2023 Academy Awards

Tina Lawson Links With “Houston Homegirl” Megan Thee Stallion

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The Lawsons and Knowles-Carters love themselves some Megan Thee Stallion, including matriarch Tina Lawson. The mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles is just as famous as her daughters, as she was instrumental in the development and success of Destiny’s Child. She’s accepted as a mother to those she loves, affectionately going by Ms. Tina, and it’s clear that artists are just as fond of her as they are her children.

It was a celebration of film last weekend at the 2023 Academy Awards, and the Lawsons attended in all of their fashionable glory. Of course, Ms. Tina shared a few highlights, including a cute snapshot with none other than Megan Thee Stallion. The two ladies embraced for the photo and puckered up with their best kissy-faced pose. “With the gorgeous Megan The Stallion two Houston Homegirls hanging at The Vanity Fair Oscars Party,” wrote Lawson in the caption. “A long way from Third Ward❤❤❤❤ these young ladies know how to pout !! I just pucker I got to learn😂😂.”

Tina Lawson: The “Savage”

The link between Ms. Tina and Megan was a family affair, and not just because the two women are both from Houston. Megan famously partnered with Beyoncé on the remix to “Savage,” sparking a viral moment unlike any other in the Houston Hottie’s career. The Lawsons and Knowles-Carters have supported the rapper, especially through her legal ordeal involving Tory Lanez. Megan has always spoken kindly of the famous family and how they have embraced her. She even joked about Bey on the red carpet for Vanity Fair‘s Oscars event.

A reporter for Entertainment Tonight asked Megan about securing those coveted Renaissance World Tour tickets, and the Traumazine star joked that she put in a few phone calls to make it happen. Megan stated in the past that she turns to Beyoncé and Jay-Z for advice, and the music icon is more than happy to share wisdom. Additionally, in the same Oscars interview, Megan revealed she’s been hard at work on her new album. She didn’t give any details as to what we can expect, but with all she’s endured, fans are awaiting a project where she puts it all on the line. Check out Ms. Tina with Megan above.

Ciara’s “Risqué” Oscars Gown Causes Controversy, But Fans Call Out Double Standard

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The hoopla surrounding the Oscars is fading, but people are still discussing Ciara’s risqué gown. The hitmaker was stunning in a Dundas dress that showed all her “goodies,” and it stole attention. Underneath, Ciara only wore pasties over her breasts and a thong to complete the breathtaking look, and reactions were a mixed bag. Critics called out the singer for stripping down to nearly nothing, mentioning that she often touts her faith. However, her defenders have clapped back, making for an ongoing conversation about whether or not Ciara should show off her backside as a mother of three.

On Instagram, CiCi uploaded a photo from the Academy Awards night and was soon flooded with reactions. Some men said they would never allow their wives to go outside in such a dress. The more religious crowd condemned Ciara professing to be a Christian while putting her body on display. The singer’s Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson husband didn’t seem to take issue with the dress as he stood proudly by his wife’s side. Of course, this caused the couple’ to once again ‘s marriage to once again be a focus of social media.

Ciara Steals The Show

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: 2023 Russell Wilson, Ciara arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 12, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)

When the Wilsons aren’t causing conversations in pop culture, the pair push forward with their volunteer work. Russell and Ciara have long made it a priority to help marginalized communities, including those in prison. They were recently seen at the Everglades Correctional Institution, where they spent time with over 300 inmates. The couple encouraged the group, shared motivating messages, and prayed for those in need. Wilson reportedly read Bible verses, and Ciara sang for the prisoners.

While the visit with the prisoners was life-changing, people still focused their attention on Ciara at the Oscars. However, it was noted that several other women also wore sheer looks that showed off their bodies, but they were ridiculed in the same way. It was further reported that the theme of the Oscars was “barely there glam,” which is why women were seen in sheer gowns that only covered those crucial areas. Ciara’s fans called out critics who were quick to slam the singer without addressing anyone else. Check out a few more looks and fans’ reactions below.

Mixed Reactions To The Singer’s Gown

Megan Thee Stallion Is Working On New Music, Jokes About “Auntie” Beyoncé

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Is it time for another Megan Thee Stallion SZN? Her Hotties believe so, especially after the rapper made a grand return to the spotlight over the weekend. For months, sightings of the Traumazine hitmaker have been few and far between. She’s been laying low since the verdict was reached in the Tory Lanez trial, but it looks like we’re entering a new era for the Rap star. Megan looked stunning at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and hinted that new music was coming.

This look was Megan’s first time on the red carpet since December. She looked radiant in a Bach Mai custom gown while adorned in luxury diamond pieces, including a show-stopping ring. “The designer is from Houston, Texas! His name is Bach. He got me snatched tonight,” said Megan about Bach. There were also jokes about Beyoncé’s Renaissance world tour tickets. Megan kidded she wouldn’t reveal who gave her the passes but confirmed she wouldn’t miss it.

Megan Thee Stallion Is Back In Action

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: EXCLUSIVE ACCESS, SPECIAL RATES APPLY. Angela Bassett and Megan Thee Stallion attend the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 12, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/VF23/WireImage for Vanity Fair)

The interviewer joked about Megan having a direct line to the Knowles-Carters. She’s managed by Roc Nation, so it was no surprise the rapper would attend. “You know I called them directly!” said Megan with a laugh. “Beyoncé! Let me get a ticket!” Additionally, every year, Bey and Jay-Z host their exclusive Oscars party—and Megan revealed she was also invited to that. “You know Beyoncé is my auntie!”

The Houston Hottie added that she had to stop by the Vanity Fair event for a “quick one, two.” She added, “This is my first night out, and I’m here, and I’m ready.” So, is she working on music? “Oh, I am. New album, f*ck you hoes, bye!”

A Rough Season For Thee Stallion

Megan faced public ridicule for over two years after she alleged Tory Lanez shot her in the foot. What unraveled was unlike anything we’ve seen recently, as Lanez and his supporters openly targeted Megan throughout. They argued that she was lying about what occurred, even pointing fingers at one of the only other witnesses, Kelsey Harris. The two women were once best friends, but the incident caused a divide.

Alternative theories were presented during the trial, but a jury found Lanez guilty. He was initially scheduled for sentencing in late February, but he reportedly has to wait until April to learn his fate. Check out Megan Thee Stallion enjoying her night out above.

Michael B. Jordan & Jonathan Majors Show Love To Angela Bassett After Oscars Loss

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The anticipation was building over the weekend as the Oscars took over, and eyes were on Angela Bassett. Despite having a career that spawned several blockbuster hits, the acclaimed actress has yet to receive an Academy Award honor. Her inclusion in the Black Panther franchise has earned her more praise, and her supporters hoped that this year, she would take home the gold. However, Bassett lost out on Best Supporting Actress to Jamie Lee Curtis for Everybody Everywhere All At Once. The Waiting to Exhale icon’s reaction took over timelines as screenshots of a disappointed look were shared far and wide.

As the internet is in the thick of eating Bassett’s loss, many noted that two actors made sure to pay homage. This would have been Bassett’s first Oscar had she won, and she was clearly ready for her big moment. Creed III stars Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors appeared on the Oscars stage to present the award for Best Cinematography after Bassett’s loss. Their ties with Bassett ran deep, so they took a moment to acknowledge her in front of her Hollywood peers.

Angela Bassett Honored By Jordan & Majors

Before they even looked at the teleprompter, Jordan and Majors focused on Bassett. “Hey, Auntie,” said Jordan, who co-starred in the Black Panther franchise with the actress. Those two words were the same that his character, Erik Killmonger, uttered to Queen Ramonda, portrayed by Bassett. “We love you,” said Majors, who co-starred in Lovecraft Country with Bassett’s husband, Courtney B. Vance. Additionally, both Majors and Bassett graduated from the Yale School of Drama.

Her Best Supporting Actress nominations this year marked the second nod for Angela Bassett. It was 29 years ago that she received her first nomination for What’s Love Got To Do With It, the Tina Turner biopic that has gone down in film history. Yet, Jamie Lee Curtis’s win marked the first in her career. Curtis has been active in the industry for the entirety of her life, but her on-screen debut was in 1978’s Halloween. Both of Curtis’s parents are Hollywood royalty; her father, Tony Curtis, was an Oscar winner with a career that spanned six decades. Her mother, Janet Leigh, is most remembered as the lead role in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller, Psycho.

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Anonymous Oscars Voter On Viola Davis Snub: “No, Sweetheart, You Didn’t Deserve It”

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It’s normal for entertainment outlets to speak with the powers that be that decide on the Academy Award wins, but these Oscar voters irked the internet. Much like publications do during Grammy Award season, Entertainment Weekly spoke with an Oscar voter ahead of the coveted ceremony. He, of course, remains anonymous, thus giving him the veil to speak candidly about his choices. Let’s just say he didn’t hold back.

The man, described as a longtime actor, finally got his wish to become a voting member of The Academy. However, he is disillusioned by the process and doesn’t mince words. “Now, I’m forced to — so, be careful what you wish for. The whole Hollywood back-slapping, ‘get a big stinkin’ load of me,’ it’s not a newsflash, it just seems to get worse and worse. I think the Academy is making an effort to please everybody, and it’s reflective of the state of the world, but I feel like they’re being held hostage — somewhat unfairly — by the wokeness.”

Oscar Voter Disparages Viola Davis

HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 26: Actress Viola Davis poses in the press room at the 89th annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

The Oscar voter further speaks on the backlash the Academy received over The Woman King and Till‘s snubs. Fans believed Viola Davis and Danielle Deadwyler, respectively, deserved to be acknowledged for Best Actress. Neither actor received a nomination, and some believed it was because the Academy is overwhelmingly white. The Oscar voter made it plain that Davis’s performance wasn’t up to par.

“When they get in trouble for not giving Viola Davis an award, it’s like, no, sweetheart, you didn’t deserve it. We voted, and we voted for the five we thought were best,” he further shared. “It’s not fair for you to start suddenly beating a frying pan and say [they’re] ignoring Black people. They’re really not, they’re making an effort. Maybe there was a time ten years ago when they were, but they have, of all the high-profile things, been in the forefront of wanting to be inclusive.”

“Shut Up & Relax”

“Viola Davis and the lady director need to sit down, shut up, and relax. You didn’t get a nomination — a lot of movies don’t get nominations. Viola, you have one or two Oscars, you’re doing fine.” Do you agree with the Oscar voter?

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Lady Gaga Won’t Perform “Hold My Hand” At Oscars With Other “Best Song” Nominees

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It was supposed to celebrate all tracks acknowledged in the Best Song category, but Lady Gaga will have to miss out. This year’s Oscars are fast approaching and the anticipation is growing. For years, people have complained that the Oscars were losing credibility among younger generations. However, last year’s debacle greatly increased its popularity. It may have been an unfortunate moment for both Will Smith and Chris Rock, but it revigorated interest in the ceremony. Hollywood’s elite will gather together to learn who will be the latest to take home the gold. The musical performances have also been a buzz.

Best Song nominees include Gaga (“Hold My Hand”), Rihanna (“Lift Me Up”); Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava (“Naatu Naatu”); Stephanie Hsu, David Byrne and Son Lux (“This Is a Life”); and Sofia Carson and Diane Warren (“Applause”). All other nominees confirmed their participation, but Variety reported this week that Gaga declined the invitation. Oscars executive producer and showrunner Glenn Weiss also spoke on the revelation.

Lady Gaga Is Busy With The Joker

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 03: Lady Gaga performs onstage during the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

“We invited all five nominees. We have a great relationship with Lady Gaga and her camp. She is in the middle of shooting a movie right now. Here, we are honoring the movie industry and what it takes to make a movie after a bunch of back and forth.” He further shared, “It didn’t feel like she can get a performance to the caliber that we’re used to with her and that she is used to. So, she is not going to perform on the show.”

Gaga is reportedly in the thick of filming the sequel to Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker franchise. The hitmaker will star alongside Phoenix as Harley Quinn, and it’s a casting that has caused a stir. Folie à Deux director Todd Phillips recently shared the first sneak peek at Gaga’s role. Additionally, the film is slated to hit theaters in October 2024. It’s rumored that the music icon’s approach to the character will be much different than Margot Robbie’s take. According to reports, the Folie à Deux Harley Quinn storyline will focus on the development of her character’s interest in The Joker. It will emphasize her beginnings as a psychiatrist who spirals into mania. We’ll keep you updated as more information about the feature is shared.

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2023 Oscars Snubs Angers Internet: Viola Davis, Tom Cruise, Taylor Swift, Jordan Peele

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Another year, another award season, and this time, the Oscars are commanding attention. Today, the nominations for the 2023 Academy Awards were announced, and while some are celebrating, others are questioning why several notable features and actors didn’t receive nods.

It’s expected that with nominations such as these, someone, somewhere, will be disappointed. However, when it was shown that Jordan Peele’s Nope, The Woman King starring Viola Davis, and even Tom Cruise for his Top Gun portrayal were snubbed, fans demanded answers.

Read More: 2023 Oscar Nominations Include Rihanna & Tems’ Work On “Lift Me Up”

Top Gun was a frontrunner and earned a nod for Best Picture. However, it didn’t receive inclusion for Best Actor or Best Director. It was expected to be added to those categories, as well as those highlighting cinematography.

Peele’s features have swept the box office one after another, but Nope didn’t grab the Academy’s attention. Neither did The Woman King, as the praised film also didn’t earn any nominations. Additionally, Wakanda Forever‘s Angela Bassett received a look for Best Supporting Actress, and Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” is up for Best Original Song. Some believed the film’s director, Ryan Coogler, should have also been nominated.

Additionally, this year no women directors were selected, but neither was James Cameron for the latest Avatar film.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 18: (L-R) Steven Yeun, Daniel Kaluuya, Jordan Peele, Keke Palmer, and Brandon Perea attend the world premiere of Universal Pictures’ “NOPE” at TCL Chinese Theatre on July 18, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)
Read More: Will Smith To Talk “Emancipation” & Oscars On “Red Table Talk”

Further, Rihanna and Lady Gaga have been nominated for Best Original Song (“Lift Me Up” and “Hold My Hand,” respectively). Their fanbases are exciting, but Taylor Swift’s exclusion for her Where the Crawdads Sing track “Carolina” has caused a firestorm.

Other snubs include Margot Robbie, Elvis director Baz Luhrmann, and Till, the controversial film about the murder of Emmett Till.

Did your picks make the cut? Check out a few reactions below.

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Freddie Gibbs Reacts To NYT Suggesting Oscar Nom For “Down With The King”

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Another rapper has moved from the studio to the silver screen, and Hollywood is taking notice of Freddie Gibbs. His lyricism has long been praised in Hip Hop, but last year, Gibbs starred in his first feature film, Down with the King.

The movie followed the story of rapper Money Merc (Gibbs), who becomes disheartened by celebrity life. He leaves the city and, in turn, finds his purpose while in a small town.

Read More: Freddie Gibbs Makes Feature Film Debut In “Down With The King” Trailer

This week, the New York Times issued their “And the 2023 Oscar Nominees Should Be …” feature that highlighted their picks for this year’s nods. Surprisingly, Gibbs found himself amid choices for Best Actor.

The rapper retweeted a post about the article and simply responded by writing, “Bruhhhh.” He also said, “It be crazy to see my name next to Daniel Kaluuya. I got a lotta work to do.” Several of Gibbs’s peers congratulated him on the mention.

Other NYT picks included Kaluuya, Viggo Mortensen, Franz Rogowski, Benjamin Voison, and Jafar Panahi.

Read More: Freddie Gibbs Says Michael Jackson Used To Face His Dad In Talent Shows

In an interview with Paste Magazine in August 2022, Gibbs said he identified with his character’s plight.

“I can relate to Mercury’s pain and the things that he was feeling coming from the rap game, because I can share some of those same sentiments,” he said. “

“I’m not gonna say it was easy to be Mercury because I don’t agree with his feelings all the time, but it was certain things—like the tension with other rappers, being distant from your children, things of that nature—I could add into the character because I’ve been through those things in my personal life for real.

Did you see Down with the King? Check out the trailer for the film above.

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