Celebrity News
‘SCRIPTING REEL CHANGE’ AT THE 5TH ANNUAL ESSENCE HOLLYWOOD HOUSE
March 8, Los Angeles—Black entertainment elite joined the next generation of media talent at the fifth annual Essence Hollywood House.
The networking event took place the day after Essence’s Black Women in Hollywood Awards, held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and hosted by rapper-turned-producer Method Man. This year’s honorees included Danielle Brooks (‘The Color Purple’), Halle Bailey (‘The Little Mermaid’), and Nkechi Okoro Carroll (‘Found’).
The 2024 Hollywood House focused on ‘Scripting Reel Change.’ It provided a creative space for writers, directors, actors, producers, and other behind-the-scenes talent to explore and discuss what it means to gain traction in Hollywood and beyond. Guests received candid advice from prominent industry representatives and invaluable networking opportunities. They were given mini makeovers, followed by professional headshots, speed mentoring, and numerous intimate panel discussions.
During the “Black on Screen: A Global Dialogue” panel, Actress Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, known for ‘The Lion King’ Broadway musical, explained the different levels of self-love she went through to see herself in different spectrums of acting as a Black woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo. “I was in a space where I don’t know where I totally fit in, but I know the experience of feeling isolated and feeling like an ‘other’ is a feeling I didn’t want anyone else to feel,” Mpasi said, “I truly feel like the universe, God, gave me the Lion King so I can finally learn and embrace my Blackness.” Mpasi also recently starred in the remake of ‘The Color Purple’, playing the younger version of Fantasia Barrino’s Celie.
The discussion also touched on issues of colorism and the role of the African diaspora as a whole in the entertainment industry.
This year’s theme also focused on equipping film and television communities with the essential tools needed to overcome some of the entertainment industry’s most difficult issues and reach their full potential.
During “Office Hours” (a series of expert-led workshops), a panel discussion focused on perfecting one’s pitch. Leading the conversation were noted screenwriter Tiffany Yarde (‘Roadmap Writers’) and producer D’Angela Proctor (‘The Summoning’), who discussed essential items to include in a pitch. The industry pros emphasized the importance of keeping the buyer’s attention and making sure they see the vision.
Yarde dissected the elements needed for a strong elevator pitch. “The main thing you want to do is grasp the person’s attention,” she said, “The way you do that is by establishing a connection.” The Director of Competition for Roadmap Writers unpacked the value of developing connections early on in the conversation.
On the main stage, Essence’s own Stephanie Dunivan hosted a cast talkback panel that revealed an exclusive release of the first episode of “Diarra from Detroit,” a modern comedic mystery thriller that highlights dating, friendship, and possible kidnapping.
Diarra Kilpatrick, the creator, showrunner, and lead actress of the show, discussed her upcoming BET series and revealed her go-to restoration techniques for keeping up with a demanding schedule.
“I’m still learning how to do that [rest]. But for me, I would say baths are like my Prozac. I love a good bath,” Kilpatrick said, “Another thing is sex. I think it’s important, as Black women, we should always put pleasure on the menu and figure out, ‘How am I giving myself pleasure…sometimes we don’t put pleasure on our to-do list.”
The Essence Hollywood House welcomed many more notable guests, including Academy Award winner Da’Vine Randolph Joy, producer and president of Foxxhole Productions Datari Turner, and ‘BMF’ star Da’Vinchi. They discussed a multitude of industry-related topics, such as Black equity, the ins and outs of production, success stories, and what it means to be a working actor in Hollywood.
Essence partnered with BET+, Coca-Cola, Smartwater, Black Filmspace, and The Black House Foundation to make this event possible.
Ryan Coogler, the acclaimed director of Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has confirmed that Hollywood legend Denzel Washington will join the cast of Black Panther 3. This announcement came during Coogler’s appearance on the 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast, where he revealed that he has written a role specifically for the two-time Oscar winner, whom he regards as “the greatest living actor.”
Washington first hinted at his involvement in the Marvel project during a November 2024 interview on the Today show in Australia, generating excitement among fans. Coogler, who has long admired Washington, expressed his enthusiasm about their upcoming collaboration, noting their close relationship and Washington’s cultural significance. “Denzel is family at this point,” he said in the interview.
Although Marvel Studios has not officially announced Black Panther 3, the franchise’s success, having grossed over $2 billion globally from its first two films, makes a third installment a logical step. The film is still in early development, and while there is no confirmed release date, Coogler hinted that it’s “not long” away, potentially targeting a 2028 release following Avengers: Secret Wars.
Speculation about Washington’s role is abundant, with fans suggesting he could portray a new Wakandan character, a historical figure like Bashenga, or even a multiverse variant of T’Challa or T’Chaka. The emotional connection to the late Chadwick Boseman, who credited Washington’s mentorship for his career, adds significant weight to this casting choice.
Halle Berry and Van Hunt went public with their relationship in September 2020. After five years of dating, Hunt, a Grammy-winning musician, proposed to the Oscar-winning actress, but Berry has not yet accepted.
Berry’s decision to decline Hunt’s proposal, at least for now, stems primarily from her history with marriage. The actress has been married three times previously—to former MLB player David Justice (1993–1997), singer Eric Benét (2001–2005), and actor Olivier Martinez (2013–2016). She also shares a daughter, Nahla, 17, with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, and a son, Maceo, 11, with Martinez. Hunt has been married once and has a teenage son, Drake.
During the Today interview, Berry explained, “Well, I’ve been married three times. Van has been married once, and so no, we don’t feel like we have to get married to validate our love in any way. We don’t.”
While Berry has not accepted Hunt’s proposal, she has not ruled out marriage entirely. In the same interview, she expressed that she believes Hunt is the right partner for her, stating, “I think we will get married just because, out of the people I’ve been married to, this is the person I should have married.” She added that any future marriage would be a choice made out of desire for expression, not obligation, and hinted at a potential wedding “soon.”
Batwoman‘s star Javicia Leslie is engaged!
The 37-year-old shared the exciting news via Instagram earlier today with a caption that reads, “An answered prayer.”
According to his bio, Leslie’s now-fiancé, Nana-Yaw Asamoah, is a New York native and a sports and entertainment executive. He currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer of AMB Sports and Entertainment.
While the couple’s romantic relationship has not been public until now, Leslie has been open about being bisexual. In fact, she is the first Black and queer woman to play the aforementioned DC’s superhero.
During an interview on E! News’ Daily Pop, the actress shared that her role in the CW series inspired her to come out to her mom. “For me, I never felt like I had to hide anything,” Leslie said. “That wasn’t really where I was coming from. I just hadn’t had a conversation, so I just wanted to talk to my mom about it because I was living my life. I just wanted to be able to talk to her so she didn’t have to be told through the media.”
According to the shared Instagram post, Asamoah proposed to Leslie in Napa Valley, at what appears to be a winery, in front of a beautiful mountain backdrop. Friends, family, and fans flooded the comment section with congratulations and best wishes to the couple. We are joining in as well!
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Ryan Coogler Confirms Denzel Washington Will Star in ‘Black Panther 3’
Here Is Why Halle Berry Declined Van Hunt’s Proposal After 5 Years Of Dating
Batwoman’s Javicia Leslie Gets Engaged in Napa Valley
‘Love Is Blind’ Alumni Lauren and Cameron Hamilton Announce First Pregnancy
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Celebrity News2 weeks agoRyan Coogler Confirms Denzel Washington Will Star in ‘Black Panther 3’
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