Award-winning director Lee Daniels‘ newest project takes him to the steps of the White House. The Precious director has signed a deal to rewrite and direct a “The Butler,” a film that chronicles the life of Eugene Allen. Allen, an African-American butler that served the White House for 34 years and 8 presidents, passed away March 2010 of renal failure. Denzel Washington is said to be in talks for the lead role.

Despite playing a supporting role out of the spotlight of the media, Allen’s story Read the rest of this entry »

Director Lee Daniels was in attendance for the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards held at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis Saturday (June 5) night. Noah’s Arc actor Jensen Atwood presented the acclaimed and out director with the Davidson/Valentini Award. The award is given to an openly LGBT person who’s made a significant difference in promotion equal rights for the community.

During his acceptance speech, Daniels talked about growing up gay and how Read the rest of this entry »

Lee Daniels is one of two landmark directors to be honored at the UCLA 2010 Festival of New Creative Work, presented by the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT). Director and former DGA President Martha Coolidge will present Daniels with the Filmmaker of the Year Award during The Directors Spotlight event, which is the festival’s closing night gala event.

“Lee Daniels is a consummate filmmaker,” said Read the rest of this entry »

R&B diva Mary J. Blige has signed on to play “The High Priestess of Soul” Nina Simone in a biopic on the legendary singer. The film, titled “Nina,” will concentrate on the latter years of Simone’s life and her relationship with assistant Clifton Henderson, played by David Oyelowo.

Oyelowo’s past credits include “The Last King of Scotland,” “A Raisin in the Sun” and “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” starring Jill Scott. Oyelowo is also signed on to play Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Lee Daniels‘ upcoming civil rights film “Selma,” which is currently Read the rest of this entry »

Actress Gabourey Sidibe hosted SNL this past Saturday (April 24) and opened the show with a musical number letting all those know she is not the downtrodden character she portrayed in the Lee Daniel’s film Precious. Like she said people, it’s only a movie. And really, if anyone has seen her outside the film in any one of the many interviews she’s done, they would notice her naturally bubbly, warm spirit makes that clear. However, that hasn’t been the case.

Receiving criticism from the likes of Howard Stern for her weight and potential in Hollywood, Gabby’s performance on SNL coupled with her critically claimed acting in Precious makes it apparent the young actress can handle a range of roles. Let’s just hope she’s not typecast based on her outward appearance. *Fingers and toes crossed*

Check out Gabby on SNL after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »

It’s that time of year again. Out magazine has released its 4th Annual Power 50 – a list of America’s most influential gay men and women.

Director Lee Daniels made his debut on the list at number 25. Read the rest of this entry »

Precious director Lee Daniels sat down with talk show host Wendy Williams this morning (March 24) to promote the release of his film Precious on DVD and also surprised viewers with a VERY candid interview.

Daniels kicked off the sit down with a revelation that it was on Wendy’s radio show, back when he was promoting Monster’s Ball, that he first came out publicly about his sexuality. The experience, he described as liberating. According to Daniels, he outed himself before Wendy could.

While on the subject of his personal life, the acclaimed director opened up about raising his Read the rest of this entry »

As predicted, comedienne-actress Mo’Nique took home Oscar gold for her role as Mary Jones in the film Precious. Mo’Nique was nominated and won in the category of Best Supporting Actress. Mo’Nique now makes the 5th African-American woman to win an Oscar for acting. Recognizing the fact, Mo’Nique paid homage to Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American woman to win an Oscar, by wearing a flower in her hair, as did McDaniel, and giving mention of the trailblazer in her acceptance speech.

Check out video of Mo’Nique & Hattie’s acceptance speech after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »

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