This is a big deal. Two cultural icons are teaming up again. Denzel Washington and Spike Lee are adapting a 1963 Japanese crime thriller from Akira Kurosawa. Variety reported that the pair, who haven’t worked together since the 2006 bank robbery film Inside Man, are working with Apple and A24 on High and Low, marking the fifth time Washington and Lee made a movie together.
High and Low is framed as a “reinterpretation” of Kurosawa’s 1963 film starring Toshiro Mifume. Way to keep the nostalgia and original essence going. Now get this: the films are based on the source material – a novel, King’s Ransom, by author Ed McBain, in a story that “follows a businessman’s life becoming a shell of its former self after kidnappers demand a ransom payment.”
The new script is from Lee and Alan Fox and was developed and produced by A24, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures. The good news is that the new High and Low will hit theaters through A24 and then hit Apple TV+.
The producing team includes Escape Artists Todd Black and Mandalay Pictures’ Michael Berman. Lee will also serve as executive producer under his company, 40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks, with Mandalay Pictures’ top brass, Peter Gruber. Matthew Lindner, Chris Brigham, and Katia Washington are also executive producing for Juniper Productions, with Mandalay Pictures’ Jordan Moldo as co-producer.
ICYMI, Washington, is starring in Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming epic about Carthaginian General Hannibal. WOW. There hasn’t been a challenging start date on when production will begin on this. Still, the excitement is already brewing, especially among those interested in untold stories of historical Black figures worldwide. Let’s just say Hannibal was undoubtedly one of those names.
Giancarlo Esposito’s career in the acting world is a compelling narrative of versatility, intensity, and artistic excellence. Renowned for his captivating performances in both television and film, Esposito has established himself as a formidable talent in Hollywood. His ability to bring complex characters to life, coupled with his diverse range of roles, has culminated in a net worth of $30 million by 2024, as reported by Equity Atlas. This illustrates his significant impact in the entertainment industry.
The Spotlight’s Embrace: Esposito’s Career Tapestry
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 12: Actor Giancarlo Esposito attends AMC’s Better Call Saul Los Pollos. Hermanos Pop-Up shop with Bob Odenkirk and Giancarlo Esposito on. March 12, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for AMC)
Esposito’s journey in the world of acting began with his early work on stage. This laid the foundation for his dynamic acting skills. His breakthrough in film and television came with roles that showcased his unique ability to portray nuanced characters. Esposito gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Gus Fring in the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul. His performances are marked by subtle intensity and depth, making him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Accolades & Acumen: Celebrating Esposito’s Craft
HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 29: Giancarlo Esposito attends the ceremony honoring him with a. Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 29, 2014 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
Throughout his career, Giancarlo Esposito has been lauded for his exceptional performances. His role in Breaking Bad earned him critical acclaim and several award nominations. It further cemented his status as a premier talent in the industry. Beyond these accolades, Esposito’s influence extends to his mentorship of young actors and his dedication to the craft of acting. He continues to inspire a new generation in the art of performance.
Beyond The Camera: Esposito’s Life & Legacy
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Giancarlo Esposito, winner of the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for “Better Call Saul,” poses in the press room during the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
Away from the camera, Esposito’s life is characterized by a commitment to artistic and personal growth. His involvement in various charitable causes and his advocacy for the arts reflect his belief in using his platform for positive change. Esposito’s personal journey, including his exploration of his cultural heritage and experiences in the industry, paints a picture of an actor deeply connected to his work and values.
Giancarlo Esposito’s ascent to a net worth of $30 million in 2024 is not merely a financial achievement but a testament to his profound influence as an actor and artist. His career, characterized by critically acclaimed roles and a dedication to his craft, is complemented by his contributions off-screen, solidifying his position as a distinguished figure in the world of acting.
In 1986, visionary filmmaker Spike Lee introduced the world to Nola Darling and her complex love life in the groundbreaking film, She’s Gotta Have It. Decades later, Lee revisited his iconic work. He brought the characters to the small screen as a Netflix series in 2017. The show not only rekindled interest in Nola’s unique journey, but also sparked a global conversation. Furthermore, it put a spotlight on the talented cast that brought the new versions of the characters to life. Let’s take a look at where these stars are today.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 17: DeWanda Wise attends the Los Angeles special screening of Netflix’s “Someone Great” at ArcLight Hollywood on April 17, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Dewanda Wise stepped into the shoes of the fierce and independent Nola Darling, captivating audiences with her powerful performance. Since her breakthrough role in She’s Gotta Have It, Wise has continued to make waves in the entertainment industry. She starred in the supernatural drama series The Twilight Zone and made appearances in films like Someone Great, Fatherhood, and Jurassic World Dominion. She is also set to star in the upcoming supernatural horror film Imaginary. Wise’s undeniable talent and charisma have solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood, and she’s finally receiving her flowers.
Anthony Ramos (Mars Blackmon)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 07: Anthony Ramos attends the European Premiere of Paramount Pictures’ “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” at Cineworld Cinemas on June 07, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
Anthony Ramos portrayed the energetic and charismatic Mars Blackmon. He has experienced a meteoric rise in his career since his breakout in Hamilton. After She’s Gotta Have It, Ramos appeared in the series Will and Grace and also voiced Tito in the animated series Elena Of Avalor. He has also taken on prominent roles in major films like A Star Is Born, Honest Thief, and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, proving himself as a versatile actor. Ramos will also be starring in the upcoming Marvel series Ironheart.
Cleo Anthony (Greer Childs)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – JANUARY 06: Cleo Anthony attends Vanity Fair x Instagram Celebrate the New Class of Entertainers at Mel’s Diner on Golden Globes Weekend at Mel’s Diner on January 6, 2018 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Vanity Fair/Instagram)
Cleo Anthony portrayed the suave and sophisticated Greer Childs in the series. Following his stint on She’s Gotta Have It, Anthony continued to build his acting portfolio. He appeared in the drama Sex/Life and showcased his talent in the action thriller The Prey: Legend of Karnoctus. Anthony’s dedication to his craft has positioned him as a promising actor in the industry.
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 09: Actor Lyriq Bent, winner of best actor in a leading roll attends the Canadian Screen Awards at Westin Harbour Castle Hotel on March 9, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Isaiah Trickey/FilmMagic)
Lyriq Bent, who brought Jamie Overstreet to life, has enjoyed a successful career after She’s Gotta Have It ended. With an impressive filmography, including roles in series like Mary Kills People, Long Slow Exhale, and Delilah. He also appeared in Acrimony, which brought him a great deal of attention as well. Bent has proven himself as a versatile actor capable of tackling a range of characters.
Chyna Layne (Shemekka Epps)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 08: Chyna Layne attends the Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season Two Tastemaker event at Bowery Hotel Terrace on August 08, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Getty Images for STARZ)
Chyna Layne portrayed the aspiring artist and Nola Darling’s best friend Shemekka Epps, whose journey resonated with many viewers. Since the show’s conclusion, Layne has continued to take strides in the entertainment industry. Her talent has shone in films like We Are Family and The First Purge. She is also starring in the legal drama Judge Me Not. Layne has also demonstrated her ability to take on emotionally charged roles with finesse.
Margot Bingham (Clorinda Bradford)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 12: Actor Margot Bingham attends the AOL Build Presents series at AOL Studios In New York on April 12, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images)
Margot Bingham, who played Clorinda Bradford, has continued to make waves in the industry. Known for her versatile talents, Bingham has appeared in series such as Blue Bloods, One Dollar, and New Amsterdam. Her filmography since She’s Gotta Have It includes projects like Sunday Church, A Vigilante, and Then Came You. Bingham’s commitment to diverse roles showcases her ability to bring depth and authenticity to every character she portrays.
Joie Lee (Septima)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 29: Joie Lee attends the 2014 BAMcinemaFest closing night party at Hill Country Barbecue Market on June 29, 2014 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/WireImage)
Joie Lee portrayed Nola’s mother in the series. The veteran actress is a multifaceted talent who has not only contributed to the success of many Spike Lee projects but has also made her mark in the entertainment world. She is an accomplished actress, screenwriter, and producer. Since the end of She’s Gotta Have It, Lee has appeared in projects like Broad City, Farewell Armor,and Harlem.
Prayers go out to Spike Lee and his family as his father, Bill Lee, passed away. Bill died at his Brooklyn Home on Wednesday (May 24). He was 94.
Spike Lee confirmed the death of his father on Instagram, sharing images of his father, captured by his brother, David Charles Lee. “DEEDS NOT WORDS,” Spike captioned the photo collection.
Bill Lee was a talented jazz bassist, composer, and actor. His contributions to music, especially jazz, have established him as a notable figure.
Bill Lee was raised in Snow Hill, Alabama, where he was born, and he became enamored with music at a young age. He learned to play the bass by himself and quickly advanced to proficiency. Jazz, blues, and gospel were just a few genres that influenced his musical style. Over the years, Lee’s ability and originality on the bass allowed him to work with various well-known musicians.
Bill Lee rose to prominence as a jazz musician in the 1950s and 1960s by performing and recording with well-known musicians, including Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and Art Blakey. He served on cello, double bass, and electric bass, demonstrating his adaptability and aptitude in various musical contexts.
Bill Lee has contributed to the civil rights struggle and his musical endeavors. He actively took part in racial equality and social justice marches and demonstrations. His son, Spike Lee, who would later include similar themes in his films, was moved by his dedication to these causes.
Bill Lee has artistic abilities outside of music. Including “She’s Gotta Have It” (1986) and “Do the Right Thing” (1989), he wrote the music for several of Spike Lee’s early movies. His music gave his son’s films a unique and heartfelt touch while also showcasing their similar aesthetic sensibility. He was born William James Edward Lee III on July 23, 1928.
The phrase film d’auteur is especially potent and necessary when defining the work of Spike Lee. As a term, it describes a director’s complete oeuvre, recognizing and acknowledging the themes and powerful tropes that offer a prismatic peek into the passions and personalities of the creator. When examining Lee’s vivid portfolio (or various film joints), those themes run the gamut of unpacking race relations against social and personal backdrops. This includes the media’s invasive role in contemporary society, crime and poverty in urban areas, as well as colorism and politics.
When someone watches a Spike Lee film, they will learn something and question their assumptions and misunderstandings. This occurs as they appreciate and marvel at his use of long shots, color schemes, and layers of music. To welcome those feelings of discomfort that lead to clarity is all part of the Spike Lee Joint experience.
School Daze (1988)
Recently, publications have started to revisit Lee’s 1988 film School Daze. The website Shadow and Act examined its status as a classic. Lee recalled how the film was a victim of colorism. The shooting moved locations because the president of Morehouse did not like that the fictional president in the film had such dark skin. Lee recalled how that adverse reaction only reaffirmed that he was making the right choices. “I know what we were doing was right. Because I had the president of Morehouse telling me the man I cast as the president was too dark-skinned.” The film, starring Laurence Fishburne and Tisha Campbell, examined the world of fraternities and pledging at a historically black college.
When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006)
In 2006, HBO premiered perhaps its most important documentary to date: When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts. This Spike Lee film took viewers to the hours leading up to Hurricane Katrina. It held the audience’s hand while the storm raged and fully displayed what happened in the New Orleans aftermath. Lee interviews residents from all walks of life, the cameras taking people into the Super Dome and the Ninth Ward.
Divided into four acts, this documentary has an operatic scope and feel. Jazz music is applied throughout, using the soundtrack of the Big Easy to its fullest effect. It also manages to still come across as scathing without pointing fingers. The footage’s skill and direction forever ensure that the audience can understand who was responsible for the dereliction of duty as New Orleans floundered. Yet, Lee does not allow the tone to be hopeless. He crafted a narrative that promises eventual resurrection while making it clear that the city’s people deserve all the credit for the city’s survival.
Do The Right Thing (1989)
It is difficult to know where Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing belongs in the pecking order. Released in 1989, it was his third feature film and perhaps one of his most brilliant. Undoubtedly, it is a classic used in both film classes to discuss style and the director’s voice. Additionally, it is discussed in sociology courses to catalyze deeper conversations about socio-economic realities. With a stellar cast that includes John Turturro, Ossie Davis, Ruby Lee, and Danny Aiello, the writing is as tight as any script can get. The action occurs in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood during the hottest day of the year. With Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” pounding like a heartbeat through the city, the film looks at how tensions build in a city that represents a nation that has yet to deal with its racist past or present.
Malcolm X (1992)
Spike Lee’s 1992 Malcolm X forced America to reckon with the legacy of one of its Civil Rights Leaders who not only pointed out racism and hypocrisy embedded deep within every layer of society (“The Ballot or the Bullet” being one of his most outstanding speeches), but who did not give way to compromise to further the agenda of the middle. Although the production had a slew of budget issues, many of which were ameliorated thanks to such celebrities as Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey, the film debuted at the height of a new wave of police brutality, epitomized in the Rodney King case.
Those emotions ripped through the audience with the words: “We’ve never seen Democracy, all we’ve seen is hypocrisy! We don’t see any American Dream; we’ve experienced only the American Nightmare!” Starring Denzel Washington, the film demonstrated Lee’s ability to tackle historical material and make it applicable to modern-day audiences. That relevancy is why it remains one of his most appreciated films.
On this date in 1957, filmmaker, actor and New York Knicks enthusiast Shelton “Spike” Lee was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He moved to Brooklyn as a chid, which became the backdrop of Lee’s most famous movies including Do The Right Thing, He Got Game, Summer Of Sam She’s Gotta Have It and Crooklyn.
With two dozen feature films under his belt, the Academy Award winning director has faced his share of criticism. From his depiction of women to accusations of “blaxploitation” to antisemitism, Lee has always stood in the eye of the storm when it comes to controversy on film.
Lee’s 40 plus years as the eagle eye of the Black experience in America will always be remembered for generations to come. The Northstar Group/The Source Magazine would like to wish Mr. Lee a happy birthday today and wish him many more in the future!
Denzel Washington is someone who typically finds themselves at the Oscars around this time of year. Overall, Washington is one of the best actors in Hollywood. Moreover, his performances are typically good enough to get him nominated. The same can be said of director Spike Lee. Lee is a legend of Hollywood, and he has won some massive awards throughout his career. Last night, one would have expected these two to be at The Oscars. Although, they opted to take their talents somewhere else, understandably so.
Neither Denzel nor Lee were nominated for anything. That said, why bother attending the ceremony? Instead, they decided to combine their interests and head to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Of course, Spike Lee loves his New York Knicks. Additionally, Denzel Washington is a big Lakers fan. Both of those teams were playing each other last night, so it only makes sense that they would link up. As you can see below, both sat next to each other courtside, and they were all smiles for the cameras.
Overall, it feels as though Denzel Washington and Spike Lee made the right choice. The Lakers and the Knicks ultimately engaged in a fantastic game. In the end, the Knicks won by four points in a final score of 112-108. Although it was a rough night for Washington, it was a joyous night for Spike Lee. His Knicks are currently on a roll, and they seem to have a shot at a playoff run. Moreover, the Oscars were dominated by Everything Everywhere All At Once and bad Will Smith jokes. Simply put, these two men did not miss a single thing.
As for the Lakers, they are still trying to secure a playoff spot right now. Overall, they have been fantastic over the last 10 games. However, they are still in a play-in position which means the postseason is not guaranteed. That said, if LeBron can come back soon, then their fortunes will be overturned. Meanwhile, the Knicks are having a season to remember, and it will be interesting to see how everything plays out.
The surprise came at the end of the night when Harry Styles won Album Of The Year, and many were left flabbergasted that Renaissance became the latest album of Beyoncé’s four albums to be snubbed by the Recording Academy for Album Of The Year.
“I’m not the male president of the Beyhive, but I love and support Beyoncé,” Lee said in a wide-ranging interview with The Guardian. “Her album is amazing. I know she’s won multiple Grammys, but four times nominated for Album Of The Year, and she’s lost every time? No disrespect to those artists like Adele or Harry Styles who won. It’s not their fault, but that’s some straight-up bullsh*t.”
The transcendent filmmaker continued, “There’s a history of great Black artists who come up for these awards and don’t win. We all know their work is great because art speaks for itself. But then, it always comes down to this tricky territory of validation. Do Black artists say: ‘F*ck it,’ or seek white validation and chase awards? I just want to give a shoutout to my sister Beyoncé. We know what the deal is. It’s straight-up shenanigans, skulduggery, subterfuge. Or as the British say: It’s some poppycock!”
Spike Lee is usually one of the quieter celebrities, which means if something he says makes headlines, it must be really important.
The legendary director was recently interviewed by The Guardian and was asked what he thought about Beyoncé once again losing Album Of The Year at this years Grammy Awards.
“I’m not the male president of the Bey Hive, but I love and support Beyoncé,” Lee said. “Her album is amazing. I know she’s won multiple Grammys, but four times nominated for Album of the Year and she’s lost every time? No disrespect to those artists like Adele or Harry Styles who won. It’s not their fault, but that’s some straight-up bullshit.”
He continued: “There’s a history of great Black artists who come up for these awards and don’t win. We all know their work is great because art speaks for itself, but then it always comes down to this tricky territory of validation. Do Black artists say, ‘Fuck it,’ or seek white validation and chase awards? It’s straight-up shenanigans, skulduggery, subterfuge. Or as the British say: It’s some poppycock!”
‘I’m on the right side of history’: Spike Lee on speaking truth to power – and why Beyoncé was robbed https://t.co/M4lIIjOdOp
Despite losing to Harry Styles, Beyoncé became the most-awarded musician in Grammy history, having won 32 Grammys throughout her career. However, being nominated for AOTY four times and not winning at least once does seem very suspicious.
That night, Bey won four Grammys: Best R&B Song for “Cuff It,” Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Plastic Off The Sofa,” Best Dance/Electronic Recording for “Break My Soul” and Best Dance/Electronic Music Album for Renaissance.
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