Pinky Cole, Sanaa Lathan, Sierra Capri, Teyana Taylor and William Catlett. Directors A.V. Rockwell, Boots Riley, Nneka Onuorah, Peter Nicks, Ryan Coogler and Thembi Banks will make appearances, as well as producer Erick Peyton and writer/producer Tracy Oliver, among others.
Also Read:
Sundance’s 20 Buzziest Movies for Sale in 2023, From ‘Cat Person’ to ‘Shortcomings’ (Photos)
Programming kicks...
- 1/20/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
The MacRo Lodge is back in time for the weekend.
The sixth annual MacRo Lodge opens today in conjunction with the Sundance Film Festival in Park City with a slate of (invitation-only) programming of inclusive screenings, panels and parties, many of which serve to champion inclusion and people of color at its prime location on Main Street over four days.
Presented by Chase Sapphire and hosted by MacRo founder and CEO Charles D. King and his chief brand officer wife Stacey Walker King, the MacRo Lodge will host appearances by Algee Smith, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Byers, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Logan Browning, Meagan Good, Misty Copeland, Pinky Cole, Sanaa Lathan, Sierra Capri, Teyana Taylor, William Catlett, directors A.V. Rockwell, Boots Riley, Nneka Onuorah, Peter Nicks, Ryan Coogler, Thembi Banks, producer Erick Peyton, writer-producer Tracy Oliver and more.
Midnight MacRo, MacRo’s annual late night bash and signature party event,...
The sixth annual MacRo Lodge opens today in conjunction with the Sundance Film Festival in Park City with a slate of (invitation-only) programming of inclusive screenings, panels and parties, many of which serve to champion inclusion and people of color at its prime location on Main Street over four days.
Presented by Chase Sapphire and hosted by MacRo founder and CEO Charles D. King and his chief brand officer wife Stacey Walker King, the MacRo Lodge will host appearances by Algee Smith, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Byers, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Logan Browning, Meagan Good, Misty Copeland, Pinky Cole, Sanaa Lathan, Sierra Capri, Teyana Taylor, William Catlett, directors A.V. Rockwell, Boots Riley, Nneka Onuorah, Peter Nicks, Ryan Coogler, Thembi Banks, producer Erick Peyton, writer-producer Tracy Oliver and more.
Midnight MacRo, MacRo’s annual late night bash and signature party event,...
- 1/20/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Under Latasha Gillespie, Executive Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Amazon Studios, Amazon rolled out its new inclusion playbook in June of 2021.
Since then, the streamer launched its biggest, most expensive series, “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” which was met with great acclaim and, sadly, with social media furor over the epic fantasy series’ diverse casting. And body-positive reality show “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” was nominated for six Emmys, winning three, including one for Outstanding Competition Program and one for director Nneka Onuorah.
Gillespie recently spoke to TheWrap about how she and her team, and various creatives like Viola Davis and “One Day at a Time” co-creator Gloria Calderón Kellett, came up with the playbook, how’s it’s been implemented, and how embracing diversity in front of and behind the camera benefits Amazon’s bottom line, even if a certain segment of...
Since then, the streamer launched its biggest, most expensive series, “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” which was met with great acclaim and, sadly, with social media furor over the epic fantasy series’ diverse casting. And body-positive reality show “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” was nominated for six Emmys, winning three, including one for Outstanding Competition Program and one for director Nneka Onuorah.
Gillespie recently spoke to TheWrap about how she and her team, and various creatives like Viola Davis and “One Day at a Time” co-creator Gloria Calderón Kellett, came up with the playbook, how’s it’s been implemented, and how embracing diversity in front of and behind the camera benefits Amazon’s bottom line, even if a certain segment of...
- 10/14/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Fresh off taking home the Video for Good award at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, Lizzo is now celebrating another win — this time at the 2022 Emmys.
Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls won the Emmy for best competition program on Monday night, marking the Grammy-winning musician’s first Emmy. The program was nominated alongside The Amazing Race (CBS), Nailed It! (Netflix), RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Voice (NBC)
After taking the stage at Monday night’s show, the creator, executive producer and host of Amazon’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls exclaimed, “I’m very emotional. The trophy is nice, but my emotion is for these people who are on the stage with me. The stories that they shared, they’re not that unique. They just don’t get the platform. Telling stories, let’s just tell more stories,...
Fresh off taking home the Video for Good award at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, Lizzo is now celebrating another win — this time at the 2022 Emmys.
Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls won the Emmy for best competition program on Monday night, marking the Grammy-winning musician’s first Emmy. The program was nominated alongside The Amazing Race (CBS), Nailed It! (Netflix), RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Voice (NBC)
After taking the stage at Monday night’s show, the creator, executive producer and host of Amazon’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls exclaimed, “I’m very emotional. The trophy is nice, but my emotion is for these people who are on the stage with me. The stories that they shared, they’re not that unique. They just don’t get the platform. Telling stories, let’s just tell more stories,...
- 9/13/2022
- by Lexy Perez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lizzo gave a stirring speech on stage after winning the Emmy for Outstanding Competition Program.
The pop star’s Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls was somewhat of a surprise winner in the category, which had previously seen RuPaul’s Drag Race win the award four times in a row, every year since 2018.
The Amazon reality series, which follows the pop mega-star as she searches for a new squad of backup dancers to join her world tour, also beat The Amazing Race, Nailed It!, Top Chef and The Voice as well as RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Deadline’s Emmy Awards Live Blog
Lizzo said she was very “emotional” as she bounded on stage.
“The trophy is nice but my emotion is for these people who are on the stage with me. The stories that they shared are not that unique that just don’t get the platform. Let’s tell more stories,...
The pop star’s Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls was somewhat of a surprise winner in the category, which had previously seen RuPaul’s Drag Race win the award four times in a row, every year since 2018.
The Amazon reality series, which follows the pop mega-star as she searches for a new squad of backup dancers to join her world tour, also beat The Amazing Race, Nailed It!, Top Chef and The Voice as well as RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Deadline’s Emmy Awards Live Blog
Lizzo said she was very “emotional” as she bounded on stage.
“The trophy is nice but my emotion is for these people who are on the stage with me. The stories that they shared are not that unique that just don’t get the platform. Let’s tell more stories,...
- 9/13/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Congratulations are in order for the producers of “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” which just won Best Competition Program at Monday’s Primetime Emmy ceremony. The Amazon Prime Video feel-good series beat out “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” which was heavily favored to win its fifth consecutive Emmy in the category. “Drag Race” remains tied with “The Voice” by winning four overall trophies, while “The Amazing Race” holds the record at 10 total wins. The five shows “Lizzo” defeated this year were “The Amazing Race,” “Drag Race,” “Nailed It,” “Top Chef” and “The Voice.”
“Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” is now a three-time Emmy winner after claiming a pair of trophies last week for director Nneka Onuorah and the picture editing team. Watch our recent panel interview with Onuorah. The program premiered on March 25, 2022 and chronicles the story of Lizzo trying to find her titular “big grrrl” backup dancers.
“Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” is now a three-time Emmy winner after claiming a pair of trophies last week for director Nneka Onuorah and the picture editing team. Watch our recent panel interview with Onuorah. The program premiered on March 25, 2022 and chronicles the story of Lizzo trying to find her titular “big grrrl” backup dancers.
- 9/13/2022
- by Matthew Stewart and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Gold Derby editors Marcus Dixon and Chris Beachum are backstage in the Creative Arts Emmys press room for both ceremonies this weekend. As the winners are being interviewed in the media center, we will include videos of their interviews below. You can watch as we chat with some of the champs on Saturday and Sunday.
2022 Creative Arts Emmy winners list in all categories [Updating Live]
Just click on each link below to watch a short video. You can also add your comments about the results below or in our Saturday forums thread or in our Sunday forums thread. A truncated version of the two Creative Arts Emmys ceremonies will air Saturday, September 10 on Fxx. The live Primetime Emmys awards show will air Monday, September 12 on NBC.
Click on each name below to watch the short Q&a video:
Lee You-mi (‘Squid Game’) — winner of Best Drama Guest Actress
Colman Domingo (‘Euphoria’) — winner...
2022 Creative Arts Emmy winners list in all categories [Updating Live]
Just click on each link below to watch a short video. You can also add your comments about the results below or in our Saturday forums thread or in our Sunday forums thread. A truncated version of the two Creative Arts Emmys ceremonies will air Saturday, September 10 on Fxx. The live Primetime Emmys awards show will air Monday, September 12 on NBC.
Click on each name below to watch the short Q&a video:
Lee You-mi (‘Squid Game’) — winner of Best Drama Guest Actress
Colman Domingo (‘Euphoria’) — winner...
- 9/5/2022
- by Chris Beachum, Marcus James Dixon and Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Emmy voters were moved by music, handing out five awards apiece to “The Beatles: Get Back” and “Adele: One Night Only” at Saturday’s portion of the two-night Creative Arts Emmys.
The music of “The Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show” was also a big winner, with three awards, including Music Direction for Adam Blackstone.
In the reality TV world, “Love on the Spectrum U.S.,” the Netflix series that follows people on the autism spectrum as they navigate the world of dating and relationships, snagged three Emmys, including ones for casting, picture editing and unstructured reality program. And, RuPaul Charles won his seventh Emmy — in a row — for hosting “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
The 2022 Creative Arts Emmys: Night 1, which was held at the Microsoft Theater in Downtown, Los Angeles (where it was a scorching 105 degrees outside), honored outstanding artistic and technical achievement in various television program genres, guest performances and exceptional work in the animation,...
The music of “The Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show” was also a big winner, with three awards, including Music Direction for Adam Blackstone.
In the reality TV world, “Love on the Spectrum U.S.,” the Netflix series that follows people on the autism spectrum as they navigate the world of dating and relationships, snagged three Emmys, including ones for casting, picture editing and unstructured reality program. And, RuPaul Charles won his seventh Emmy — in a row — for hosting “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
The 2022 Creative Arts Emmys: Night 1, which was held at the Microsoft Theater in Downtown, Los Angeles (where it was a scorching 105 degrees outside), honored outstanding artistic and technical achievement in various television program genres, guest performances and exceptional work in the animation,...
- 9/3/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
The first night of the 2022 Creative Arts Emmy Awards is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 3, and we’ll see where the Primetime ceremony could be heading based on the first wave of winners.
With an evening that features categories for animated program, reality host, documentaries and short form, we could get a strong sense of where some of the support lies for the main ceremony on Monday, Sept. 12.
There are significant history-making moments that can take place.
Barack Obama could become the second U.S. president to win an Emmy for outstanding narrator for Netflix’s “Our Great National Parks.” Dwight Eisenhower won in 1956, while still in office when he picked up the Governors Award “for his use and encouragement of television.”
If Obama wins, he’ll be halfway to Egot status after netting two Grammys for best spoken word album for “Dreams from My Father” (2006) and “The Audacity of...
With an evening that features categories for animated program, reality host, documentaries and short form, we could get a strong sense of where some of the support lies for the main ceremony on Monday, Sept. 12.
There are significant history-making moments that can take place.
Barack Obama could become the second U.S. president to win an Emmy for outstanding narrator for Netflix’s “Our Great National Parks.” Dwight Eisenhower won in 1956, while still in office when he picked up the Governors Award “for his use and encouragement of television.”
If Obama wins, he’ll be halfway to Egot status after netting two Grammys for best spoken word album for “Dreams from My Father” (2006) and “The Audacity of...
- 9/1/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official awards predictions for the upcoming Oscars and Emmys ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis; Awards Circuit Column, a weekly analysis dissecting the trends and contenders by television editor Michael Schneider (for Emmys) and Davis (for Oscars); Awards Circuit Podcast, a weekly interview series with talent and an expert roundtable discussion; and Awards Circuit Video analyzes various categories and contenders by Variety's leading awards pundits. Variety's unmatched coverage gives its readership unbeatable exposure in print and online, as well as provide inside reports on all the contenders in this year's awards season races.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Emmys Collective
Visit each category, per the individual awards show from The Emmys Hub
To see old predictions and commentary,...
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Emmys Collective
Visit each category, per the individual awards show from The Emmys Hub
To see old predictions and commentary,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
What do Emmy-nominated TV directors know today that they wished they would have known at the start of their careers? We discuss that and more during our “Meet the Experts” roundtable panel with 2022 Emmy contenders. This informative panel includes television directors Danny Strong (“Dopesick”), Nneka Onuorah (“Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls”), Nick Murray (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) and Karyn Kusama (“Yellowjackets”). Watch our full group chat above and click on each name above to view the individual video interviews.
See over 200 interviews with 2022 Emmy nominees
“You’ll never figure it all out,” declares Kusama. “It’s this endless series of questions, and coming up against the questions and the obstacles is the job, and there’s something really liberating about coming to peace with that. It used to sort of feel like something I was gonna have a greater sense of control over as a director, but what I...
See over 200 interviews with 2022 Emmy nominees
“You’ll never figure it all out,” declares Kusama. “It’s this endless series of questions, and coming up against the questions and the obstacles is the job, and there’s something really liberating about coming to peace with that. It used to sort of feel like something I was gonna have a greater sense of control over as a director, but what I...
- 8/12/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
It’s rare for first-year reality TV shows to break through at the Emmy Awards, but that’s exactly what happened to Amazon Prime Video’s “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.” The inspirational program earned six total nominations this year including for its director, Nneka Onuorah. How did she find out that she’d been nominated by the TV Academy? “I was actually in London working,” she tells me in our Meet the Experts: TV Directors panel. “I looked down at my cell phone and I saw, ‘Congrats, girl, on Lizzo!’ And I was like, ‘Oh, thank you so much, the show’s been great.'” After receiving more and more messages, Onuorah finally came to realize that she was indeed an Emmy nominee. Watch our exclusive video interview above.
“We just all started screaming,” she notes about the happy moment. “We just had this big celebration right...
“We just all started screaming,” she notes about the happy moment. “We just had this big celebration right...
- 8/12/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
A version of this story about female directors first appeared in the Down to the Wire: Comedy issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
This year was far from a landmark for female directors at the Emmys, with only 13 women nominated against 32 men across the seven directing categories. Sure, that’s better than last year, when 47 men and only 11 women were nominated, and it’s much better than 2018, when the lamentable total was 44 men and only four (!) women.
But this year’s total is a step down from 2020, when the record 16 female directors that were nominated made up a full 33 of the total; this year, that has slipped down to just below 29.
Still, there’s one bright spot to make up for women being shut out of the Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special category or only managing one nomination each in the limited series, documentary/nonfiction and reality categories. The...
This year was far from a landmark for female directors at the Emmys, with only 13 women nominated against 32 men across the seven directing categories. Sure, that’s better than last year, when 47 men and only 11 women were nominated, and it’s much better than 2018, when the lamentable total was 44 men and only four (!) women.
But this year’s total is a step down from 2020, when the record 16 female directors that were nominated made up a full 33 of the total; this year, that has slipped down to just below 29.
Still, there’s one bright spot to make up for women being shut out of the Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special category or only managing one nomination each in the limited series, documentary/nonfiction and reality categories. The...
- 8/10/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
This story about Lizzo and “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” first appeared in the Down to the Wire: Comedy issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
Music superstar Lizzo may have a shelf full of Grammys, a BET Award, a Billboard Award and countless other global honors, but getting six Emmy nominations for her Prime Video reality dance competition series “Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls” was still a really, really “big” deal for the artist.
“Are you f—ing kidding me? I was absolutely blown away,” she told TheWrap when asked about the nods, which include the Outstanding Competition Program one that made her show the first series to be nominated for its debut season in 16 years. “One [nomination] is incredible, let alone six,” she said.
“I’m so proud of everyone because everyone works so freaking hard on this show,” she added.
Also Read:
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race...
Music superstar Lizzo may have a shelf full of Grammys, a BET Award, a Billboard Award and countless other global honors, but getting six Emmy nominations for her Prime Video reality dance competition series “Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls” was still a really, really “big” deal for the artist.
“Are you f—ing kidding me? I was absolutely blown away,” she told TheWrap when asked about the nods, which include the Outstanding Competition Program one that made her show the first series to be nominated for its debut season in 16 years. “One [nomination] is incredible, let alone six,” she said.
“I’m so proud of everyone because everyone works so freaking hard on this show,” she added.
Also Read:
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race...
- 8/9/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
Full of body positivity and lots of girl power, Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls proves not every reality competition series needs to be cutthroat to be “must see TV.” And the formula worked for the Grammy Award winner and her team, who were recently nominated for six Emmy Awards including Outstanding Competition Program, Outstanding Casting For a Reality Program, and Outstanding Directing for A Reality Program (Nneka Onuorah).
Lizzo was inspired to launch the series after facing years of challenges finding dancers. And as her productions and tour venues continue to get larger, the Detroit-born singer and performer will always be looking for more Big Grrrls to join the fold.
In conversation with Deadline following the nominations, Lizzo revealed she was especially proud of the casting nomination after that process found the likes of Jayla Sullivan, Charity Holloway, Asia Banks,...
Lizzo was inspired to launch the series after facing years of challenges finding dancers. And as her productions and tour venues continue to get larger, the Detroit-born singer and performer will always be looking for more Big Grrrls to join the fold.
In conversation with Deadline following the nominations, Lizzo revealed she was especially proud of the casting nomination after that process found the likes of Jayla Sullivan, Charity Holloway, Asia Banks,...
- 8/6/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Four top TV directors will reveal secrets behind their projects when they join Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with 2022 Emmy Awards nominees. They will participate in two video discussions to premiere on Wednesday, August 10, at 6:00 p.m. Pt; 9:00 p.m. Et. We’ll have a one-on-one with our senior editor Marcus Dixon and a roundtable chat with all of the group together.
RSVP today to our entire ongoing Emmy contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following 2022 nominees:
Dopesick (Hulu)
Synopsis: Synopsis: The epicenter of America’s struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Purdue Pharma, to a distressed Virginia mining community, to the hallways of the DEA.
Bio: Danny Strong is nominated at the 2022 Emmys for directing,...
RSVP today to our entire ongoing Emmy contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following 2022 nominees:
Dopesick (Hulu)
Synopsis: Synopsis: The epicenter of America’s struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Purdue Pharma, to a distressed Virginia mining community, to the hallways of the DEA.
Bio: Danny Strong is nominated at the 2022 Emmys for directing,...
- 8/3/2022
- by Chris Beachum and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Variety is pleased to announce that Amanda Seyfried, Murray Bartlett, Brendan Hunt, Lily James, Himesh Patel and Danny Strong have been added to the lineup for its second-ever Virtual TV Fest: The Nominees, featuring five panels airing virtually on Aug. 10 to an audience of voters. To register for the event, head to variety.com/tvfest.
Variety TV Fest: The Nominees expands its popular TV Fest franchise to include panels with Emmy-nominated actors, directors, producers and writers in the comedy, drama, limited/anthology, documentary and reality competition/nonfiction series categories.
The comedy series panel includes:
Paul W. Downs, “Hacks” John Hoffman, “Only Murders in the Building” Brendan Hunt, “Ted Lasso” Amy Sherman-Palladino & Dan Palladino, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” Paul Simms, “What We Do in the Shadows”
Henry Winkler and Anthony Carrigan, “Barry” Moderated by Michael Schneider, TV Editor, Variety
The drama series panel includes:
Dan Erickson, “Severance” Peter Gould, “Better Call Saul” Ashley Lyle,...
Variety TV Fest: The Nominees expands its popular TV Fest franchise to include panels with Emmy-nominated actors, directors, producers and writers in the comedy, drama, limited/anthology, documentary and reality competition/nonfiction series categories.
The comedy series panel includes:
Paul W. Downs, “Hacks” John Hoffman, “Only Murders in the Building” Brendan Hunt, “Ted Lasso” Amy Sherman-Palladino & Dan Palladino, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” Paul Simms, “What We Do in the Shadows”
Henry Winkler and Anthony Carrigan, “Barry” Moderated by Michael Schneider, TV Editor, Variety
The drama series panel includes:
Dan Erickson, “Severance” Peter Gould, “Better Call Saul” Ashley Lyle,...
- 8/3/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Lizzo's year of success is in full swing. In addition to announcing her new album, "Special," and becoming a TikTok dance sensation, the "About Damn Time" singer can officially add Emmy nominee to her list of accolades. On July 12, the Television Academy announced that "Watch Out For the Big Grrrls," Lizzo's dance competition on Amazon Prime, is nominated for six Emmy Awards, including best competition alongside shows like "Nailed It!" and "RuPaul's Drag Race." The show, which premiered on March 25, follows Lizzo as she trains and counsels a group of aspiring backup dancers, initiating powerful conversations about body positivity and self-love in every episode.
"Watch Out For The Big Grrrls Is Emmy Nominated my grrrls we didn't do this for awards, we did this for ourselves," the "Grrrls" singer captioned a video of herself dancing with the Big Grrrls on Instagram. "For the lives we touched making this . . . To...
"Watch Out For The Big Grrrls Is Emmy Nominated my grrrls we didn't do this for awards, we did this for ourselves," the "Grrrls" singer captioned a video of herself dancing with the Big Grrrls on Instagram. "For the lives we touched making this . . . To...
- 7/12/2022
- by Chanel Vargas
- Popsugar.com
Party tonight for the fluffy ladies! Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls earned an Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Competition category after its freshman season on Prime Video.
The eight-episode Amazon Original unscripted series follows the pop mega-star as she searches for a new squad of backup dancers to join her world tour. It premiered in March and was made available in other countries and territories around the world in May.
2022 Emmy Nominations: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
The new program earned a total of six nominations.
Lizzo gets help in the search from choreographers Tanisha Scott and O.G. Big Grrrls Chawnta’ Marie Van, Shirlene Quigley, and Grace Holden.
Emmy Snubs: ‘Reservation Dogs’, Selena Gomez, ‘Yellowstone’, ‘This Is Us’ & More
In addition to appearing in the series, Lizzo also serves as executive producer alongside Makiah Green, Kevin Beisler, Julie Pizzi, Farnaz Farjam, Myiea Coy, Kimberly Goodman and Glenda Cox.
The eight-episode Amazon Original unscripted series follows the pop mega-star as she searches for a new squad of backup dancers to join her world tour. It premiered in March and was made available in other countries and territories around the world in May.
2022 Emmy Nominations: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
The new program earned a total of six nominations.
Lizzo gets help in the search from choreographers Tanisha Scott and O.G. Big Grrrls Chawnta’ Marie Van, Shirlene Quigley, and Grace Holden.
Emmy Snubs: ‘Reservation Dogs’, Selena Gomez, ‘Yellowstone’, ‘This Is Us’ & More
In addition to appearing in the series, Lizzo also serves as executive producer alongside Makiah Green, Kevin Beisler, Julie Pizzi, Farnaz Farjam, Myiea Coy, Kimberly Goodman and Glenda Cox.
- 7/12/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
In Gold Derby’s latest roundtable group panel, leading reality TV producers, directors and stars discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic affected their various shows and how working in the medium has given them thicker skin. Our Meet the Experts: Reality TV panel includes participation from Monica Aldama (star of Netflix’s “Cheer”), Sue Aikens (star of National Geographic’s “Life Below Zero”), Nneka Onuorah (director of Amazon Prime Video’s “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls”), Paris Hilton (star/producer of Peacock’s “Paris In Love”) and Jonathan Murray (producer of Paramount+’s “The Real World Homecoming”). Watch the group panel above. Click on each person’s name to watch an individual chat.
The panel begins with Hilton and Murray reflecting on their original celeb-reality show “The Simple Life,” which aired two decades ago on Fox. “I’ve gotta say, Paris, I apologize, I underestimated you,” admits Murray. “You are a force.
The panel begins with Hilton and Murray reflecting on their original celeb-reality show “The Simple Life,” which aired two decades ago on Fox. “I’ve gotta say, Paris, I apologize, I underestimated you,” admits Murray. “You are a force.
- 6/1/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
“The universe is interesting to me because I actually have been introduced to Lizzo in different ways,” explains Nneka Onuorah, director of “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” on Amazon Prime Video. “One time I was asked to do a documentary on Lizzo and then that kind of fell through. I had friends who used to dance for her and we were trying to collaborate on something and it fell through.” But now Onuorah is the director of the inspirational competition series that searches for Lizzo’s next group of backup dancers. She joins Gold Derby as part of our Meet the Experts: Reality TV panel (watch the exclusive video interview above).
“Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” is being heralded for the way in which it represents certain women that usually don’t see themselves on the stage or on the screen. How did Onuorah get attached to this program?...
“Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” is being heralded for the way in which it represents certain women that usually don’t see themselves on the stage or on the screen. How did Onuorah get attached to this program?...
- 6/1/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Five top TV reality stars and producers will reveal secrets behind their projects when they join Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with 2022 Emmy Awards contenders. They will participate in two video discussions to premiere on Thursday, May 26, at 6:00 p.m. Pt; 9:00 p.m. Et. We’ll have a one-on-one with our senior editor Denton Davidson and a roundtable chat with all of the group together.
RSVP today to our entire ongoing Emmy contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following 2022 contenders:
Cheer (Netflix)
Synopsis: In the small town of Corsicana, Texas, a hard-driving head cheer coach demands perfection from her team of competitive college athletes.
Bio: Monica Aldama is featured in this docuseries as Navarro College Cheer Head Coach.
RSVP today to our entire ongoing Emmy contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following 2022 contenders:
Cheer (Netflix)
Synopsis: In the small town of Corsicana, Texas, a hard-driving head cheer coach demands perfection from her team of competitive college athletes.
Bio: Monica Aldama is featured in this docuseries as Navarro College Cheer Head Coach.
- 5/20/2022
- by Chris Beachum and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
As Hollywood events return to full force in New York and Los Angeles amid the coronavirus pandemic, here’s a look at this week’s (non-Oscar) biggest premieres, parties and openings, including red carpets for Atlanta season three, Moon Knight, The Lost City and Everything Everywhere All At Once.
The Lost City L.A. Premiere
After debuting in Austin, the Paramount adventure rom-com continued onto Los Angeles with a Monday night premiere in Westwood, sans Channing Tatum but joined by stars Sandra Bullock, Daniel Radcliffe, Bowen Yang, Oscar Nunez, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Patti Harrison.
Moon Knight Launch Event
Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke premiered their new Marvel series Moon Knight at a Los Angeles launch event on Tuesday, which follows Isaac as the mercenary Marc Spector, a character who is granted the powers of an Egyptian moon god while also struggling with dissociative identity disorder (Did).
iHeartRadio Music Awards
L.
The Lost City L.A. Premiere
After debuting in Austin, the Paramount adventure rom-com continued onto Los Angeles with a Monday night premiere in Westwood, sans Channing Tatum but joined by stars Sandra Bullock, Daniel Radcliffe, Bowen Yang, Oscar Nunez, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Patti Harrison.
Moon Knight Launch Event
Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke premiered their new Marvel series Moon Knight at a Los Angeles launch event on Tuesday, which follows Isaac as the mercenary Marc Spector, a character who is granted the powers of an Egyptian moon god while also struggling with dissociative identity disorder (Did).
iHeartRadio Music Awards
L.
- 3/25/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” has arrived on Amazon Prime Video, and the dance competition show is as bright and fun as the entertainer herself.
In the series, women from across the country compete, with the winners getting a chance to be a part of Lizzo’s “Big Grrls” touring dance crew.
Series director Nneka Onuorah explained that even though she takes great care in choosing projects, “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” was an immediate yes.
“I knew what Lizzo’s point of view was before I joined the project and her values align with mine, which are we’re putting the girls to the forefront. We’re taking a nuanced community and giving them a universal, commercial platform to tell an authentic story, and we are going to have fun and be ourselves and bring that Black girl magic language, energy, dance moves to it,...
In the series, women from across the country compete, with the winners getting a chance to be a part of Lizzo’s “Big Grrls” touring dance crew.
Series director Nneka Onuorah explained that even though she takes great care in choosing projects, “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” was an immediate yes.
“I knew what Lizzo’s point of view was before I joined the project and her values align with mine, which are we’re putting the girls to the forefront. We’re taking a nuanced community and giving them a universal, commercial platform to tell an authentic story, and we are going to have fun and be ourselves and bring that Black girl magic language, energy, dance moves to it,...
- 3/25/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
Megan Thee Stallion‘s journey from humble beginnings in Texas to worldwide superstardom will be highlighted in a new docuseries from Time Studios and Roc Nation. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the multi-part documentary series will trace the Grammy-winning musician’s Texas upbringing and career highlights. It will mix rare archival footage and fresh verité video to explore the rapper’s rise from viral freestyling star to pop culture icon, looking into how she overcame personal hurdles on her path to success. The project will be directed by Nneka Onuorah, who is best known for her 2015 directorial debut, The Same Difference, about gender roles in the Black lesbian community. She also directed Barack Obama in Netflix’s scripted/documentary hybrid The G Word and Amazon’s competition series Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls. Her other credits include the Netflix prison docuseries First and Last and the Viceland ballroom docuseries My House.
- 3/25/2022
- TV Insider
Megan Thee Stallion's life story is set to be the subject of a new documentary. On March 24, Variety reported that Time Studios and Megan's management company Roc Nation are teaming up to produce a multipart docuseries about the rapper's personal and career milestones.
"We are thrilled to be able to work with Roc Nation to share Megan's story with the world," Time Studios' co-head of documentary Loren Hammonds said in a statement. "Millions of people are familiar with her as an entertainer, but this series will give her a chance to share her truth as never before. Her story is a powerful one, and the accomplishments that she continues to achieve are remarkable. We feel lucky to have this opportunity to capture her at a crucial moment in her life and career, as she continues to grow exponentially in both her artistry and global impact."
Related: Megan Thee Stallion...
"We are thrilled to be able to work with Roc Nation to share Megan's story with the world," Time Studios' co-head of documentary Loren Hammonds said in a statement. "Millions of people are familiar with her as an entertainer, but this series will give her a chance to share her truth as never before. Her story is a powerful one, and the accomplishments that she continues to achieve are remarkable. We feel lucky to have this opportunity to capture her at a crucial moment in her life and career, as she continues to grow exponentially in both her artistry and global impact."
Related: Megan Thee Stallion...
- 3/24/2022
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Megan Thee Stallion will be the subject of a documentary series being produced by Time Studios and her management company, Roc Nation, the two companies announced Thursday.
Nneka Onuorah will direct the multi-part series. Onuorah is at the helm of “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrrls,” the competition series that is soon to bow on Prime Video. Her HBO film “Legends of the Underground” is currently nominated for a GLAAD Award for best documentary, and her other credits include the hybrid scripted/doc comedy series “The G Word,” which features Barack Obama, for Netflix, and her debut feature “The Same Difference.”
No platform has been set for the series.
A release about the project promises that it will cover personal as well as career milestones, saying it will “touch on how Megan overcame various personal hurdles to thrive in her professional career.”
“We are thrilled to be able...
Nneka Onuorah will direct the multi-part series. Onuorah is at the helm of “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrrls,” the competition series that is soon to bow on Prime Video. Her HBO film “Legends of the Underground” is currently nominated for a GLAAD Award for best documentary, and her other credits include the hybrid scripted/doc comedy series “The G Word,” which features Barack Obama, for Netflix, and her debut feature “The Same Difference.”
No platform has been set for the series.
A release about the project promises that it will cover personal as well as career milestones, saying it will “touch on how Megan overcame various personal hurdles to thrive in her professional career.”
“We are thrilled to be able...
- 3/24/2022
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion is getting the docuseries treatment.
The “Wap” and “Savage” hitmaker’s story will be told in a multi-part series from director Nneka Onuorah (Legends of the Underground), Time Studios and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
Employing a mix of rare archival footage and fresh verité video, the untitled documentary will delve into the Houston native’s life, from her upbringing in Texas to key milestones in her career, and shed light on her multilayered personality. It will highlight Megan’s rise from viral freestyling phenom to cultural powerhouse and touch on how she overcame personal hurdles to thrive in her professional career.
Time Studios’ Ian Orefice, Loren Hammonds, Alexa Conway and Mike Beck will executive producer alongside Roc Nation’s Perez and Lori York, and director Onuorah.
Watch The 2021 Grammy Performances: Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion & Cardi B, Harry Styles, Dua Lipa & More
“Millions...
The “Wap” and “Savage” hitmaker’s story will be told in a multi-part series from director Nneka Onuorah (Legends of the Underground), Time Studios and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
Employing a mix of rare archival footage and fresh verité video, the untitled documentary will delve into the Houston native’s life, from her upbringing in Texas to key milestones in her career, and shed light on her multilayered personality. It will highlight Megan’s rise from viral freestyling phenom to cultural powerhouse and touch on how she overcame personal hurdles to thrive in her professional career.
Time Studios’ Ian Orefice, Loren Hammonds, Alexa Conway and Mike Beck will executive producer alongside Roc Nation’s Perez and Lori York, and director Onuorah.
Watch The 2021 Grammy Performances: Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion & Cardi B, Harry Styles, Dua Lipa & More
“Millions...
- 3/24/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Megan Thee Stallion will be the subject of a new documentary series as produced by Time Studios and Roc Nation and directed by Nneka Onuorah, a filmmaker behind the documentary “The Legend of the Underground” and an upcoming series competition series featuring Lizzo.
The multi-part docuseries, which does not yet have a title, will explore the life and career of the Grammy-winning rapper and musician, delving into Megan’s upbringing in Houston, Texas, her personal and professional hurdles and how those have shaped the many layers of her personality. The project will use archival footage and new verité video that will further demonstrate how Megan rose from being a viral freestyling phenom to now an iconic cultural powerhouse.
“We are thrilled to be able to work with Roc Nation to share Megan’s story with the world. Millions of people are familiar with her as an entertainer, but this series...
The multi-part docuseries, which does not yet have a title, will explore the life and career of the Grammy-winning rapper and musician, delving into Megan’s upbringing in Houston, Texas, her personal and professional hurdles and how those have shaped the many layers of her personality. The project will use archival footage and new verité video that will further demonstrate how Megan rose from being a viral freestyling phenom to now an iconic cultural powerhouse.
“We are thrilled to be able to work with Roc Nation to share Megan’s story with the world. Millions of people are familiar with her as an entertainer, but this series...
- 3/24/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“This is so silly, I’m so sorry, y’all. This is supposed be a keynote speech!” Lizzo exclaimed halfway through her freewheeling keynote address on Sunday at South By Southwest. Sundays at SXSW are always a little sleepy, a situation not helped by this particular one arriving the day after clocks jumped forward an hour for Daylight Savings Time. So the vibe around the Austin Convention Center was understandably a little subdued — at least until Lizzo took the stage bedecked in a bright, outrageously checkered outfit, fighting back happy...
- 3/13/2022
- by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
- Rollingstone.com
All the rumors are true: Lizzo’s dance competition series, titled “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” is premiering on Amazon Prime Video next month.
The eight-episode unscripted show, which is Lizzo’s first project as part of her first-look deal with Amazon Studios, will premiere on the streaming service March 25.
According to the series’ official logline, it follows “global superstar and icon Lizzo, who is on the hunt for confident, bad-ass women to join the elite ranks of the Big Grrrls and join her world tour. With 10 hopeful women moving into the Big Grrrls House, they must prove they have what it takes to make it to the end and join Lizzo in front of a global audience on the center stage.”
“Girls like me don’t get representation,” Lizzo says in the trailer. “It’s time to roll up my sleeves and find them myself.”
Choreographer...
The eight-episode unscripted show, which is Lizzo’s first project as part of her first-look deal with Amazon Studios, will premiere on the streaming service March 25.
According to the series’ official logline, it follows “global superstar and icon Lizzo, who is on the hunt for confident, bad-ass women to join the elite ranks of the Big Grrrls and join her world tour. With 10 hopeful women moving into the Big Grrrls House, they must prove they have what it takes to make it to the end and join Lizzo in front of a global audience on the center stage.”
“Girls like me don’t get representation,” Lizzo says in the trailer. “It’s time to roll up my sleeves and find them myself.”
Choreographer...
- 2/17/2022
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
NewFest, New York’s LGBTQ+ film and media organization, on Friday unveiled the spring lineup for “NewFest Presents,” its monthly screening series taking place in-person at The LGBT Community Center in NYC, and streaming virtually through NewFest’s Virtual Screening Room nationwide. The announcement was made today by NewFest’s executive director David Hatkoff and director of programming Nick McCarthy.
NewFest Presents will showcase three new feature films from February through April 2022, with talent joining for in-person screenings. The films are Michiel Thomas’ true crime documentary Gemmel & Tim, exploring the lives and untimely passing of two gay Black men and the impact this had on the LGBTQ+ community; Nicola Mai’s narrative and documentary hybrid feature Caer, exploring the epidemics of U.S. incarceration and deportation, and making room for the women at the center of the violence to tell their own...
NewFest Presents will showcase three new feature films from February through April 2022, with talent joining for in-person screenings. The films are Michiel Thomas’ true crime documentary Gemmel & Tim, exploring the lives and untimely passing of two gay Black men and the impact this had on the LGBTQ+ community; Nicola Mai’s narrative and documentary hybrid feature Caer, exploring the epidemics of U.S. incarceration and deportation, and making room for the women at the center of the violence to tell their own...
- 1/28/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Charles D. King’s Macro Television Studios has teamed with Nigerian-American filmmaker, producer and activist Nneka Onuorah on Truth Be Told, her limited docuseries about the Black church. Macro will finance, produce and serve as the studio on the four-part docuseries, which is directed and executive produced by Onuorah via her Nneka Productions, LLC.
Truth Be Told takes a bold and honest look at the culture behind the walls of the Black church. It will feature interviews with Cedric the Entertainer, Tichina Arnold, Warryn & Erica Campbell, David & Tamela Mann and Kev on Stage, among others.
King, Marta Fernandez, Aisha Corpas Wynn executive produce for Macro. Andie Tedoso is associate producer.
The project is produced by Nneka Productions, LLC.
Onuorah’s projects focus on championing social justice across several mediums, including documentary features, series, live events, commercials, campaigns, and scripted features and series. She is best known for her debut feature,...
Truth Be Told takes a bold and honest look at the culture behind the walls of the Black church. It will feature interviews with Cedric the Entertainer, Tichina Arnold, Warryn & Erica Campbell, David & Tamela Mann and Kev on Stage, among others.
King, Marta Fernandez, Aisha Corpas Wynn executive produce for Macro. Andie Tedoso is associate producer.
The project is produced by Nneka Productions, LLC.
Onuorah’s projects focus on championing social justice across several mediums, including documentary features, series, live events, commercials, campaigns, and scripted features and series. She is best known for her debut feature,...
- 9/20/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Special attention is paid to facial expressions in Giselle Bailey and Nneka Onuorah’s The Legend of the Underground, a sensitive and nuanced HBO documentary about Nigerian youth who defy traditional gender roles and embrace fluid identities. In scenes of work and play, the camera closes in and lingers on the faces of these young people, forced to operate in the margins of society, long after they have stopped speaking. Their expressions — flitting between joy, contemplation and sorrow — reveal the quiet strength and tenacity needed to live life on their own terms.
To be gay, or perceived as gay, in Africa’s ...
To be gay, or perceived as gay, in Africa’s ...
- 6/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Special attention is paid to facial expressions in Giselle Bailey and Nneka Onuorah’s The Legend of the Underground, a sensitive and nuanced HBO documentary about Nigerian youth who defy traditional gender roles and embrace fluid identities. In scenes of work and play, the camera closes in and lingers on the faces of these young people, forced to operate in the margins of society, long after they have stopped speaking. Their expressions — flitting between joy, contemplation and sorrow — reveal the quiet strength and tenacity needed to live life on their own terms.
To be gay, or perceived as gay, in Africa’s ...
To be gay, or perceived as gay, in Africa’s ...
- 6/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Exclusive: UTA has signed Nigerian-America filmmaker, producer and activist Nneka Onuorah in all areas. Onuorah’s projects focus on championing social justice across several mediums, including documentary features, series, live events, commercials, campaigns, and scripted features and series.
Most recently, it was announced that her project with HBO, The Legend of the Underground, will debut Tuesday, June 29 on HBO and available to stream on HBO Max. The feature documentary, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival, is a timely look at the struggle against rampant discrimination in Nigeria today, as seen through the lens of several bold and charismatic, non-conformist youth who fight to live life out loud. Directed by Nneka Onuorah and Giselle Bailey, the film is executive produced by Mike Jackson, John Legend, Ty Stiklorius and Austyn Biggers of Get Lifted Film Co.
Onuorah is best known for her debut feature, The Same Difference, a documentary about internalized homophobia within the U.
Most recently, it was announced that her project with HBO, The Legend of the Underground, will debut Tuesday, June 29 on HBO and available to stream on HBO Max. The feature documentary, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival, is a timely look at the struggle against rampant discrimination in Nigeria today, as seen through the lens of several bold and charismatic, non-conformist youth who fight to live life out loud. Directed by Nneka Onuorah and Giselle Bailey, the film is executive produced by Mike Jackson, John Legend, Ty Stiklorius and Austyn Biggers of Get Lifted Film Co.
Onuorah is best known for her debut feature, The Same Difference, a documentary about internalized homophobia within the U.
- 6/1/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Outfest’s holiday fundraiser “’Twas the Night Before Give-Mas” on Monday night featured appearances by prominent Lgbtqia+ leaders and creatives, including Wilson Cruz, Margaret Cho, Charlie Carver, Candis Cayne, Alexandra Billings and “Veneno” star Jedet.
The evening helped raise funds for Outfest initiatives, including OutSet, a joint collaboration with the Los Angeles LGBT Center that empowers queer youth to share stories through film; the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project, which documents Lgbtqia+ history and Outfest Fusion People of Color Festival celebrating queer filmmakers of color. The event was co-sponsored by Variety and hosted by the magazine’s senior culture and events editor Marc Malkin. It was produced by Kyle Shea, who also co-wrote and co-directed with Mav Viola.
The line-up also included remarks and performances by Steve Canals, Ian Harvie, Cheyenne Jackson, Gretchen Wylder, Nikki and Jill Goldstein, Nneka Onuorah, Jeremy Glazer, Ally Pankiw, Shakina Nayfack and Sherry Cola.
“It was...
The evening helped raise funds for Outfest initiatives, including OutSet, a joint collaboration with the Los Angeles LGBT Center that empowers queer youth to share stories through film; the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project, which documents Lgbtqia+ history and Outfest Fusion People of Color Festival celebrating queer filmmakers of color. The event was co-sponsored by Variety and hosted by the magazine’s senior culture and events editor Marc Malkin. It was produced by Kyle Shea, who also co-wrote and co-directed with Mav Viola.
The line-up also included remarks and performances by Steve Canals, Ian Harvie, Cheyenne Jackson, Gretchen Wylder, Nikki and Jill Goldstein, Nneka Onuorah, Jeremy Glazer, Ally Pankiw, Shakina Nayfack and Sherry Cola.
“It was...
- 12/1/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Quibi announced new series Thursday that seeks to shine a light on influential Black women who have impacted American style, beauty and culture. Black Equals Beauty is the video platform’s latest title and comes from producers Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Holly Carter and Cassian Elwes. The Same Difference helmer Nneka Onuorah is set to direct the four-part series.
A wide-reaching look at the shifts in American culture, Black Equals Beauty seeks to celebrate and honor the Black women have fought against oppressive archetypes.
“There has never been a more important time to explore and elevate Black women’s contributions to American culture,” said Carter, founder and CEO of Relevé Entertainment. “We are honored to work with Nneka Onuorah to spotlight how Black beauty has inspired our culture throughout history through the perspectives of celebrities, trendsetters and everyday people. I’m committed to telling stories that elevate our voice.
A wide-reaching look at the shifts in American culture, Black Equals Beauty seeks to celebrate and honor the Black women have fought against oppressive archetypes.
“There has never been a more important time to explore and elevate Black women’s contributions to American culture,” said Carter, founder and CEO of Relevé Entertainment. “We are honored to work with Nneka Onuorah to spotlight how Black beauty has inspired our culture throughout history through the perspectives of celebrities, trendsetters and everyday people. I’m committed to telling stories that elevate our voice.
- 9/29/2020
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
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