Representation

The Television Academy has named the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media as the 2022 Governors Award recipient for their efforts in promoting gender equality in the entertainment industry. “Since 2004, the institute has been fighting for equality and representation, long before it was comfortable to take that stand. The Television Academy is honored to add the organization to the prestigious list of recipients,” said Governors Award selection committee co-Chair Kim Taylor-Coleman. “The institute’s work continues to result in real-world changes that have an impact far beyond the soundstages and locations we show up at every day,” added committee co-Chair Michael Spiller. The Governors Award recognizes an individual, company, or organization that makes profound contributions to the arts and/or science of television. The Institute founded in 2004 by actor Geena Davis is an organization that believes the representation of characters in media should reflect the real … [Read more...] about Geena Davis Institute On Gender In Media To Be Honored By The Television Academy With 2022 Governors Award

Scottish comedian Jerry Sadowitz has hit back at his critics with a lengthy response after his Edinburgh Fringe show was cancelled by the famous Pleasance venue amid accusations of racism, homophobia and misogyny. The American-born stand-up, who’s known for his controversial and often shocking antics on stage, was said to have made a racist comment about Prime Minsterial hopeful Rishi Sunak and was also slammed for exposing his genitals during the Friday night routine at the Pleasance at Edinburgh International Conference Centre — the venue where the Edinburgh Television Festival will be held next week. The Pleasance cancelled the following night’s performance after receiving “numerous complaints” and released a statement saying his content “did not align” with its values. It has since released a longer follow up statement outlining its reasoning. Sadowitz has responded in a Twitter post saying the venue had made a “victim” by the Pleasance doubling down on its … [Read more...] about Comedian Jerry Sadowitz Hits Back At Venue And Critics After Edinburgh Fringe Show Cancellation: “My Act Is Being Cheapened”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Monday that it has formally apologized to Sacheen Littlefeather over the actress’ famed appearance at the 1973 Oscars , where she appeared on Marlon Brando’s behalf to decline his Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in The Godfather . The “statement of reconciliation” signed by then-AMPAS president David Rubin was sent in June but revealed today as the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures announced plans for “An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather,” a program involving and programmed by Littlefeather that will take place September 17. Read Rubin’s letter below. At the 1973 Oscars, Littlefeather read a message from Brando after his name was announced highlighting Native American stereotypes in the entertainment industry as well as the 1973 Wounded Knee protest in South Dakota. The Academy said today the moment “resulted in her being professionally boycotted, personally attacked and harassed, and … [Read more...] about Movie Academy Apologizes To Sacheen Littlefeather Over 1973 Oscars – Read The Letter

The National Hispanic Media Coalition will honor Colman Domingo , Francia Raisa , George Lopez , Mayan Lopez, and Yvett Merino at its 36th Annual Impact Awards gala on September 9. On My Block star, Jessica Marie Garcia will serve as host of the festivities; U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro will make a special appearance. Returning to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel after last year’s virtual celebration, the Impact Awards celebrates the outstanding individuals dedicating themselves to creating a more inclusive entertainment industry through the positive portrayal of the Latinx community, both in front of and behind the camera. “This year’s honorees have helped push the industry forward and have been instrumental in the movement for an increased and accurate representation of Latinos in Hollywood from the very start of their careers,” said Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition in a statement. “NHMC is thrilled to be … [Read more...] about Colman Domingo, Francia Raisa & George Lopez Among NHMC Impact Awards Honorees

Getty Amber Heard is out with the old, in with the new when it comes to her legal representation -- scrapping a key attorney on her team ... and bringing in the big guns. The actress, who is currently appealing the Johnny Depp verdict, announced Monday that she's hired the law firm Ballard Spahr as she ventures into an appellate court ... which she apparently thought warranted a fresh set of eyes to review the case as well as evidence. Getty The lead attorneys from the firm that are coming on ... David L. Axelrod (not the Obama /CNN guy) and Jay Ward Brown -- both of whom successfully defended the NYT against a defamation suit recently brought by Sarah Palin ... a First Amendment case, their specialty. Amber is keeping Ben Rottenborn onboard with the addition of Axelrod and Brown -- but she is losing one lawyer ... Ms. Elaine Bredehoft , who was lead counsel in the trial. Her departure from the team isn't really explained … [Read more...] about Amber Heard Hires New Legal Team for Depp Appeal, Scraps Elaine Bredehoft