Remembering the Iconic 'Malcolm X' Movie 31 Years Later
Spike Lee’s iconic film, Malcolm X, starring Denzel Washington, gave us one of the best in depth looks into the life of the slain civil rights leader. 31 years later, this film still stands as one of the greatest biopics ever. We discuss it here!
Malcolm X Movie Starring Denzel Washington
On November 18, 1992 Spike Lee’s classic movie, Malcolm X, starring Denzel Washington released in theaters. Spike Lee, who at the time was doing movies for Universal, was very impressed with Norman Jewison's take on the late activist Malcolm X. However, Lee felt like Norman may have missed some nuances of Malcolm’s journey. Spike Lee was very passionate about this story and he knew he was the right guy to show the true side of who Malcolm X really was. Fast forward thirty-one years later and his film portrayal of Malcolm X is one of the great American films not only of the decade but the century. It not only showed the true nature of Lee’s genius but it was his most self-effacing work to date in its humility before its subject.
Angela Bassett and Denzel Washington in Malcolm X
Some of the film’s fire and fury undoubtedly came from the circumstances under which it was made. Lee had a very weird relationship with the powers that be at Warner Bros. (Like most these days) than he had enjoyed at Universal, and there were numerous fights over the length of the movie that culminated in a period when the bond company shut down the film and took it out of Lee’s hands. That didn’t stop Lee, the director stuck to his guns, however channeling the same fiery determination that came to define his subject. An iconic scene was when Malcolm X, played by (Denzel Washington) was looking out the window with the Ak-47 gun, definitely an all-time photo in cinema history. With a star studded cast, Spike Lee had all the tools for a great film, and he did not disappoint.
I rate the Malcolm X movie 10/10. A great history lesson in Black Culture. A classic Spike Lee Joint.
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Angela Bassett Set to Receive Honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards
Angela Bassett will be presented with an honorary Oscar this fall at the 14th annual Governors Awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry. We discuss it here!
Angela Bassett poses at the 2023 Academy Awards.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
By: Omar Cook
Angela Bassett is set to receive one of the highest honors an actor can receive. According to Variety, this fall at the 14th annual Governors Awards, Bassett will be presented with an honorary Oscar. Much deserved for this iconic actress who has portrayed multiple Oscar worthy roles. The awards will take place in Los Angeles on November 18, 2023.
Bassett has been nominated for Oscar twice but went home empty handed back in March at the Oscars. She was nominated for her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which many people believed she should have won, but now she will have a trophy to call her own. She will be in great company as actor Mel Brooks and film editor Carol Littleton will also receive honorary Oscars. Michelle Satter, the esteemed founding senior director of the Sundance Institute's Artist Programs, will be presented with the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award during the upcoming untelevised event.
“The Academy’s Board of Governors is thrilled to honor four trailblazers who have transformed the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and movie fans,” Academy President Janet Yang stated.
Angela Bassett’s resume is stamped, to say the least. Her breakout role came in 1990 playing Trey’s mother in Boyz n the Hood. She also played Betty Shabazz, alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s, Malcolm X film. Her role as Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It, should have arguably been her first Oscar for Best Actress but her time has finally come nonetheless. Congratulation to Angela Bassett on this prestigious accomplishment as this will only solidify her place even more as one of the greatest actresses in history.
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Jonathan Majors Set to Star in and Produce 'Da Understudy' for Amazon Studios
Jonathan Majors set to produce and star in Da Understudy a film acquired by Amazon Studios, with Spike Lee rumored to direct. We discuss it here!
By: Adonis Armstrong
Jonathan Majors is set to star in and produce the upcoming film Da Understudy from Amazon Studios and Westbrook Studios according to Deadline. The film was acquired by Amazon Studios after a competitive bidding process. Spike Lee is rumored to be directing the film, which would mark a reunion with Majors after their work on Da 5 Bloods. Majors will be producing the feature under his production company, Tall Street Productions.
Majors involvement in the film comes after his success in MGM and Amazon's record-breaking opening-weekend grosses for Creed III. In the film, Majors plays Damian Anderson, the antagonist of Adonis Creed, which became the biggest opener in the Rocky and Creed franchises and the largest-ever opening for a sports film. Majors has had a breakout year with roles in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, Lovecraft Country, and The Harder They Fall. He is also set to star in Magazine Dreams and The Man in My Basement.
Da Understudy tells the story of an understudy of a Broadway production who finds a role he is willing to kill for. Will Smith, Westbrook Studios Co-President & Head of Motion Pictures Jon Mone, and Mike Soccio will also produce the film, with Lee and Tyler Cole serving as executive producers. Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook.
This announcement has created a buzz in the entertainment industry, as Majors is quickly becoming a sought-after actor and producer. He has demonstrated his range and talent in various films and series, and his upcoming projects show that he is not slowing down anytime soon.
Meet Deion Higginbotham, media correspondent for 247 Live Culture!