Judas and the Black Messiah writer-director-producer Shaka King is expanding his work in television, signing a first-look deal with FX Productions. Under the pact, King will develop new TV series for FX through his recently launched production company I’d Watch That, with the company’s co-founder Brandon Harris.
King is the director, co-writer and producer behind the Oscar-nominated feature Judas and the Black Messiah, starring Lakeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya. The film, which marks his studio feature directorial debut, centers on Illinois Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton and his fateful betrayal by FBI informant William O’Neal. The feature was nominated for six Academy Awards, including a Best Original Screenplay nom for King as well as Best Picture, marking the first time an all-Black producing team has been recognized in the category.
“We at FX have long been fans of Shaka King’s work and are honored to partner...
King is the director, co-writer and producer behind the Oscar-nominated feature Judas and the Black Messiah, starring Lakeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya. The film, which marks his studio feature directorial debut, centers on Illinois Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton and his fateful betrayal by FBI informant William O’Neal. The feature was nominated for six Academy Awards, including a Best Original Screenplay nom for King as well as Best Picture, marking the first time an all-Black producing team has been recognized in the category.
“We at FX have long been fans of Shaka King’s work and are honored to partner...
- 10/1/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Lakeith Stanfield has stepped forward to denounce hate speech, after getting caught up in controversy involving anti-Semitic comments on Clubhouse.
The Clubhouse chat reportedly centered on the legacy of Louis Farrakhan, the American religious leader who is known for his anti-Semitic views. While Stanfield did not engage in hate speech himself, he was widely criticized for his presence at the virtual event, where he at one point was designated as a moderator.
In a recent interview with The Daily Beast, the Oscar-nominated actor explained that he was only at the Clubhouse chat to educate himself on Farrakhan and his views. “I definitely don’t align myself with Louis Farrakhan, I don’t stand by him,” he said. “Any kind of hate speech, I vehemently reject. That’s not up for debate, hate is not up for debate.”
The 29-year-old took the opportunity multiple times to make his stance on hate speech clear.
The Clubhouse chat reportedly centered on the legacy of Louis Farrakhan, the American religious leader who is known for his anti-Semitic views. While Stanfield did not engage in hate speech himself, he was widely criticized for his presence at the virtual event, where he at one point was designated as a moderator.
In a recent interview with The Daily Beast, the Oscar-nominated actor explained that he was only at the Clubhouse chat to educate himself on Farrakhan and his views. “I definitely don’t align myself with Louis Farrakhan, I don’t stand by him,” he said. “Any kind of hate speech, I vehemently reject. That’s not up for debate, hate is not up for debate.”
The 29-year-old took the opportunity multiple times to make his stance on hate speech clear.
- 5/15/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Video Version of this Article Photo/Video: Oscar Nominated Performances/Hollywood Insider YouTube Channel Over the years many Oscars have been won for portrayals of real-life people. Renée Zellweger won Best Actress in 2020 for playing Judy Garland. In 2019, Rami Malek won for his role as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury and Mahershala Ali won for playing piano maestro Dr. Don Shirley. This year, eight of the 20 acting nominees are nominated for their portrayals of real-life figures: Billie Holiday, Ma Rainey, Herman J. Mankiewicz, Marion Davies, Sam Cooke, Fred Hampton, William O’Neal, and Abbie Hoffman. Related article: Oscars 2021 Winners: The 93rd Show With Record-Breaking Historic Successes, Shocks and Surprises Related article: A Tribute To The Academy Awards: All Best Actor/Actress Speeches From The Beginning Of Oscars 1929-2019 | From Rami Malek, Leonardo DiCaprio To Marlon Brando & Beyond | From Olivia Colman, Meryl Streep To Bette Davis & Beyond Here are the 8 Real-Life Figures Behind...
- 4/27/2021
- by Caroline Schneider
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
British actor Daniel Kaluuya was up against Lakeith Stanfield, his co-star in director Shaka King’s Judas and the Black Messiah — the former for his turn as Fred Hampton, chairman of the Black Panther Party in Chicago, and the latter as William O’Neal, who became a Panther informant for the FBI — but many predicted Kaluuya would take home the Oscar, especially after winning both a BAFTA and Golden Globe for the role. And once his win for Best Supporting Actor was announced, he didn’t disappoint with his enthusiastic acceptance speech.
- 4/26/2021
- by Jerry Portwood
- Rollingstone.com
Lakeith Stanfield may not have won an Oscar, but he's certainly winning the night. On Sunday, April 25, the Judas and the Black Messiah actor had us in stiches over his hilarious social media activity during the 2021 Oscars. The 29-year-old actor, who was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of William O'Neal in Judas and the Black Messiah, first playfully roasted his very stylish Oscars ensemble. "Pulled up to the Oscars lookin like your uncle," Lakeith wrote alongside his '70s-inspired awards show look. "But since it's a dry bar I'm going back home. Good luck to the nominees tho!" Of course, Lakeith didn't stop there as he also shared a...
- 4/26/2021
- E! Online
Daniel Kaluuya, the British actor, who played the charismatic leader of the Black Panther Party, Fred Hampton, in Judas and the Black Messiah, has won the Oscar for supporting actor, describing in an emotional acceptance speech how inspired he was by his character and how lucky he felt.
“Peace, love, and onwards,” said Kaluuya, thanking Warner Bros. for “making a film a about Fred Hampton.”
“What a man. What a man! How blessed we are that we lived in in a life where he existed. Thank you for your light. He was on this earth for 21 years and found a way to feed kids, educate kids,” Kaluuya said. And, “There is so much work to do. This is not a single man job.”
Kaluuya was considered the frontrunner tonight, a show that, unusually, put him up against costar Lakeith Stanfield, who played William O’Neal,...
“Peace, love, and onwards,” said Kaluuya, thanking Warner Bros. for “making a film a about Fred Hampton.”
“What a man. What a man! How blessed we are that we lived in in a life where he existed. Thank you for your light. He was on this earth for 21 years and found a way to feed kids, educate kids,” Kaluuya said. And, “There is so much work to do. This is not a single man job.”
Kaluuya was considered the frontrunner tonight, a show that, unusually, put him up against costar Lakeith Stanfield, who played William O’Neal,...
- 4/26/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Daniel Kaluuya became one of the youngest actors ever to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor when he took home the award on Sunday for his performance in the film “Judas and the Black Messiah.” At just 32 years, 60 days old, he’s now the seventh youngest actor to win the category.
The “Black Panther” star, who was previously nominated for Best Actor for his performance in “Get Out” (2017), joins an elite group of young(ish) men that also includes Timothy Hutton, who is still the youngest male acting winner in Oscars history. He was just 20 years and 227 days old when he won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Ordinary People” in 1981. The five other men who were younger than Kaluuya when they took home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar were George Chakiris, the late Heath Ledger, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Jack Lemmon and Robert De Niro.
See Full list...
The “Black Panther” star, who was previously nominated for Best Actor for his performance in “Get Out” (2017), joins an elite group of young(ish) men that also includes Timothy Hutton, who is still the youngest male acting winner in Oscars history. He was just 20 years and 227 days old when he won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Ordinary People” in 1981. The five other men who were younger than Kaluuya when they took home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar were George Chakiris, the late Heath Ledger, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Jack Lemmon and Robert De Niro.
See Full list...
- 4/26/2021
- by Kaitlin Thomas
- Gold Derby
Since his breakthrough performance in “Short Term 12” eight years ago, Lakeith Stanfield has built an extensive resume of two dozen feature films. Three of these have contended for Best Picture at the Oscars, starting with “Selma” in 2015, then “Get Out” in 2018, and now “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Third time has proven to be the charm for Stanfield as he reaped a Best Supporting Actor bid.
He faces off against co-star Daniel Kaluuya as well as Sacha Baron Cohen (“The Trial of the Chicago 7”), Leslie Odom Jr. (“One Night in Miami”) and Paul Raci (“Sound of Metal”). For the first time in 11 years, all five nominees are new to this category. Kaluuya is the only veteran acting nominee, having earned a Best Actor bid for “Get Out” three years ago.
In “Judas and the Black Messiah,” Stanfield portrays William O’Neal, a petty criminal who, in order to avoid prosecution,...
He faces off against co-star Daniel Kaluuya as well as Sacha Baron Cohen (“The Trial of the Chicago 7”), Leslie Odom Jr. (“One Night in Miami”) and Paul Raci (“Sound of Metal”). For the first time in 11 years, all five nominees are new to this category. Kaluuya is the only veteran acting nominee, having earned a Best Actor bid for “Get Out” three years ago.
In “Judas and the Black Messiah,” Stanfield portrays William O’Neal, a petty criminal who, in order to avoid prosecution,...
- 4/22/2021
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Daniel Kaluuya emerged on the scene in 2017 with “Get Out,” a dark comedy hit that unexpectedly took the awards season by storm. He was nominated for his first Academy Award that year as the lead performance in the eventual Best Original Screenplay winner. This year, he contends in supporting for his portrayal of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party in “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Kaluuya has already won the Golden Globe, Critics Choice, BAFTA and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
In the Warner Bros. released, Kaluuya plays a man so persuasive as a progressive political figure that the FBI and Chicago Police Department orchestrated his assassination in 1969. As Hampton, Kaluuya weaves together a portrait of a man who falling in love with Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback) and inspiring a community of disenfranchised people with his powerful speeches. As the titular “Black Messiah,” Kaluuya plays...
In the Warner Bros. released, Kaluuya plays a man so persuasive as a progressive political figure that the FBI and Chicago Police Department orchestrated his assassination in 1969. As Hampton, Kaluuya weaves together a portrait of a man who falling in love with Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback) and inspiring a community of disenfranchised people with his powerful speeches. As the titular “Black Messiah,” Kaluuya plays...
- 4/22/2021
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
Back on December 4, 1969, Akua Njeri was Deborah Johnson, a 19-year old who was more than eight months pregnant with the child of her fiance Fred Hampton, the Chairman of the Chicago Chapter of the Black Panther Party. Through the Shaka King-directed Judas and the Black Messiah, the tragic events of that evening are detailed in a gory scene in which FBI and local law enforcement agents burst through the door where they and 10 others slept. They tossed aside the heavily pregnant Johnson (played by Dominique Fishback), and then gunned down Hampton (who’d been slipped a sedative by confidante/FBI informant William O’Neal) as part of the FBI Cointel program. Njeri and the son she gave birth to shortly after, Fred Hampton Jr, are the flame keepers of Chairman Fred’s memory, and they placed their faith in King and co-producers Ryan Coogler and Charles King to relive Hampton’s live as a revolutionary.
- 4/18/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Each of this year’s Best Picture nominees has survived a journey to cross the finish line, before earning the Academy’s consideration. Here’s how they came together.
The Father
Playwright Florian Zeller’s The Father enjoyed several award-winning runs on the stage before it made its evolution to film, but first-time feature film director Zeller had long been imagining moving his unnerving story of a man sliding into dementia to the big screen.
“For years I was dreaming about making that film. I would say it was a profound desire,” he says. Partly what drove him was the response to the play. “That play has been staged in many countries, and I was surprised and profoundly moved to see that everywhere, the response of the audience was always the same. They were always waiting for us after every performance, just to share their own stories.”
Zeller felt that...
The Father
Playwright Florian Zeller’s The Father enjoyed several award-winning runs on the stage before it made its evolution to film, but first-time feature film director Zeller had long been imagining moving his unnerving story of a man sliding into dementia to the big screen.
“For years I was dreaming about making that film. I would say it was a profound desire,” he says. Partly what drove him was the response to the play. “That play has been staged in many countries, and I was surprised and profoundly moved to see that everywhere, the response of the audience was always the same. They were always waiting for us after every performance, just to share their own stories.”
Zeller felt that...
- 4/17/2021
- by Antonia Blyth, Joe Utichi, Mike Fleming Jr, Damon Wise and Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
It took 10 years and the fortuitous meeting of four writers to tell the story of how Fred Hampton, the inspiring leader of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panthers, was murdered by the FBI with the help of William O’Neal, an informant who infiltrated the Illinois chapter of the party.
Kenny and Keith Lucas, twin brothers known for their comedy work as the Lucas Brothers, had been working on a script about Hampton when they brought it up to director Shaka King, who signed on to co-write and direct. “Fred is just one of those figures that ...
Kenny and Keith Lucas, twin brothers known for their comedy work as the Lucas Brothers, had been working on a script about Hampton when they brought it up to director Shaka King, who signed on to co-write and direct. “Fred is just one of those figures that ...
- 4/16/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It took 10 years and the fortuitous meeting of four writers to tell the story of how Fred Hampton, the inspiring leader of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panthers, was murdered by the FBI with the help of William O’Neal, an informant who infiltrated the Illinois chapter of the party.
Kenny and Keith Lucas, twin brothers known for their comedy work as the Lucas Brothers, had been working on a script about Hampton when they brought it up to director Shaka King, who signed on to co-write and direct. “Fred is just one of those figures that ...
Kenny and Keith Lucas, twin brothers known for their comedy work as the Lucas Brothers, had been working on a script about Hampton when they brought it up to director Shaka King, who signed on to co-write and direct. “Fred is just one of those figures that ...
- 4/16/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Judas And The Black Messiah producer will create event-driven content across film, television, music podcasts.
Ryan Coogler, fellow Judas And The Black Messiah producer Zinzi Coogler, writer-producer Sev Ohanian, Oscar-winning music producer Ludwig Göransson (Black Panther), RCA Records SVP of marketing Archie Davis, and filmmaker Peter Nicks (The Waiting Room) have launched multi-media company Proximity.
Proximity’s first producer credit was on Warner Bros/HBO Max release Judas And The Black Messiah alongside MacRo, Participant Media, and Bron Creative.
The true story of FBI informant William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) and Illinois Black Panthers chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) is in...
Ryan Coogler, fellow Judas And The Black Messiah producer Zinzi Coogler, writer-producer Sev Ohanian, Oscar-winning music producer Ludwig Göransson (Black Panther), RCA Records SVP of marketing Archie Davis, and filmmaker Peter Nicks (The Waiting Room) have launched multi-media company Proximity.
Proximity’s first producer credit was on Warner Bros/HBO Max release Judas And The Black Messiah alongside MacRo, Participant Media, and Bron Creative.
The true story of FBI informant William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) and Illinois Black Panthers chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) is in...
- 4/15/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
H.E.R. performed her song from the Judas and the Black Messiah soundtrack, “Fight for You,” on The Tonight Show Monday, April 12th.
The performance appeared to be filmed in one long shot, and it opened with H.E.R. singing the track and playing drums in an otherwise empty alley. By the song’s end, however, H.E.R. had shuffled to the other end of the street where she delivered the soulful protest song alongside her full band.
“Fight for You” was recently nominated for Best Original Song at this year’s Oscars.
The performance appeared to be filmed in one long shot, and it opened with H.E.R. singing the track and playing drums in an otherwise empty alley. By the song’s end, however, H.E.R. had shuffled to the other end of the street where she delivered the soulful protest song alongside her full band.
“Fight for You” was recently nominated for Best Original Song at this year’s Oscars.
- 4/13/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
H.E.R. has released a new video for her song, “Fight for You,” which appears on the soundtrack for the film, Judas and the Black Messiah.
The clip sets the singer’s graceful soul protest song to a condensed, but impactful, overview of the history of the Black Panther Party and its leader Fred Hampton. The video blends archival footage with scenes from Judas and the Black Messiah as it covers the work the Black Panthers did for their communities, Hampton’s rise to chairman, the increased scrutiny of the police...
The clip sets the singer’s graceful soul protest song to a condensed, but impactful, overview of the history of the Black Panther Party and its leader Fred Hampton. The video blends archival footage with scenes from Judas and the Black Messiah as it covers the work the Black Panthers did for their communities, Hampton’s rise to chairman, the increased scrutiny of the police...
- 4/5/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
When director Shaka King was looking for an artist to deliver the end credit song for “Judas and the Black Messiah,” he went to Grammy winner H.E.R.
Of the qualities that made her the perfect artist to complete the task, he says, “versatility in musicianship, soul, artistic and personal integrity. She’s a throwback.”
King’s approach was to give the Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter notes about what he didn’t want. He says, “I really wanted to give her as much space creatively as possible – while expressing a desire to hear something contemporary with echoes of 1968. When I heard the Curtis Mayfield inspiration, I was like, ‘Yes!’”
The end result was “Fight for You,” which she wrote with D’Mile and Tiara Thomas. The song has flavors of Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone and Sly and the Family Stone, and is reminiscent of the revolutionary sounds of the 1960s.
The film tells the...
Of the qualities that made her the perfect artist to complete the task, he says, “versatility in musicianship, soul, artistic and personal integrity. She’s a throwback.”
King’s approach was to give the Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter notes about what he didn’t want. He says, “I really wanted to give her as much space creatively as possible – while expressing a desire to hear something contemporary with echoes of 1968. When I heard the Curtis Mayfield inspiration, I was like, ‘Yes!’”
The end result was “Fight for You,” which she wrote with D’Mile and Tiara Thomas. The song has flavors of Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone and Sly and the Family Stone, and is reminiscent of the revolutionary sounds of the 1960s.
The film tells the...
- 4/5/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars from Film Awards Editor Clayton Davis. Following Academy Awards history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Oscar predictions are updated regularly with the current year's contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. Eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and will be displayed next to revision date.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 SAG Awards Predictions:
Best Performance By A Male Actor In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture
Updated: Apr. 1, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: This is the last stand for Sacha Baron Cohen (“The Trial of the Chicago 7”) or Leslie Odom Jr (“One Night in Miami...
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 SAG Awards Predictions:
Best Performance By A Male Actor In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture
Updated: Apr. 1, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: This is the last stand for Sacha Baron Cohen (“The Trial of the Chicago 7”) or Leslie Odom Jr (“One Night in Miami...
- 4/1/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Twins Kenny and Keith Lucas, known collectively as The Lucas Brothers, have built comedy careers out of their laidback – some have called it “stoner” – style of comedy. They were named two of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” in 2014 and are probably best known for roles in “22 Jump Street,” their Netflix comedy special “On Drugs” and their animated series “Lucas Bros. Moving Co.”
So, it’s somewhat surprising that the duo has just earned Academy Award nominations for their work on the original screenplay of “Judas and the Black Messiah,” a film that portrays the betrayal of Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton by William O’Neal, a petty criminal who infiltrated the party on behalf of the FBI.
On this week’s episode of Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, the Lucas Brothers admit that when they when they first started pitching the film, it wasn’t what people expected. “Honestly, the...
So, it’s somewhat surprising that the duo has just earned Academy Award nominations for their work on the original screenplay of “Judas and the Black Messiah,” a film that portrays the betrayal of Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton by William O’Neal, a petty criminal who infiltrated the party on behalf of the FBI.
On this week’s episode of Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, the Lucas Brothers admit that when they when they first started pitching the film, it wasn’t what people expected. “Honestly, the...
- 3/26/2021
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Andra Day was just 11 years old when she first heard Billie Holiday’s iconic anti-lynching song “Strange Fruit.” She recalls “prostrating before the speaker, just listening. It was scary and I just felt overwhelming sadness.”
Even at that young age, Day says she wanted to help Holiday and “whatever it was she was singing about.” As she got older, the truth behind the lyrics took the deeper meaning, resonating with her. “She was holding a mirror up to the nation,” Day says.
Now, the singer and actress is earning rave reviews for her performance as Holiday in the Lee Daniels-helmed film “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday.” The movie follows Holiday as she is targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics, who wanted her to stop singing “Strange Fruit.” The defiant Holiday refused and under the guise of drug abuse, the Fbn continued to pursue her.
Day recently won...
Even at that young age, Day says she wanted to help Holiday and “whatever it was she was singing about.” As she got older, the truth behind the lyrics took the deeper meaning, resonating with her. “She was holding a mirror up to the nation,” Day says.
Now, the singer and actress is earning rave reviews for her performance as Holiday in the Lee Daniels-helmed film “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday.” The movie follows Holiday as she is targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics, who wanted her to stop singing “Strange Fruit.” The defiant Holiday refused and under the guise of drug abuse, the Fbn continued to pursue her.
Day recently won...
- 3/25/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
If there’s one thing we know to be true about Oscar voters, it’s that they love to award young women and old men for their acting prowess. That’s why it would be noteworthy if Daniel Kaluuya took home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Judas and the Black Messiah” come April 25, as he would become the seventh youngest actor to ever win the award, at just 32 years, 60 days old.
Kaluuya, who is competing alongside his “Judas” co-star Lakeith Stanfield after voters nominated the latter actor in supporting instead of lead where he was campaigning, is currently in first place in Gold Derby’s combined odds to win the Oscar. Thirteen Experts are currently predicting him to triumph over the competition, which includes, in order, Sacha Baron Cohen, Leslie Odom, Jr., Paul Raci and Stanfield (9/2 odds).
Should he prevail, Kaluuya will join an...
Kaluuya, who is competing alongside his “Judas” co-star Lakeith Stanfield after voters nominated the latter actor in supporting instead of lead where he was campaigning, is currently in first place in Gold Derby’s combined odds to win the Oscar. Thirteen Experts are currently predicting him to triumph over the competition, which includes, in order, Sacha Baron Cohen, Leslie Odom, Jr., Paul Raci and Stanfield (9/2 odds).
Should he prevail, Kaluuya will join an...
- 3/23/2021
- by Kaitlin Thomas
- Gold Derby
Keith and Kenny Lucas were two of the writers on “Judas and the Black Messiah,” alongside Will Berson and the film’s director, Shaka King. The four were just nominated at the Oscars in Best Original Screenplay for the film.
The Lucas brothers spoke with Gold Derby senior editor Daniel Montgomery before the Oscar nominations about how the story of Fred Hampton and William O’Neal affected them personally, the influx of Black cinema in recent years and how the film is resonating today despite being a period piece. Watch the exclusive interview above and read the complete transcript below.
SEEHow to watch ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’
Gd: Your work was recently nominated for a Writers Guild Award alongside Shaka King and Will Berson. Did it mean a lot to be recognized by writers in the industry for this?
Keith Lucas: Oh, yeah. It’s a huge honor. Being...
The Lucas brothers spoke with Gold Derby senior editor Daniel Montgomery before the Oscar nominations about how the story of Fred Hampton and William O’Neal affected them personally, the influx of Black cinema in recent years and how the film is resonating today despite being a period piece. Watch the exclusive interview above and read the complete transcript below.
SEEHow to watch ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’
Gd: Your work was recently nominated for a Writers Guild Award alongside Shaka King and Will Berson. Did it mean a lot to be recognized by writers in the industry for this?
Keith Lucas: Oh, yeah. It’s a huge honor. Being...
- 3/21/2021
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
If you went with the Gold Derby odds to make your Oscar predictions, then you got 19 of the 20 acting nominees correct. The one we missed (and likely everyone did as well): Lakeith Stanfield for “Judas and the Black Messiah” in Best Supporting Actor. Because we had him in lead, where he was campaigned and was in 11th place. The shocking thing is not just that Stanfield got in — with zero precursors — but that both he and co-star Daniel Kaluuya, who had been campaigned in supporting and is the favorite to win, made the supporting actor final five. For a two-hander film in which they play the title characters. So how the hell did this happen?
Obviously we don’t know for sure and we, sadly, do not have access to the vote totals, but we have a very plausible theory. As most Oscar fans know, academy voters can nominate...
Obviously we don’t know for sure and we, sadly, do not have access to the vote totals, but we have a very plausible theory. As most Oscar fans know, academy voters can nominate...
- 3/16/2021
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
When Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas announced the nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards, the most shocking inclusion was Lakeith Stanfield in best supporting actor for his performance in Warner Bros’ “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Not surprising from the standpoint of quality, as he delivers a career-best turn as William O’Neal — an FBI informant that betrays the trust of his friend Fred Hampton, who is played by his fellow nominee and Oscar frontrunner Daniel Kaluuya — but shocking because he campaigned in lead actor.
Kaluuya and Stanfield’s categorization has been debated within social media circles, believing that the former is the co-lead of Shaka King’s historical drama and should have campaigned there appropriately. Even on my personal ballot, I recognized Kaluuya in the lead actor lineup. One theory was that the acting branch might have seen the film as an ensemble piece, similar to “The Trial of the Chicago 7,...
Kaluuya and Stanfield’s categorization has been debated within social media circles, believing that the former is the co-lead of Shaka King’s historical drama and should have campaigned there appropriately. Even on my personal ballot, I recognized Kaluuya in the lead actor lineup. One theory was that the acting branch might have seen the film as an ensemble piece, similar to “The Trial of the Chicago 7,...
- 3/16/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Just a day after winning two Grammys, renowned R&b artist H.E.R. earned her first Oscar nomination. The nom came in recognition of her original song “Fight for You,” which she penned and performed for Warner Bros. Pictures’ Judas and the Black Messiah.
For H.E.R., the recognition on the part of the Academy means the world. “I couldn’t believe it. You know, I feel like I’m part of history, I’m making history, and I’m doing what I love. So, it’s all really a blessing,” she told Deadline. “To be spreading such an important message, and hopefully, leading this generation into some changes, I pray that’s what I’m doing.”
From the artist’s perspective, both Judas and its “uptempo, soulful” end title track arrived at just the right time. “It’s the perfect time because in 2020, we had to be still, and we witnessed very hurtful,...
For H.E.R., the recognition on the part of the Academy means the world. “I couldn’t believe it. You know, I feel like I’m part of history, I’m making history, and I’m doing what I love. So, it’s all really a blessing,” she told Deadline. “To be spreading such an important message, and hopefully, leading this generation into some changes, I pray that’s what I’m doing.”
From the artist’s perspective, both Judas and its “uptempo, soulful” end title track arrived at just the right time. “It’s the perfect time because in 2020, we had to be still, and we witnessed very hurtful,...
- 3/15/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
While Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon could hardly be accused of setting the box office on fire, the animated film held over the weekend and easily outstripped the competition.
Indeed, the box office office rankings look little different than last week, as new releases Cosmic Sin, Then Came You, Judas and the Black Messiah did middling numbers.
Overall, the top 20 films made $5 million, or 13 per down on the previous, with the box office sluggish ahead of new releases such as Godzilla Vs. Kong and Peter Rabbit 2 later this month.
Local feature doc Girls Can’t Surf, from Madman, bowed shy of the top 10 on $103,818 from 113 screens, taking it to a respectable $344,961 with previews.
Directed by Christopher Nelius, the film tells the story of how a “ragtag bunch of inspired, punk girls” took on the male-dominated sport of professional surfing in order to achieve equality. Featured are surfing greats Jodie Cooper,...
Indeed, the box office office rankings look little different than last week, as new releases Cosmic Sin, Then Came You, Judas and the Black Messiah did middling numbers.
Overall, the top 20 films made $5 million, or 13 per down on the previous, with the box office sluggish ahead of new releases such as Godzilla Vs. Kong and Peter Rabbit 2 later this month.
Local feature doc Girls Can’t Surf, from Madman, bowed shy of the top 10 on $103,818 from 113 screens, taking it to a respectable $344,961 with previews.
Directed by Christopher Nelius, the film tells the story of how a “ragtag bunch of inspired, punk girls” took on the male-dominated sport of professional surfing in order to achieve equality. Featured are surfing greats Jodie Cooper,...
- 3/15/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield give award-worthy performances as party leader Fred Hampton and the man who betrayed him
In the Oscar-tipped current release The United States vs Billie Holiday, a federal agent with deeply divided loyalties is dispatched to infiltrate and undermine a powerful voice of civil rights. That scenario is echoed in this superior “Inspired By True Events” drama from director and co-writer Shaka King, in which Lakeith Stanfield plays a petty car thief strong-armed into spying on prominent Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, charismatically portrayed by dead-cert Oscar contender Daniel Kaluuya.
“A badge is scarier than a gun,” explains William O’Neal (Stanfield) when he’s arrested for impersonating an FBI agent to steal a flashy ride. “It’s like you got a whole damn army behind you.” Instead, he now has agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons) on his case, offering him a choice between several years in prison or becoming an informant.
In the Oscar-tipped current release The United States vs Billie Holiday, a federal agent with deeply divided loyalties is dispatched to infiltrate and undermine a powerful voice of civil rights. That scenario is echoed in this superior “Inspired By True Events” drama from director and co-writer Shaka King, in which Lakeith Stanfield plays a petty car thief strong-armed into spying on prominent Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, charismatically portrayed by dead-cert Oscar contender Daniel Kaluuya.
“A badge is scarier than a gun,” explains William O’Neal (Stanfield) when he’s arrested for impersonating an FBI agent to steal a flashy ride. “It’s like you got a whole damn army behind you.” Instead, he now has agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons) on his case, offering him a choice between several years in prison or becoming an informant.
- 3/14/2021
- by Mark Kermode Observer film critic
- The Guardian - Film News
Daniel Kaluuya emerged on the scene in 2017 with “Get Out,” a dark comedy hit that unexpectedly took the awards season by storm. He was nominated for his first two Screen Actors Guild awards that year, for his lead performance and as part of the ensemble. This year, he contends in supporting for “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Kaluuya is fresh off of Golden Globe and Critics Choice wins for the performance.
In the Warner Bros. film, Kaluuya portrays Fred Hampton, chairman of the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party, a man so persuasive as a progressive political figure that the FBI and Chicago Police Department orchestrated his assassination in 1969. As Hampton, Kaluuya weaves together a portrait of a man who is in one palm falling in love with an equally young Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback) and in the other, inspiring a community of disenfranchised people with his powerful speeches.
In the Warner Bros. film, Kaluuya portrays Fred Hampton, chairman of the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party, a man so persuasive as a progressive political figure that the FBI and Chicago Police Department orchestrated his assassination in 1969. As Hampton, Kaluuya weaves together a portrait of a man who is in one palm falling in love with an equally young Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback) and in the other, inspiring a community of disenfranchised people with his powerful speeches.
- 3/11/2021
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
Daniel Kaluuya plays Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton in the new film “Judas and the Black Messiah.” He has won the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award for his performance in addition to a nomination from the SAG Awards.
Kaluuya recently spoke with Gold Derby senior editor Daniel Montgomery about the research process for playing Hampton, the weight of the role itself and what he hopes audiences will get from the film. Watch the exclusive interview above and read the complete transcript below.
See(Almost) all of our Editors now predict Daniel Kaluuya (‘Judas and the Black Messiah’) to win Oscar
Gold Derby: You star as Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton in “Judas and the Black Messiah.” He was assassinated by the FBI when he was just 21 but he wasn’t as widely known as other civil rights figures of the era. Were you reluctant at all to take...
Kaluuya recently spoke with Gold Derby senior editor Daniel Montgomery about the research process for playing Hampton, the weight of the role itself and what he hopes audiences will get from the film. Watch the exclusive interview above and read the complete transcript below.
See(Almost) all of our Editors now predict Daniel Kaluuya (‘Judas and the Black Messiah’) to win Oscar
Gold Derby: You star as Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton in “Judas and the Black Messiah.” He was assassinated by the FBI when he was just 21 but he wasn’t as widely known as other civil rights figures of the era. Were you reluctant at all to take...
- 3/10/2021
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
From The Deuce to Random Acts of Flyness to The Hate U Give to Project Power, Dominique Fishback has built an acting career that has a strong foundation of perspective and point of view. With her most recent role in Judas and the Black Messiah, Fishback takes her career to a new level.
The film directed by Shaka King, who co-wrote the script with Will Berson, chronicles the lives of Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield), who served as an FBI informant to help silence Hampton and the Party. Fishback takes a powerful turn as Hampton’s fellow revolutionary and romantic interest Deborah Johnson (who is now known as Akua Njeri). The film speaks true to today’s landscape of Black Lives Matter and social justice — even though the real-life events took place in the 1960s.
Fishback...
The film directed by Shaka King, who co-wrote the script with Will Berson, chronicles the lives of Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield), who served as an FBI informant to help silence Hampton and the Party. Fishback takes a powerful turn as Hampton’s fellow revolutionary and romantic interest Deborah Johnson (who is now known as Akua Njeri). The film speaks true to today’s landscape of Black Lives Matter and social justice — even though the real-life events took place in the 1960s.
Fishback...
- 3/9/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s not quite a reunion, but two “Black Panther” (2018) actors could become Oscar winners on the same night come April 25. Chadwick Boseman, the late actor who portrayed T’Challa, aka the Black Panther, in multiple Marvel films, and Daniel Kaluuya, who portrayed T’Challa’s best friend W’Kabi in the “Black Panther” solo film, are both poised to receive Oscar nominations on Monday — and both men are currently frontrunners in their respective races.
Boseman, who died Aug. 28 after a silent and secret battle with stage four colon cancer, is contending for Best Actor for his performance in the Netflix film “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which hit the streaming service late last year. It would be the actor’s first Oscar nomination (he’s also in the running for a supporting bid for “Da 5 Bloods”) and win, but not his first award for this performance. Boseman has already...
Boseman, who died Aug. 28 after a silent and secret battle with stage four colon cancer, is contending for Best Actor for his performance in the Netflix film “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which hit the streaming service late last year. It would be the actor’s first Oscar nomination (he’s also in the running for a supporting bid for “Da 5 Bloods”) and win, but not his first award for this performance. Boseman has already...
- 3/9/2021
- by Kaitlin Thomas
- Gold Derby
Lakeith Stanfield plays real-life FBI informant William O’Neal in the new film “Judas and the Black Messiah.” He stars opposite Daniel Kaluuya as Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton.
Stanfield recently spoke with Gold Derby senior editor Daniel Montgomery about what he knew about O’Neal’s story heading into “Judas and the Black Messiah,” working opposite Kaluuya and what he hopes people will take away from the film. Watch the exclusive webchat above and read the complete transcript below.
SEEDaniel Kaluuya interview: ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’
Gold Derby: First off, was this a story you were previously familiar with or were you learning a lot through this process?
Lakeith Stanfield: Both. I was previously familiar with it loosely. When I was younger I had done my own research of Fred Hampton, sort of talked about him in school. Yeah, I learned a lot more during the research period.
Gd:...
Stanfield recently spoke with Gold Derby senior editor Daniel Montgomery about what he knew about O’Neal’s story heading into “Judas and the Black Messiah,” working opposite Kaluuya and what he hopes people will take away from the film. Watch the exclusive webchat above and read the complete transcript below.
SEEDaniel Kaluuya interview: ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’
Gold Derby: First off, was this a story you were previously familiar with or were you learning a lot through this process?
Lakeith Stanfield: Both. I was previously familiar with it loosely. When I was younger I had done my own research of Fred Hampton, sort of talked about him in school. Yeah, I learned a lot more during the research period.
Gd:...
- 3/8/2021
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
Stephen Cohen (D-tn), the U.S. Representative from Tennessee’s 9th congressional district since 2007, has reintroduced a bill to strip J. Edgar Hoover’s name from the FBI building in Washington, DC. Cohen was inspired to take charge after seeing Shaka King’s “Judas and the Black Messiah.” As reported by Deadline, Cohen is working with lawmakers on the bill in the aftermath of the movie, which tells the story of Illinois Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), whose death was tied to party infiltration by FBI informant William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield). In the film, Hoover is played by Martin Sheen.
“The movie is a clear depiction of [Hoover’s] efforts to impeded the civil rights movement,” Cohen said. Though “Judas and the Black Messiah” hasn’t screened in Washington due to the pandemic, Cohen reportedly saw the movie several weeks ago and the next day got to work with...
“The movie is a clear depiction of [Hoover’s] efforts to impeded the civil rights movement,” Cohen said. Though “Judas and the Black Messiah” hasn’t screened in Washington due to the pandemic, Cohen reportedly saw the movie several weeks ago and the next day got to work with...
- 3/8/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-tn) said that he had no contact with the team behind Judas and the Black Messiah before he and other lawmakers reintroduced a bill to strip J. Edgar Hoover’s name from the FBI building.
“The movie is a clear depiction of his efforts to impede the civil rights movement,” Cohen said in an interview.
Award season typically sees a smattering of topical movies screened before lawmakers in D.C. or at the White House, but that hasn’t happened this year due to Covid-19 restrictions. Cohen said he watched the movie about three weeks ago and, inspired by it, called his staff the next day to work on reintroducing the legislation.
The movie tells the story of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield), who served as an FBI informant to help silence him. The movie...
“The movie is a clear depiction of his efforts to impede the civil rights movement,” Cohen said in an interview.
Award season typically sees a smattering of topical movies screened before lawmakers in D.C. or at the White House, but that hasn’t happened this year due to Covid-19 restrictions. Cohen said he watched the movie about three weeks ago and, inspired by it, called his staff the next day to work on reintroducing the legislation.
The movie tells the story of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield), who served as an FBI informant to help silence him. The movie...
- 3/8/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
London, March 5: British actor Daniel Kaluuya has always been vocal about witnessing racism all around, yet he admits never being aware of "awakening a community". This was something he says he only realised after preparing for his role of Fred Hampton in the upcoming film Judas And The Black Messiah.
Kaluuya has already won a Golden Globe as Best Supporting Actor for his role of Hampton and is also garnering an Oscar buzz.
The biographical film tells the story of Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in Chicago of the late 1960s. Hampton was betrayed by FBI informer William O'Neal (Lakeith Stanfield).
"The message in Chairman Fred Hampton's words and ideas - his ultimate purpose - is to awaken his community. He doesn't want them just to be free. He wants them to free themselves. I think that's such a rational and clear way to empower others.
Kaluuya has already won a Golden Globe as Best Supporting Actor for his role of Hampton and is also garnering an Oscar buzz.
The biographical film tells the story of Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in Chicago of the late 1960s. Hampton was betrayed by FBI informer William O'Neal (Lakeith Stanfield).
"The message in Chairman Fred Hampton's words and ideas - his ultimate purpose - is to awaken his community. He doesn't want them just to be free. He wants them to free themselves. I think that's such a rational and clear way to empower others.
- 3/5/2021
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
In “Judas and the Black Messiah,” Lakeith Stanfield plays William O’Neal, the FBI informant recruited to infiltrate the Illinois Black Panther Party.
Costume designer Charlese Antoinette Jones breaks down how she wanted to present O’Neal in the film’s opening scenes, and what shows influenced one of his early looks when we first meet his character. Antoinette Jones discusses the use of green and how it became a symbol of greed in his character, and the more money he makes from being an informant — because soon enough, O’Neal becomes a part of the Black Panther Party and local chairman Fred Hampton’s (Daniel Kaluuya) inner circle of friends.
The Coat
“This look is a disguise. It was scripted as a disguise. Director Shaka King and I spoke about the TV show ‘FBI,’ and that served as the inspiration for his disguise. I used actual images from the show for the color and silhouette.
Costume designer Charlese Antoinette Jones breaks down how she wanted to present O’Neal in the film’s opening scenes, and what shows influenced one of his early looks when we first meet his character. Antoinette Jones discusses the use of green and how it became a symbol of greed in his character, and the more money he makes from being an informant — because soon enough, O’Neal becomes a part of the Black Panther Party and local chairman Fred Hampton’s (Daniel Kaluuya) inner circle of friends.
The Coat
“This look is a disguise. It was scripted as a disguise. Director Shaka King and I spoke about the TV show ‘FBI,’ and that served as the inspiration for his disguise. I used actual images from the show for the color and silhouette.
- 3/4/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars from Film Awards Editor Clayton Davis. Following Academy Awards history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Oscar predictions are updated regularly with the current year's contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. Eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and will be displayed next to revision date.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Screenplay
Updated: Mar. 4, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: Sorkin may be the most nominated screenwriter at the Golden Globes, with eight of his nine feature scripts garnering nominations, with the exception of “Malice” (1993)., but Oscars is something different. While he feels definitively safe for a nomination,...
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Screenplay
Updated: Mar. 4, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: Sorkin may be the most nominated screenwriter at the Golden Globes, with eight of his nine feature scripts garnering nominations, with the exception of “Malice” (1993)., but Oscars is something different. While he feels definitively safe for a nomination,...
- 3/4/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars from Film Awards Editor Clayton Davis. Following Academy Awards history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Oscar predictions are updated regularly with the current year's contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. Eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and will be displayed next to revision date.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 Oscars Predictions:
Best Cinematography
Updated: Mar. 4, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: Łukasz Żal got into this race for “Cold War” and this category never has just newcomers so expect his work for “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” to make some headway, perhaps even with American Society of Cinematographers.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 Oscars Predictions:
Best Cinematography
Updated: Mar. 4, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: Łukasz Żal got into this race for “Cold War” and this category never has just newcomers so expect his work for “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” to make some headway, perhaps even with American Society of Cinematographers.
- 3/4/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars from Film Awards Editor Clayton Davis. Following Academy Awards history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Oscar predictions are updated regularly with the current year's contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. Eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and will be displayed next to revision date.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Song
Updated: Mar. 4, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: Have we arrived at the moment in time where 11-time Oscar-nominee Diane Warren is going to win an Oscar? After walking away with the Golden Globe for “Io Si (Seen)” from “The Life Ahead,...
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Song
Updated: Mar. 4, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: Have we arrived at the moment in time where 11-time Oscar-nominee Diane Warren is going to win an Oscar? After walking away with the Golden Globe for “Io Si (Seen)” from “The Life Ahead,...
- 3/4/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Aside from being well-made and effective as a movie, Warner Bros.’ “Judas and the Black Messiah” has a goal: to counter decades of government lies about the Black Panther Party.
The party was founded by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in 1966, and ceased operations in 1982. The film, which started streaming Feb. 12, centers on the 1969 murder of Bpp leader Fred Hampton and his betrayal by colleague (and FBI informant) William O’Neal.
“Judas,” directed by Shaka King, who wrote the script with Will Berson, from a story by Keith Lucas and Kenneth Lucas, is a contender in the Oscar races.
King had been interested in a project about Hampton, and found out Berson had already written a script; they worked together to merge their two approaches.
King tells Variety, “CoIntelPro was out to destroy the Black Panther party and the radical left. This is an opportunity to shed light on an important topic,...
The party was founded by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in 1966, and ceased operations in 1982. The film, which started streaming Feb. 12, centers on the 1969 murder of Bpp leader Fred Hampton and his betrayal by colleague (and FBI informant) William O’Neal.
“Judas,” directed by Shaka King, who wrote the script with Will Berson, from a story by Keith Lucas and Kenneth Lucas, is a contender in the Oscar races.
King had been interested in a project about Hampton, and found out Berson had already written a script; they worked together to merge their two approaches.
King tells Variety, “CoIntelPro was out to destroy the Black Panther party and the radical left. This is an opportunity to shed light on an important topic,...
- 3/1/2021
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
We knew the 2021 Golden Globes would be a night like no other — and that includes the time-honored tradition of the winners press conference.
Usually situated in the cushy back ballrooms of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, where dressed up journalists toss back free diet coke and pasta salad while mingling with publicists and talent, the coronavirus pandemic forced the event to Zoom.
Journalists from around the globe brought their best virtual backgrounds for the night’s first big winner Daniel Kaluuya, who took best supporting actor in a motion picture for “Judas and the Black Messiah.”
The press conference setting in the winners room at the Globes is far more unpredictable than the event’s hurried and polite red carpet, and usually allows for spontaneity. This year, the Hollywood Foreign Press asked journalists to submit questions for consideration ahead of each winner appearance.
Kaluuya, whose on-air acceptance speech was plagued with technical difficulties,...
Usually situated in the cushy back ballrooms of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, where dressed up journalists toss back free diet coke and pasta salad while mingling with publicists and talent, the coronavirus pandemic forced the event to Zoom.
Journalists from around the globe brought their best virtual backgrounds for the night’s first big winner Daniel Kaluuya, who took best supporting actor in a motion picture for “Judas and the Black Messiah.”
The press conference setting in the winners room at the Globes is far more unpredictable than the event’s hurried and polite red carpet, and usually allows for spontaneity. This year, the Hollywood Foreign Press asked journalists to submit questions for consideration ahead of each winner appearance.
Kaluuya, whose on-air acceptance speech was plagued with technical difficulties,...
- 3/1/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
(Spoiler alert: This article discusses the ending of “Judas and the Black Messiah”)
Director Shaka King’s late-breaking awards hopeful “Judas and the Black Messiah” was filmed almost entirely in Cleveland with veteran cinematographer Sean Bobbitt (“12 Years a Slave”) operating the camera. Bobbitt’s framing and his penchant for real locations over backlot sets is on full display throughout the entirety of the movie, as the moving camera often travels from an exterior into an interior in one unbroken take.
But for the film’s climactic scene, the brutal assassination on December 4, 1969, of 21-year-old Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton in an FBI raid, the filmmakers used a set.
Bobbitt, who spoke to TheWrap from aboard his houseboat on the River Thames, explained both the thought process and the physical demand of filming Hampton’s assassination scene.
“Judas and the Black Messiah,” co-starring Lakeith Stanfield as FBI informant William O’Neal...
Director Shaka King’s late-breaking awards hopeful “Judas and the Black Messiah” was filmed almost entirely in Cleveland with veteran cinematographer Sean Bobbitt (“12 Years a Slave”) operating the camera. Bobbitt’s framing and his penchant for real locations over backlot sets is on full display throughout the entirety of the movie, as the moving camera often travels from an exterior into an interior in one unbroken take.
But for the film’s climactic scene, the brutal assassination on December 4, 1969, of 21-year-old Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton in an FBI raid, the filmmakers used a set.
Bobbitt, who spoke to TheWrap from aboard his houseboat on the River Thames, explained both the thought process and the physical demand of filming Hampton’s assassination scene.
“Judas and the Black Messiah,” co-starring Lakeith Stanfield as FBI informant William O’Neal...
- 2/26/2021
- by Joe McGovern
- The Wrap
When Jordan Peele‘s “Get Out” was released four years ago, it was heavily praised as one of the most subversive and innovative horror films of the 21st century. At the center of the massive adulation was the film’s star, Daniel Kaluuya. The British actor, who had made his film debut over a decade earlier, was primarily known for appearing on three seasons of the E4 teen dramedy series “Skins.” His breakthrough role earned him his first Oscar nomination, and he is now set to earn his second for what has been hailed as an impressive display of his range and a remarkable turn in its own right.
In Shaka King’s “Judas and the Black Messiah,” Kaluuya stars as Black Panther Party chairman Fred Hampton, whose greatest achievement was founding the Rainbow Coalition in 1969. His radicalism struck fear in the leaders of the U.S. government and the FBI...
In Shaka King’s “Judas and the Black Messiah,” Kaluuya stars as Black Panther Party chairman Fred Hampton, whose greatest achievement was founding the Rainbow Coalition in 1969. His radicalism struck fear in the leaders of the U.S. government and the FBI...
- 2/26/2021
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Variety's Awards Circuit is home to the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars from Film Awards Editor Clayton Davis. Following Academy Awards history, buzz, news, reviews and sources, the Oscar predictions are updated regularly with the current year's contenders in all categories. Variety's Awards Circuit Prediction schedule consists of four phases, running all year long: Draft, Pre-Season, Regular Season and Post Season. Eligibility calendar and dates of awards will determine how long each phase lasts and will be displayed next to revision date.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 Golden Globe Predictions:
Best Actor In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture
Updated: Feb. 24, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: The Golden Globes nominations were announced on Feb. 3, with Netflix’s “Mank” from David Fincher leading with six nods. As the ceremony approaches on Feb. 28, the...
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Collective
Draft>>>Pre Season>>>Regular Season>>>Post Season
2021 Golden Globe Predictions:
Best Actor In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture
Updated: Feb. 24, 2021
Awards Prediction Commentary: The Golden Globes nominations were announced on Feb. 3, with Netflix’s “Mank” from David Fincher leading with six nods. As the ceremony approaches on Feb. 28, the...
- 2/24/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
A version of this story about “Judas and the Black Messiah” and stars Daniel Kaluuya and Dominique Fishback first appeared in the Actors/Directors/Screenwriters issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
In September 2019, Fred Hampton Jr. gathered the cast of “Judas and the Black Messiah” in a house in Chicago to ask them each a very important question before taking on the life story of his father, Black Panther leader Fred Hampton: “I want to know from every one of you why you want to do this movie, and I’m going to start with you,” he said, pointing directly at Daniel Kaluuya, who was playing Hampton.
“Oh, my gosh,” Dominique Fishback — who plays Hampton’s wife — remembered thinking. “After Daniel went, Chairman Fred was like, ‘I’mma come back to you,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, Jesus.'”
It was an appropriately intense experience ahead of filming what...
In September 2019, Fred Hampton Jr. gathered the cast of “Judas and the Black Messiah” in a house in Chicago to ask them each a very important question before taking on the life story of his father, Black Panther leader Fred Hampton: “I want to know from every one of you why you want to do this movie, and I’m going to start with you,” he said, pointing directly at Daniel Kaluuya, who was playing Hampton.
“Oh, my gosh,” Dominique Fishback — who plays Hampton’s wife — remembered thinking. “After Daniel went, Chairman Fred was like, ‘I’mma come back to you,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, Jesus.'”
It was an appropriately intense experience ahead of filming what...
- 2/24/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Daniel Kaluuya emerged on the scene in 2018 with “Get Out,” a dark comedy hit that unexpectedly took the awards season by storm. He was nominated for his first Golden Globe that year as Comedy Actor. This year he contends in Supporting Actor for “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Kaluuya is also up for the Critics Choice and Screen Actors Guild awards in the same category, and is on the longlist for nomination consideration at BAFTA.
In this Warner Bros. film Kaluuya portrays Fred Hampton, chairman of the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party, a man so persuasive as a progressive political figure that the FBI and Chicago Police Department orchestrated his assassination in 1969. As Hampton, Kaluuya weaves together a portrait of a man that is in one palm falling in love with an equally young Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback) and in the other inspiring a community of disenfranchised people with his powerful speeches.
In this Warner Bros. film Kaluuya portrays Fred Hampton, chairman of the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party, a man so persuasive as a progressive political figure that the FBI and Chicago Police Department orchestrated his assassination in 1969. As Hampton, Kaluuya weaves together a portrait of a man that is in one palm falling in love with an equally young Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback) and in the other inspiring a community of disenfranchised people with his powerful speeches.
- 2/24/2021
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
Filmmaker Shaka King realized early on that the only way to get a major Hollywood studio interested in the story of Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton was to make a film that was part biopic and part genre.
His theory proved correct.
King’s Judas and the Black Messiah was quickly picked up by Warner Bros, a decision helped by an all-star cast and the the backing of Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, one of the film’s producers. The movie revolve around Hampton, who led the Illinois chapter of the party, and informant William O’Neal, who played a key ...
His theory proved correct.
King’s Judas and the Black Messiah was quickly picked up by Warner Bros, a decision helped by an all-star cast and the the backing of Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, one of the film’s producers. The movie revolve around Hampton, who led the Illinois chapter of the party, and informant William O’Neal, who played a key ...
- 2/24/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Filmmaker Shaka King realized early on that the only way to get a major Hollywood studio interested in the story of Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton was to make a film that was part biopic and part genre.
His theory proved correct.
King’s Judas and the Black Messiah was quickly picked up by Warner Bros, a decision helped by an all-star cast and the the backing of Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, one of the film’s producers. The movie revolve around Hampton, who led the Illinois chapter of the party, and informant William O’Neal, who played a key ...
His theory proved correct.
King’s Judas and the Black Messiah was quickly picked up by Warner Bros, a decision helped by an all-star cast and the the backing of Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, one of the film’s producers. The movie revolve around Hampton, who led the Illinois chapter of the party, and informant William O’Neal, who played a key ...
- 2/24/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Describing his first pairing with director Shaka King, cinematographer Sean Bobbitt says the helmer wanted to bring a reality to Judas and the Black Messiah, the ’60s-set film in which William O’Neal (played by Lakeith Stanfield) becomes an FBI informant and betrays Fred Hampton (portrayed by Daniel Kaluuya), leader of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. “It’s not a documentary. He was looking for a reality, a re-creation of that period, and a very intimate approach to the characters,” the director of photography says of the Warner Bros. drama, which, after its Sundance premiere ...
- 2/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Describing his first pairing with director Shaka King, cinematographer Sean Bobbitt says the helmer wanted to bring a reality to Judas and the Black Messiah, the ’60s-set film in which William O’Neal (played by Lakeith Stanfield) becomes an FBI informant and betrays Fred Hampton (portrayed by Daniel Kaluuya), leader of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. “It’s not a documentary. He was looking for a reality, a re-creation of that period, and a very intimate approach to the characters,” the director of photography says of the Warner Bros. drama, which, after its Sundance premiere ...
- 2/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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