The 54-year-old half-Venezuelan American Grammy-winning singer will be among the honorees during this year’s Byron Allen Presents theGrio Awardsspecial.
The awards show celebrates excellence in film, music, comedy, television, sports, philanthropy, business, fashion, social justice, environmental justice, education, and the cultural icons and innovators whose contributions positively impact America. The television special pays tribute to and amplifies the history makers, change agents and artists who define and influence our world, according to organizers.
Carey, who holds the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles by a solo artist with 19, will be honored with The Music Icon Award.
Co-hosted by The Talk‘s Sheryl Underwood and comedian Roy Wood Jr., theGrio Awards will air on Saturday, November 25 from 8:00 – 10:00 pm on CBS and will stream live on Paramount+.
Other honorees include Denzel Washington (The Film Icon award), Eddie Murphy (The Icon award), Don Cheadle (Environmental Champion Icon award) and Misty Copeland (The Trailblazer Icon award).
The special also features musical performances by Boyz II Men, Jennifer Hudson, Coco Jones,Patti LaBelle and Smokey Robinson. Greg Phillinganes serves as musical director, and DJ Kiss is the D.J.
“I created ‘theGrio Awards’ to celebrate and amplify African-American excellence and the incredible champions from other communities who truly support us,” said Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group. “As a child, strong, positive African-American icons such as Berry Gordy, Jr., Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King, Jr. helped me see myself differently, and changed the trajectory of my life. Celebrating and amplifying iconic individuals is something we can never do enough of, especially for our children.”
Byron Allen Presents theGrio Awards is co-produced by Allen Media Group and Backhand Productions.
Christina Aguilera is celebrating a beautiful win…
The International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences (IADAS) has revealed the winners of the 27th Annual Webby Awards, with the 42-year-old half-Ecuadorian among the honorees.
Aguilera won the Webby Award for Music Video, General Video (Video) category for the new music video for her hit single “Beautiful.” “Beautiful (2022 Version)” was released to celebrate the 20-year-old anniversary of her Stripped album.
It’s Aguilera’s first-ever Webby Awards win.
Other winners include SZA as Artist of the Year, Tracee Ellis Ross with a Special Achievement Award and Sharon Horgan as Best Actress.
Barack Obama, Lizzo, Doja Cat, Blackpink, Hugh Jackman, Jimmy Kimmel, Hoda Kotb, Trixie Mattel, Serena Williams, the cast of Stranger Thingsand the cast of Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverwere also among the award recipients.
“This year’s Webby Winners speak to the incredible potential of the Internet and the people who shape it,” Claire Graves, president of The Webby Awards, said in a statement. “They have set the benchmark for excellence in their respective category and are an inspiration for us all to continue striving towards a more connected and creative digital world.”
Roy Wood Jr. will host the Webby Awards ceremony set to take place on Monday, May 15 at the Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
Special Achievement Winners
Webby Lifetime Achievement Award: Shigetaka Kurita, the creator of the emoji, for his significant contribution to the worldwide cultural zeitgeist and impact on the way we communicate.
Webby Breakout of The Year Award: ChatGPT, the game-changing, generative AI writing tool that created a digital phenomenon that’s changing the way we work and create.
Webby Artist of The Year: SZA for the instant classic SOS, the true intention and consideration she injects into her work, and for her ingenious use of the Internet to share unique, brilliantly honest art.
Webby Special Achievement Award: Tracee Ellis Ross for her ingenious use of the Internet to share multidimensional stories of belonging, increase Black representation in the beauty industry, and serve as a constant, positive force.
Webby Podcast of The Year: SmartLess, honoring Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett for bringing nostalgia and laughter to listeners on their podcast SmartLess.
Webby Best Actress: Sharon Horgan for capturing the Internet’s attention with her acclaimed Apple TV+ show Bad Sisters, which she created, executive produced and stars in, as well as for her incredible career in comedy as a voice of radical self-awareness and razor-sharp wit.
Webby Special Achievement Award: Tobe Nwigwe for his innovative use of the Internet to create art that is imaginative and poignant as seen in his album moMINTS and his role as ‘Nick’ in the Netflix series Mo.
Webby Special Achievement Award: Under the Desk News for making the news accessible and understandable to young people through their candid, hard-hitting and synoptic reporting, all done in bite-sized pieces on Tik Tok.
2023 Winner Highlights
Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty Show Vol. 4 won the Webby People’s Voice Award for Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle, Branded Entertainment (Video)
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah– “America’s Door Problem” won the Webby Award for Comedy, General Video (Video)
Recess Therapy’s “It’s Corn” won the Webby People’s Voice Award for Video Remixes/Mashups, General Video (Video)
Trixie Mattel Transforms Into Dr. Manhattan won the Webby People’s Voice Award for Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle, General Video (Video)
Christina Aguilera – Beautiful (2022 Version) won the Webby Award for Music Video, General Video (Video)
Discord won the Webby Award for Community, General Websites and Mobile Sites, (Websites and Mobile Sites)
Spotify’s 2022 Wrapped won the Webby Award for Best Mobile Visual Design – Aesthetic, Mobile Specific Features & Design (Websites and Mobile Sites)
Google Store won the Webby Award for Best Mobile User Experience, Mobile Specific Features & Design (Websites and Mobile Sites)
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez won the Webby Award for Fashion & Beauty, General Social (Social)
Doja Cat x Taco Bell: A “Contractual” Partnership won the Webby Award for Best Influencer or Creator Endorsement, Features (Social)
My BTS Story won the Webby Award for Best Community Engagement, Features (Social)
LIZZO’S BIG GIRLS | Womxn’s History Month | Animated Social Video won the Webby Award for Arts & Entertainment, Social Video (Social)
Disney’s TikTok won the Webby Award for Entertainment, General Social (Social)
HBO Max’s “Negroni Sbagliato” won the Webby Award for Best Use of Video, Features (Social)
PinkVenomChallenge – YouTube Shorts x BLACKPINK won the Webby People’s Voice Award for Best Partnership or Collaboration, Features (Social)
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever won the Webby Award for TV, Film & Entertainment, Social Content Series (Social)
Pod Save America: Obama’s Advice For Democrats won the Webby Award for Featured Guest, Individual Episodes (Podcasts)
ESPN’s 30 for 30 Podcasts won the Webby Award for Sports, General Series (Podcasts)
FIFA 23 x TED LASSO won the Webby Award for In-Game Integration, Individual (Advertising, Media & PR)
Netflix Stranger Things Global Rift Takeover won the Webby Award for Experience Marketing, Individual (Advertising, Media & PR)
The Coors Light featuring Patrick Mahomes won the Webby Award for Best Partnership or Collaboration, Advertising Campaigns (Advertising, Media & PR)
Steak-umm Beef Sheets featuring Jimmy Kimmel won the Webby Award for Digital Campaign, Advertising Campaigns (Advertising, Media & PR)
The Apple TV app won the Webby Award for Best Streaming or OTT Service, App Features (Apps, dApps and Software)
Never Done Evolving featuring Serena Williams won the Webby Award for Technical Achievement, Virtual Video Features (Metaverse, Immersive & Virtual)
For the complete list of winners check the website here.
Webby Winners are selected by the IADAS. Members include Questlove, DJ and Producer; Tan France, Fashion Designer, Television Personality & Author; Natalie Guzman, Co-President & CMO, Savage X Fenty; Werner Vogels CTO, Amazon; Roxanne Gay, Host, The Roxanne Gay Agenda; Quinta Brunson, Writer, Director and Actor; Ziwe Fumudoh, Comedian and Writer; Reshma Saujani, Founder, Girls Who Code; LeVar Burton, Actor, Podcaster and TV Host; Takashi Murakami, Artist; Samantha Bee, Comedian; and Tracy Chou, Founder & CEO, Block Party.
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes is headed to the PGA Awards…
The Producers Guild of America has revealed the presenters lineup for the 34th annual PGA Awards, to be held on Saturday at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, with the 40-year-old half-Mexican American actress/comedian making the list.
In addition to Johnson-Reyes, other notable celebrities set to take the stage to present throughout the evening include Angela Bassett, Austin Butler, Billy Eichner, Bob Odenkirk, Brendan Fraser, Cate Blanchett, Danielle Deadwyler, Dave Burd, Diego Luna, Eugenio Derbez, Hannah Einbinder, Hong Chau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jay Ellis, Kate Hudson, Ke Huy Quan, Kerry Condon, Leslie Odom, Jr.,Michelle Williams, Michelle Yeoh, Mo Amer, Monica Barbaro, Nicole Byer, Paul Dano, Robert Rodriguez, Ron Howard, Sacha Baron Cohen, Sandra Oh, Sherry Lansing and Stephanie Hsu.
The PGA Awards celebrate the producers behind the best films, television series, and new media projects of the year.
Widely known as a reliable bellwether for the Best Picture category at the Oscars, the PGA has nominated Avatar: The Way of Water, The Banshees of Inisherin, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Elvis, Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Fabelmans, Glass Onion: Knives Out Mystery, Tár, Top Gun: Maverickand The Whalefor its Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures Award.
The 2023 Producers Guild of America Awards is produced by Anchor Street Collective for the Producers Guild of America.
Wilmer Valderrama is taking on more responsibility…
The 42-year-old Venezuelan and Colombian American actor has expanded his role with My Cultura Podcast Network from iHeartMedia by becoming a shareholder.
In addition, Valderrama will help to curate the network’s slate of Latinx-focused podcasts and has committed to five new shows that will be executive produced by and/or star him.
According to the company, monthly podcast downloads across My Cultura have more than doubled since the beginning of the year, with 9 in 10 of the network’s total downloads coming from listeners aged 18-49.
“Representation shapes not just how others see us, but also how we see ourselves. It is imperative that every facet of our media includes narratives that uplift Latino and Hispanic voices,” Valderrama tells Deadline in an exclusive statement. “At WV Entertainment it is our mission to not just choose purposeful projects that accurately represent the stories of the Latinx community but to also make sure these stories are accessible to everyone. We are so grateful to our partners at iHeartMedia for seeing the value in this and prioritizing the need to highlight the joy, the power, and the heart of our community in ways that are still all too rare.”
Valderrama’s relationship with My Cultura began in the Summer of 2021 with the launch of his podcast, Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama.
The weekly interview series, executive produced by Valderrama and Leo Klemm via his production banner WV Entertainment and Clamor, features conversations with people in the front line of food service, transportation, child-care, and other systems where workers’ voices are often overlooked.
“We are excited to have Wilmer on board in an even larger, expanded capacity as a shareholder in iHeart’s My Cultura Podcast Network,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia’s Digital Audio Group. “His energy, experience, and creativity will set this network up for even further success in year two and beyond.”
“We’re incredibly proud of the rapid growth our network has seen in its first year,” said Gisselle Bances, SVP, Head of Production and Development for iHeartMedia’s My Cultura. “We are the first majority Latinx-owned podcast network, and we are grateful to our partners and our diverse roster of hosts, including Wilmer, who continue to further My Cultura’s mission to tell our own stories. It’s stories by us for everyone to enjoy.”
Other popular podcasts from My Cultura include Connections with Eva Longoria, Princess of South Beachstarring Rachel Zegler and Sheryl Rubio, Wrestling with Freddiefrom Freddie Prinze, Jr., Sisters of the Undergroundexecutive produced by Eva Longoria and Dania Ramirez, Chiquis and Chill, and Lone Loboswith Xolo Maridueñaand Jacob Bertrand. Listeners can hear all My Cultura shows on iHeartRadio and anywhere podcasts are found.
The 30-year-old half-Peruvian American actress will star in the Disney+ original series The Crossover.
Lopez is among a roster of new cast additions that includes Darone Okolie, Joel Steingold, Himie Freeman and Johnny Cantley in recurring roles.
Okolie and Freeman will play future versions of the Bell brothers, Lopez will play a future version of ‘Maya’ and Cantley will play a future version of ‘Vondie.’
Steingold will play ‘Basil St. Jean,’ the poised and stylish Vice Principal at Hughes Middle School. He’s friendly and hard-working and offers his support to Crystal (Sabrina Revelle) in any way he can, even though she secured the job he was up for. But is he a friend or a foe?
Based on the best-selling novel by Kwame Alexander, The Crossover introduces teen brothers Josh and Jordan Bell, widely considered basketball phenoms. Through his lyrical poetry, an adult version of Josh, aka Filthy McNasty, narrates the story of he and his brother’s coming of age, on and off the court, as their former professional basketball player father adjusts to life after basketball, and their mother finally pursues lifelong dreams of her own.
Daveed Diggs will narrate the series. Stars also include Jalyn Hall as ‘Josh Bell,’ Amir O’Neil as ‘JB Bell,’ Derek Luke as ‘Chuck Bell,’ Skyla I’Lece as ‘Alexis,’ Deja Monique Cruz as ‘Maya’ and Trevor Raine Bush as ‘Vondie.’
The pilot episode was directed by George Tillman, Jr. and was written by Kwame Alexander and Damani Johnson.
The Disney Branded Television series is produced by 20th Television.
Lopez’s previous credits include Rosewood, Casual and The 5th Wave.
Jose Feliciano is making chart history with his holiday classic…
The 75-year-old Puerto Rican musician, singer and composer’s “Feliz Navidad” moves up from No. 16 to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100songs chart, dated December 19, hitting the top 10 for the first time, 50 years after its original 1970 release. It previously reached No. 12 last holiday season.
The holiday classic sports gains of 6% to 23 million in radio airplay audience, 15% to 18.5 million U.S. streams and 34% to 3,000 sold, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.
Feliciano adds his second Hot 100 top 10, after his debut entry, his cover of The Doors‘ “Light My Fire,” hit No. 3 in August 1968. (The Doors‘ original ruled for three weeks in the summer of 1967.) He has charted 11 total Hot 100 entries, as well as 16 titles, including eight top 10s, on the Hot Latin Songs chart.
The legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist is celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Feliz Navidad” this year. He performed on NBC‘s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonand CBS Sunday Morninglast week and, among other festivities, has a livestream scheduled for December 20.
The Afro-Latina actress has been cast as a series regular of BET+’s drama series Tyler Perry’s Ruthless.
Nuñez is among a list of new cast members that includes Stevie Baggs, Jr., Colin McCalla, Samantha L. Thomas, Alise Willis, and Jael Pettigrew.
Three episodes will exclusively premiere on November 26 on the streaming platform with new episodes launching every Thursday.
As the season continues, many of the faithful followers have begun to uncover the evil that exists beneath the surface of the Rakudushis movement. Armed with this knowledge, Ruth and several new fearful cult members try to take control of their individual destinies. The attempts will prove to be almost impossible for anyone who does not have allies they think they can trust. Viewers will see more sex, lies, and murder in this cult that is living up to its fate. Being aware of false prophets has never reigned more true.
The six new cast members join Ruthless stars Melissa L. Williams, Matt Cedeño, Lenny D. Thomas, Yvonne Senat Jones, Baadja-Lyne Odums, Jaime Callica, Nirine S. Brown, Blue Kimble, Stephanie Charles, Hervé Clermont, Anthony Bless, and Bobbi Baker.
The series is executive produced, written, and directed by Tyler Perry.
Nuñez will portray Zane, who wants to leave the cult but is much more fearful and tentative than her friend Paula.
Lin-Manuel Miranda is doing his bidding for Biden…
The 40-year-old Puerto Rican Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, actor, singer/rapper, producer and playwright and the original cast of his hit musical Hamilton will reunite this week for a fundraiser for Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, the latest pop culture themed virtual event.
The campaign announced that among those participating will be Miranda, Daveed Diggs, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jonathan Groff, Christopher Jackson, Javier Muñoz, Leslie Odom, Jr., Okieriete Onaodowa and Phillipa Soo. Director Thomas Kail will moderate a Q&A, and it will be followed by a special performance.
The cast of Hamilton also performed in 2016 for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.
Democrats have been drawing on cast reunions as a way to raise small-dollar contributions. The Wisconsin Democratic Party has hosted recent virtual reunions of the cast of The Princess Brideand Veep.
HBO Max is debuting a West Wingreunion on October 15 to benefit When We All Vote, the get-out-the-vote effort led by Michelle Obama.
The 59-year-old Mexican journalist, author and Univision news anchor is launching a news series with Fusion, according to Variety.
The five-episode program, titled “Real America with Jorge Ramos,” will see the veteran news journalist asking provocative questions of the disrupters, dreamers, dynamic-thinking Americans who are on the cutting edge and making a difference in this uncertain time.
The series will premiere on Tuesday, November 21 at 10:00 pm ET/PT on Fusion.
In the premiere installment, Ramos travels to Puerto Rico to measure the impact of the disaster. Ramos explores what life is really like in Puerto Rico weeks after Hurricane Maria, and asks why it has taken so long for these U.S. citizens to get much needed aid and electricity. He interviews those struggling to live without basic resources, along with the Mayor of San Juan Carmen Yulin Cruz—who has challenged President Donald Trump on response efforts—the Governor Ricardo Rosello, and others who are providing aid including former New York Yankee and Puerto Rico native Jorge Posada and his wife Laura.
Upcoming episodes will feature profiles of actor and comedian John Leguizamo, Governor John Kasich (R-OH), artists and activists Ai Weiwei and JR, and world-renowned brain surgeon Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, among others.
“Jorge is the quintessential American—a proud, hard working immigrant for whom the promise of America is tangible. His curiosity is infectious and this series, like all his projects for FUSION, will further elevate the voices that are writing the next chapter of our nation’s history,” said Fusion President Daniel Eilemberg.
Ramos has been the anchor of Noticiero Univision since 1986 and hosts the Univision weekly public affairs program Al Punto. He also famously sparred with then-Presidential candidate Trump in an August 2015 press conference over Trump’s comments regarding Mexican immigrants.
“Real America with Jorge Ramos” is a Fusion original series.
The 37-year-old Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban American actress has joined several Hollywood stars in commemorating Immigrant Heritage Month with a new PSA in partnership with Welcome.us.
Dawson appears in the PSA that also features Bobby Cannavale, Lupita Nyong’o, Wilmer Valderrama, Rosie Perez and Harry Shum, Jr.
The #IAmAnImmigrant clip aims to recognize the multiple and vibrant roles immigrants – whether forced or voluntarily – contributed in the creation of the United States.
“You can trace back from trains being built and cities and industries being developed because of different influxes of people who came in,” said Dawson, the daughter of a Puerto Rican and a Cuban immigrant. “It’s incredible to be a part of a culture that’s just still living. What we expect or think about what America is, it’s fluid.”
It’s this fluidity that most excites Kenyan-Mexican Nyong’o about the country. “What I think is so wonderful about America is the fact that it is a society of immigrants,” she said,
Miami-born Colombian-Venezuelan Valderrama agrees, saying “every time we get a chance to say out loud that we are an immigrant, I think it’s important that we embrace that opportunity.”
The awards show celebrates excellence in film, music, comedy, television, sports, philanthropy, business, fashion, social justice, environmental justice, education, and the cultural icons and innovators whose contributions positively impact America. The television special pays tribute to and amplifies the history makers, change agents and artists who define and influence our world, according to organizers.
