By Carolyn Solar |Staff Writer| For the second year in a row, the acting category of the Oscars consisted of all white nominations. This alone has raised questions about the diversity of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “The Academy members, also known as the "Oscar voters," range in age from early 40s to late 60s and are all white and male,” according to BET.com. This has people wondering whether this is a test of talent or another case of blatant discrimination. Actress Jada Pinkett Smith decided to take to social media to note her disapproval. She posted a video saying that she refused to support an award show that lacked diversity and that she would … [Read more...] about #OscarsStillSoWhite
Oscars
Poppin News
By Dawnielle Floyd |Staff Writer| Jamie Foxx a hero Jan. 19, Oscar winning actor Jamie Foxx pulled a man out of a truck who was allegedly driving under the influence. The wreck happened not far from the actors home in the Los Angeles area. Foxx told reporters that he did what felt natural. Law and Order director pleads guilty Director of “Law and Order,” Jason Jace Alexander, pled guilty to the possession of child pornography, Jan. 19 in New York. Alexander has directed over a dozen shows for the series as well as other shows like “The Blacklist” since the mid '90s. Prosecutors said they found digital … [Read more...] about Poppin News
Birdman – Film Review
By Emmanuel Gutierrez |Features Editor| "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" is a viciously cynical, beauteously shot film, teaming with colorful and arresting characters—masterfully directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu. "How did we end up here? This place is horrible," said Birdman. "Smells like balls," begins the film, in all its existential insight and blunt, snarky satire. Riggins, played by Michael Keaton, pursues his ambition to write, direct, and star in his initial foray in Broadway, seeking respect and validation from the artistic community, making him a modern day Icarus, whom everyone wishes to crash in a blaze of burning, black feathers—for simply … [Read more...] about Birdman – Film Review
A memorable night
By: Carly Woolley |Staff Writer| Some of the most memorable award shows have come and gone, but nothing compared to this year’s Oscars. The 86th Academy Awards was held on March 2, at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. The Academy Awards, commonly known as The Oscars honored the actors, technical achievements, and films of 2013. Television personality Ellen DeGeneres hosted the show for the second time, previously hosting the 79th ceremony in 2007. Ellen successfully brought her infectious personality to life, and kept the audience actively engaged in every aspect of the ceremony. This year’s show continued on its climb to higher ratings, reaching the highest rating in ten years … [Read more...] about A memorable night
The Best and Worst Dressed at The Oscars
By Maria Perry |Staff Writer| An assortment of dapper suits and bejeweled gowns graced the Oscar red carpet Sunday evening, however, four shone a little brighter than the rest, making them the best dressed of the night. Jennifer Lawrence amazed the red carpet in a white Dior dress, with slight circular dented patterns from her strapless neck line all the way to the train. Fitted at the top and big and flowing at the bottom, the gown brought out her eyes and complimented her fair complexion. The light blue eye shadow also made her smile and eyes pop. The simplicity of her hair in a bun topped off the look. Alicia Vikander wore a baby … [Read more...] about The Best and Worst Dressed at The Oscars
2013 Oscar performances steal show
By Shannon Luster |Staff Writer| The Oscars celebrated the best films of the year on ABC on Feb. 24 in an entertaining event that included singing, dancing, and more. Host Seth MacFarlane, writer and creator of "Family Guy" and other shows, opened the Oscars with a joke about his quest to make actor Tommy Lee Jones smile. The show opened with a fast-paced montage of clips from Bond films, speeding cars, beautiful women, handsome Bonds, and explosions complete with music, celebrating 50 years of Bond films. First lady Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance with actor Jack Nicholson as he announced the coveted Best Picture "Argo," directed by Ben Affleck. Daniel Day-Lewis … [Read more...] about 2013 Oscar performances steal show
matts pop culture blog 3 – THE OSCARS
By Matthew Bramlett |Managing Editor| To borrow an insufferable cliche, it's that time of year again. Hollywood Boulevard is cleansed of its homeless dregs and unhinged superhero impersonators so perfect people who have not eaten in 48 hours can walk slowly down a carpet and flash their finest fake smiles. The Academy Awards are here, and it marks the 85th time in film history that the ancient Knights Templar, who have been kept alive by the purity of Oscar gold for 700 years, emerge from their cavernous prison to present the immaculate golden statues to Daniel Day-Lewis and Jennifer Lawrence (spoiler alert!). Already, the red carpet has produced some eye-opening scenes. Anne Hathaway, … [Read more...] about matts pop culture blog 3 – THE OSCARS
Purposeful portrait or preposterous prank?
By Matthew Bramlett Staff Writer One of the most well-known and sought-after street artists may not even exist. Mr. Brainwash, the eccentric filmmaker turned artist whose real name is Thierry Guetta, has seen his image and personal brand explode in recent years. It began in 2008 with his debut art show “Life is Beautiful,” and continueswith his starring turn in graffiti artist Banksy's documentary on the growing street art phenomenon, Exit Through the Gift Shop. Since Banksy's film opened last year, Mr. Brainwash (or, rather, the idea of Mr. Brainwash,) has been the subject of much speculation. All across the Internet, there have been different sources claiming that not only … [Read more...] about Purposeful portrait or preposterous prank?