The Black Reel Awards

“Precious” and “Princess” Top Black Reel Awards Nominations

filmgordon — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:10:45 +0000

The dark and disturbing story of a teenage girl dealing with multiple forms of abuse, “Precious” officially became the darling of this year’s Black Reel Awards receiving ten nominations to lead one of the most competitive fields in the organization’s history.

One day after receiving three Golden Globe nominations, “Precious” dominated the field being nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress (Gabourey Sidibe), Best Supporting Actress (Mo’Nique, Paula Patton and Mariah Carey), Best Director (Lee Daniels) and Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted (Geoffrey Fletcher). In addition, the film was nominated for Best Ensemble and rocker Lenny Kravitz was honored with a Best Supporting Actor nod.

While “Precious” possessed a decidedly darker turn, voters also showered huge praise on Walt Disney’s African-American royalty nominating “The Princess and the Frog” for seven nominations. Starring Anika Noni Rose, the film was also nominated for Best Picture and three nods to the film’s star for Best Voice Performance as well as for two of the film’s three nominated songs, “Almost There,” “Down in New Orleans” and “Never Knew I Needed.” Additional nods were bestowed to Keith David for his voice work not only in “The Princess” but will face-off against himself with dual nominations for “Coraline.”

Other films that fared well this year included Samuel Goldwyn’s “American Violet,” which received six nominations including Best Picture and dual nods for young newcomer Nicole Beharie as well as the inspirational story of Baltimore Ravens’ offensive lineman Michael Oher, “The Blind Side” which was tabbed for four nods. Also receiving four nominations was the film based on the life of hip-hop icon, Biggie Smalls, “Notorious” and the Tony winning Broadway musical brought to the big screen, Spike Lee’s “Passing Strange.”

But the story of this year’s awards will be the historic run of Daniels’ little gem, “Precious.” Despite having no major lead performances or songs under consideration, the film came within one nomination of tying a record eleven nods by “Dreamgirls” and has an outstanding chance to break the record for most wins by a single film in a year, six, currently held by three films “Love and Basketball,” “Ray” and the aforementioned “Dreamgirls” with nods only in eight of the this year’s 16 categories. Momentum has slowly built this awards season for the film which has won multiple awards or nominations from several critics groups as well as the Globes.

Along with many of the newcomers were plenty of familiar faces receiving additional nominations including another nod for Best Actor nod for four-time winner Denzel Washington (“The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3), Morgan Freeman (“Invictus”) and Jamie Foxx (“The Soloist”). Also recognized for her work again this year is rising star Taraji P. Henson for her searing role in Tyler Perry’s “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.”

The late Michael Jackson was even remembered for his stirring concert film, “This Is It” which will oppose both the funny Chris Rock doc, “Good Hair” and the up close and personal look at fallen champ Iron Mike in “Tyson.”

Other notable nominees were indie favorites Tina Mabry’s Mississippi Damned, Kirk Fraser’s “Without Bias,” Ava Duvernay’s “This is the Life” and the baseball drama, “Sugar.”

The 2010 Black Reel Awards winners will be announced on Friday, February 12, 2010 in Washington, DC.

Black Reel Awards nominees

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Best Director

Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted

Best Film

Best Breakthrough Performance

Best Ensemble

Best Song, Original or Adapted

Almost There | The Princess and Frog (Anika Noni Rose)
Down in New Orleans | The Princess and the Frog (Anika Noni Rose)
I Can Do Bad | I Can Do Bad All By Myself (Mary J. Blige)
Keys (Marianna) | Passing Strange (Stew, de’dre Aziza and Daniel Breaker)
Never Knew I Needed | The Princess and the Frog (Ne | Yo)

Best Documentary

Best Voice Performance

Independent

Best Independent Feature

Best Independent Mini Feature

Life on Earth | Jeffrey Keith
(Mis)leading Man | Morocco Omari
The Roe Effect | Kiel Adrian Scott

Best Independent Documentary

Herskovits at the Heart of Blackness | Llewellyn Smith
Without Bias | Kirk Fraser
Still Bill | Alex Vlack & Damani Baker

2009 Watch List – Soul Power

filmgordon — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:34:08 +0000

This companion documentary to 1996’s “When We Were Kings,” chronicles the concert that took place before “The Thrilla in Manila.” Featuring artists such as James Brown, The Spinners, Bill Withers, Miriam Makeba and B.B. King, “Soul Power” is a intriguing funky, pride-filled journey that will have you dancing in your seats!

2009 Watch List – Life is Hot in Cracktown

filmgordon — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:26:34 +0000

Four stories and several lives come together in a powerful climax of love and salvation, showing that despite the obstacles of life in the inner-city, humanity and hope can still prevail. Ensemble includes Kerry Washington, Evan Ross, RZA, Vondie Curtis-Hall and sexy Shannyn Sossamon. Many people may have missed this film because of it’s limited release but the story resonates.

2009 Watch List – American Violet

filmgordon — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:17:57 +0000

Based on a true story of Dee Roberts, newcomer Nicole Beharie shines as a young Texas mother who helped bring down a corrupt District Attorney, was the year’s first serious drama and should be one of the stories that should vie for Best Picture honors.

2009 Watch List – Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes To Jail

filmgordon — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:09:55 +0000

Screenwriter/director Perry’s dual story of his alter-ego Madea going buckwild in the pokey and a young lawyer trying to get an old friend off the street was easily his most successful film grossing over 90 million and making the auteur one of the most respected names in Hollywood. Look for more Madea coming to a theater near you!

2009 Watch List – Notorious

filmgordon — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:02:09 +0000

The life of rapper The Notorious B.I.G. comes to the big screeen with a cast of largely unknown actors including star Jamal Woolard in the title role. Angela Bassett, Derek Luke and Anthony Mackie round out the cast of this impressive tale of Frank White, hip-hop’s King of New York.

2009 Watch List – Not Easily Broken

filmgordon — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:53:04 +0000

Black Reel Award winner Morris Chestnut and nominee Taraji P. Henson headline this inspirational story from Pastor T.D. Jakes. This early January release may be long forgotten but it’s still on our radar for potential nominees.

Cadillac Rocks the Black Reel Awards!

filmgordon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:03:07 +0000

In one of the most highly contested votes in Black Reel Awards history, the story of a group of blues musicians in 1950’s Chicago edged out a cast of real-life singers to win Best Picture in the 2008 Black Reel Awards.

After snagging nine nominations, “Cadillac Records” took home three awards including Best Picture. In addition to winning the top prize, Jeffrey Wright won Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Blues pioneer Muddy Waters and the talented cast won for Best Ensemble.

Directed by Darnell Martin, “Cadillac Records” was the brilliant re-telling of the rise of Blues label Chess Records and it’s talented roster of future stars including Waters, Little Walter, Etta James, Chuck Berry and Howlin’ Wolf. Despite a tepid opening weekend, the film probably will do far better business on DVD than in the theater.

Also winning three awards apiece were “The Secret Life of Bees” and indie darling, “Slumdog Millionaire.” The coming-of-age tale of a young girl influenced by three cultured, strong women won two awards for writer/director Gina Prince Bythewood (Best Director and Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted). Queen Latifah took home Best Actress as the matriarch of the film’s Boatwright clan.

“Slumdog Millionaire” continued it’s impressive award season run winning Best Actor and Best Breakthrough Performance for Dev Patel and Best Soundtrack for it’s pulsating sounds.

The momentum continues for Viola Davis who has been generated plenty of buzz for her powerful performance opposite Meryl Streep in the morality tale, “Doubt.” Nominated for a Golden Globe, Davis is poised to receive an Oscar nod when they are announced late next month

While the year may change, the results remain the same for the most nominated person in Black Reel Awards history. Fifteen time nominee, Spike Lee and his film, “Miracle at St. Anna” were shutout. Lee, whose only win was for “When the Levees Broke,” remains the epitome of always a bridesmaid, rarely a bride!

“Cadillac” Cruises With Nine Black Reel Award Noms!

filmgordon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:59:00 +0000

While the automotive industry is searching for a bailout, the critics have given their stamp of approval to a cinematic “Caddy.” The story of the rise and fall of a pioneering Blues studio, “Cadillac Records” secured nine nominations to lead the pack for the 2008 Black Reel Awards.

The bittersweet tale of blues legends Leonard Chess, Muddy Waters, Lil’ Walter, Chuck Berry, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon and Etta James was artfully reproduced although it struggled to find an opening weekend audience. The literally tale of sex, drugs and the blues featured outstanding performances which were rightfully rewarded.

Jeffrey Wright, Mos Def and Eamonn Walker all received Best Supporting Actor nominations while Columbus Short was recognized in the Best Breakthrough Performance category. The “Caddy” continued to flex it’s muscles garning honors in several other categories including nominations for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted (both for Darnell Martin), Best Ensemble as well as Best Soundtrack.

Another film that had a strong showing was the coming of age story, “The Secret Life of Bees” which took home eight nominations. This estrogen-laden tender tale garnered nominations for Queen Latifah (Best Actress), Jennifer Hudson (Best Actress) and the outstanding Sophie Okenedo (Best Supporting Actress). After an eight-year hiatus, Gina Prince Bythewood received nominations for Best Director and Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted. “Life” was nominated for Best Film, Best Ensemble and Tristan Wilds (Best Breakthrough Performance).

Other notable films that received multiple nominations included Spike Lee’s WWII epic, “The Miracle at St. Anna,” the little indie that could, “Slumdog Millionaire,” Tyler Perry tale of interracial deceit between two families, “The Family That Preys,” the Don Cheadle-produced espionage thriller, “Traitor,” the Will Smith holiday weeper, “Seven Pounds,” Bernie Mac buddy farewell film, “Soul Men” and an earlier blues-tinged tale, “Honeydripper.”

Both Taraji P. Henson and Viola Davis continued their strong years with Best Supporting Acting nods in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Doubt.”

The rest of the nominations are below and the winners will be announced on Monday.

Best Actor
Don Cheadle – Traitor
Dev Patel – Slumdog Millionaire
Derek Luke – Miracle at St. Anna
Mos Def – Be Kind Rewind
Chiwetel Ejiofor – Redbelt

Best Actress
Jennifer Hudson – The Secret Life of Bees
Queen Latifah – The Secret Life of Bees
Alfre Woodard – The Family That Preys
Keke Palmer – Longshots
Sanaa Lathan – The Family That Preys

Best Supporting Actor
Jeffrey Wright – Cadillac Records
Brandon T. Jackson – Tropic Thunder
Mos Def – Cadillac Records
Terrence Howard – Iron Man
Eamonn Walker – Cadillac Records

Best Supporting Actress
Taraji P. Henson – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Viola Davis – Doubt
Sophie Okenedo – The Secret Life of Bees
Penelope Cruz – Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Alice Braga – Blindness

Best Director
Gina Prince Bythewood – The Secret Life of Bees
Darnell Martin – Cadillac Records
Spike Lee – The Miracle at St. Anna
Gabriele Muccino – Seven Pounds
Malcolm Lee – Soul Men

Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted
Gina Prince Bythewood – The Secret Life of Bees
Darnell Martin – Cadillac Records
James McBride – The Miracle at St. Anna
Tyler Perry – The Family That Preys
Tyler Perry – Meet the Browns

Best Breakthrough Performance
Dev Patel – Slumdog Millionaire
Said Taghmaoui – Traitor
Omar Benson Miller – Miracle at St. Anna | The Express
Columbus Short – Cadillac Records
Tristan Wilds – The Secret Life of Bees