A Look Back at 2014

2014 was a year of progress and one of resolve for me.

It was during that calendar year I really upped my camera equipment game: camera mount, overhead light, microphone, and a new tripod. On top of all that I got some editing software as well. Even picked up some books on producing in the process.

In terms of covering films and Hollywood, I was happy for Lupita Nyong'o winning an Oscar at last year's Academy Awards. I made proud to see another woman, and former movie of the year winner on this blog -- Ava DuVernay -- receive critical acclaim across the board for her film "Selma." Not to mention Gina Prince-Bythewood and her moving film, "Beyond The Lights."

In 2014 there was the continued rise of the web series and we can began to see web success spill over into the more traditional medium of television. Issa Rae is working on a show for HBO and the creators of BlackandSexyTV are doing a show for HBO as well. TV shows like "Blackish" and "How to Get Away With Murder" showed network TV executives (again) that shows featuring characters of color can not only succeed, but thrive, especially in the realm of social media.

Despite this progress, most films released from the major studios are still overly white and male focused. That old door however is being pushed against harder and harder every year. People want to see themselves on screen, and in 2014 people of color are making that happen through many different forums. Let's keep this going in 2015. Let us continue to get educated.

3 Years in the Game

I must admit, I'm somewhat surprised that 3 years later this blog is still standing. I still remember my first post and wondering just where exactly I was going with this thing. I still have questions at times, but my focus has always been to provide articles and material that hopefully educates, enlightens and at least on occasion, entertains you, the readers.

A lot has changed since September of 2011. In the three years since we've seen the rise of filmmakers like Issa Rae who used her webseries "Awkward Black Girl" as a platform into other ventures including a still yet to be released TV show on HBO. Lupita Nyong'o has gone from aspiring actress to an Oscar winner and household name. On the production side, Shonda Rhimes' television empire has only continued to grow as she now has THREE shows airing on primetime this season.

Of course not all has been positive. Outside of the industries there have been the continued killings of unarmed black men by police at a rate there's have left me at times wondering what I would do in such situations. People of color still continue to often be left out in ad campaigns and major motion pictures as leading men and women. Despite all that, we still rise.

I just want to say once again THANK YOU to all of you who read this blog and even more, share it with others. I don't have ads on this site because it's not about clicks, but connectivity to an audience that often feels neglected and forgotten about. Let's continue to keep getting educated together. Peace.

Lupita Visits Sesame Street

Cute video.

Where Does Lupita Go From Here?

"No matter where you're from, your dreams are valid."

On Sunday night my Twitter timeline was flooded with positive emotions and well wishing on behalf of Lupita Nyong'o who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role of Patsey in "12 Years A Slave." It wasn't the only award "12 Years" would win on the night however, as the film also won for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Lupita has come a long way in just a few short months. If you had asked anyone just last summer about who Lupita Nyong'o was, most people would probably give you a quizzical response. But then "12 Years A Slave" began premiering -- and winning -- at various film festivals picking up momentum into its eventual theatrical release in October. The film's director, Steve McQueen, and star, Chiwetel Ejiofor, weren't exactly household names prior to "12 Years A Slave," but they had worked on other projects in the past. "12 Years A Slave" introduced Lupita Nyong'o to world and the Oscars were just the crescendo to her months long coming out party.

Vanity Fair's Hollywood Cover

Courtesy: Vanity Fair & US Magazine

My 2013 Movie of the Year

2013 was quite a year for black film. There were more movies featuring black folks in prominent roles then I can remember in quite sometime. Who knows if that continues going into 2014, but we'll see. With that said, here are my picks:

Movie of the Year: Fruitvale Station

Excellent job by actor-director duo Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler. I remember when the murder of Oscar Grant took place in January 2009 and it affected me deeply. I felt Coogler and Jordan did a damn good job of depicting Grant not as a saint, but as a human being with triumphs and flaws just like everyone else. Though you know the ending going in, it still tugs at your heart to see it all play out in the film

Runner-up: 12 Years A Slave & Lincoln

"12 Years A Slave" is not an easy movie to watch, but it is certainly one that is worth watching. Chiwetel Ejiofor gives an Oscar worthy perfromance as Solomon and Lupita Nyong'o deserves consideration as well for her role as Patsey. As for "Lincoln," Daniel Day-Leiws is just that good. Though "Lincoln" technically came out last year, I wound up seeing it to a packed theater last February.

Good Job, Good Effort: The Butler

Listen, I appreciated "The Butler" and I enjoyed the performances of Forest Whitaker, Oprah, David Oyelowo and even the cameos by David Banner and Mariah Carey. The cinematography was very good and the story wasn't bad; but I still left "The Butler" feeling somewhat disappointed. Certain scenes seemed completely unrealistic - even for film - such as when David Oyelowo's character, Louis Gaines, goes from marching with Dr. King one moment to sitting at a home in Oakland lounging with the Black Panthers the next. I left feeling that the movie, while good, could have been more.