Chadwick Boseman has earned his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor In A Leading Role. The nomination arrives seven months after his tragic death on August 28th, when he passed away at the age of forty-three. The entire list of 2021 Academy Award nominees can be found here.
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Boseman’s Best Actor nod came following his appearance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which secured a total of five nominations; co-star Viola Davis received one for Best Actress In A Leading Role, while the film took home nods for Best Costume Design, Best Makeup And Hairstyling, and Best Production Design. While it did not receive one for Best Picture, the impressive number of nominations earned by Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom speaks to the film’s quality nonetheless.
In Boseman’s case, he’ll be joined by some prestigious company. Also nominated for Best Actor In A Leading Role as Gary Oldman for Mank, Riz Ahmed (making history as the category’s first Muslim nominee) for The Sound Of Metal, Steven Yeun for Minari, and Anthony Hopkins for The Father. It should be noted that Boseman took home the Best Actor Golden Globe a few months ago, and while they don’t always foreshadow the Oscars, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Boseman’s turn as trumpet prodigy Levee Green take home the prize.
The last actor to win a posthumous Academy Award was Heath Ledger in 2008, who won Best Actor for his iconic role as The Joker in The Dark Knight. Should you be interested in catching the 2021 Oscars, look for the ceremony to air on April 25th. Rest in peace to Chadwick Boseman — do you think he’ll secure the win for his role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom?
Well, today, boxing fans finally got what they wanted as boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who works for Joshua, officially told ESPN that the two have signed on for two fights. Essentially, we are guaranteed to see a rematch no matter what happens in the first fight.
This fight will help unify the Heavyweight division and give us an undisputed champion. If the match were to happen today, it’s safe to say that most people would have their money on Fury, although Joshua is still a great technical fighter, and seeing these two in the ring would be a whole lot of fun.
For now, it remains to be seen when these fights will take place although one would have to think that summer of 2021 would be a great time. This would set up a rematch in the following year, and it’s a timeline that goes along well with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Let us know who you think will win this fight, in the comments below.
The death of Breonna Taylor occurred on March 13, 2020, when officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison, and Myles Cosgrove forced entry into the apartment because they suspected that Kenneth Walker was running a drug-dealing operation. Kenneth claims that the officers did not announce their entrance, so he fired one warning shot that wounded an officer in the leg. The police fired 32 shots back, six of them hitting Breonna and tragically resulting in her death. Police did not find any drugs in the apartment.
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“In view of these manifold failures by LMPD, the events that led to Ms. Taylor’s death and Mr. Walker’s injuries on March 13, 2020 — and other incidents like it — were all but inevitable,” the lawsuit said, according to the Courier-Journal.
Read the complete list of 2021 Oscar nominees below.
Best Picture The Father Judas and the Black Messiah Mank Minari Nomadland Promising Young Woman Sound of Metal The Trial of the Chicago Seven
Actor in a Leading Role Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Anthony Hopkins, The Father Gary Oldman, Mank Steven Yeun, Minari
Actress in a Leading Role Viola Davis, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Andra Day, The United States vs. Billie Holiday Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman Frances McDormand, Nomadland Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman
Actor in a Supporting Role Sacha Baron Cohen, The Trial of the Chicago Seven Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and the Black Messiah Leslie Odom, Jr., One Night in Miami Paul Raci, Sound of Metal Lakeith Stanfield, Judas and the Black Messiah
Actress in a Supporting Role Maria Bakalova, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm Glenn Close, Hillbilly Elegy Olivia Colman, The Father Amanda Seyfried, Mank Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari
Best Director Thomas Vinterberg, Another Round David Fincher, Mank Lee Isaac Chung, Minari Chloe Zhao, Nomadland Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman
Best Cinematography Judas and the Black Messiah Mank News of the World Nomadland The Trial of the Chicago Seven
Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) Borat Subsequent Moviefilm The Father Nomadland One Night in Miami The White Tiger
Best Writing (Original Screenplay) Judas and the Black Messiah Minari Promising Young Woman Sound of Metal The Trial of the Chicago Seven
Best Film Editing The Father Nomadland Promising Young Woman Sound of Metal The Trial of the Chicago Seven
Best International Feature Film Another Round Better Days Collective The Man Who Sold His Skin Quo Vadis, Aida?
Best Animated Feature Film Onward Over the Moon A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon Soul Wolfwalkers
Best Animated Short Film Burrow Genius Loci If Anything Happens Opera Yes People
Best Music (Original Song) “Fight For You,” Judas and the Black Messiah “Hear My Voice,” The Trial of the Chicago Seven “Husavik,” Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga “Io Si,” The Life Ahead “Speak Now,” One Night in Miami
Best Music (Original Score) Da Five Bloods Mank Minari News of the World Soul
Best Sound Greyhound Sound of Metal Mank News of the World Soul
Best Documentary Feature Collective Crip Camp The Mole Agent My Octopus Teacher Time
Best Documentary Short Subject Colette A Concerto Is a Conversation Do Not Split Hunger Ward A Love Song For Latasha
Best Makeup and Hairstyling Emma Hillbilly Elegy Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Mank Pinocchio
Best Costume Design Emma Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Mank Mulan Pinocchio
Best Live Action Short Film Feeling Through The Letter Room The Present Two Distant Strangers White Eye
Best Production Design The Father Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Mank News of the World Tenet
Best Visual Effects Love and Monsters The Midnight Sky Mulan The One and Only Ivan Tenet
Drew Brees is officially a retired man. Now, he will get to enjoy the fruits of his labor, while also getting to broadcast with the likes of NBC. Brees had a Hall of Fame career and at this stage, it was clear that it was time to move on and try something new. Retirement is never an easy decision although Brees has a ton of support at home, and it only made sense for him to want to branch out.
Now, the Saints will have to figure out who their quarterback for next year. Reports surfaced that Taysom Hill would be getting a $140 million contract extension although it was immediately made clear that this was voidable and only done for cap purposes. According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, Jameis Winston is still a huge part of the Saints franchise and that heading into training camp, they want Hill and Winston to battle each other for the starting role.
Winston is a much better passer than Hill although the latter is a better all-around player given what he can do as a tight end and special teams player. With this in mind, the Saints’ decision is going to be very difficult. However, if Winston gets the starting job, they can still use Hill how they’ve been doing so for the last few years.
Let us know who you think should be the Saints QB, in the comments below.
Clever has been an accomplice from the start of his career in the music business. The Alabama-born recording artist has previously commented on racial equity in his music, most notably on his 2019 song “Wooden Box”. As the fight intensifies against anti-Black racism in the United States, many have spoken out and used their platform to promote the change they want to see in the world. Clever continues being an accomplice to the Black Lives Matter movement, releasing his new song “Skittles” with Lil Baby, which deals with themes of police brutality, anti-Black racism, and more.
“Skittles” is one of the later songs on Clever’s debut album Crazy, featuring Lil Baby as the two artists speak on their own experiences with the law. In Clever’s hook, he references the murder of Trayvon Martin, singing, “When they get you for the Skittles and you pull over/I don’t wanna pull over anymore.” Martin had taken a walk to his local corner store to buy a bag of Skittles and he was fatally shot while returning home by George Zimmerman.
In Lil Baby’s verse, the Grammy-nominated artist continues his work from “The Bigger Picture”, making rhymes adjacent with what he was spitting a few months ago.
We don’t really f*ck with them 5-0 Trying to pull me over up on the side road Got a light blade and I drive slow Got a Black man in that car with me They treat me like it’s just a drug thing It’s just another couple thug thing Throw ’em in front of the judge thing
It’s hard to believe that Nas, easily one of the greatest rappers of all time, spent the duration of his decades-long career having never won a Grammy. Considering he’s the architect of one of hip-hop’s most influential albums, many have felt that the Queensbridge rapper has been long overdue. Therefore, when he ultimately took home the big Best Rap Album prize for his Hit-Boy-produced King’s Disease album, many of his peers were quick to celebrate the milestone occasion.
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Nobody appeared happier than Busta Rhymes, who previously enlisted Escobar for a scene-stealing collaboration on the haunting “Don’t Get Carried Away.” Taking to social media to cheer his fellow lyricist, Busta made it abundantly clear that Nas deserves his flowers now more than ever. “CONGRATS ON THE GRAMMY WIN ALMIGHTY!!! EVERYBODY PLEASE GIVE THE KING @nas HIS ROSES,” writes Busta, who probably should have seen his own ELE2: The Wrath Of God secure a Best Rap Album nod. “WELL DESERVED AND LONG OVERDUE!!”
Having played an integral role in bringing King’s Disease to life, Hit-Boy also received applause for his win. An endearing clip reveals Big Sean breaking the news to Hit-Boy, who had yet to hear that his project took it home. Upon hearing the news, Hit-Boy became visibly emotional, prompting Sean to pull him into a proud embrace. Though some might have been hoping for a different outcome, it’s clear that Nas and Hit-Boy’s victory is a solid win for hip-hop no matter where you stand. Check out some of the praise below.
While this year’s Grammy Awards were certainly an iconic moment for music, they were also some historic looks, both on the red carpet and off of it. From Jhene Aiko’s big fluffy pink dress, to both ‘Baby’ rappers bringing their moms with them, we’re rounding up some of the best looks from last night’s red carpet and Grammy performances below.
Let us know who wins the ‘Best Dressed’ award and who wins ‘Worst Dressed’ in the comments.
Roddy Ricch pulled up to the red carpet in an abstract coat and big sunglasses.
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Lil Baby showed up to the ceremony with his mom, who was dressed in a bright yellow ensemble.
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DaBaby also took the Grammy Awards as an opportunity to hang with his mom, dressed in a stunning floral suit and hat.
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D Smoke kept it simple, dressed in a grey suit and black turtleneck.
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Lizzo stunned in an iridescent pink dress, with pink hair clips to match.
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Jhené Aiko and Big Sean looked fly as usual, with Jhené wearing an extravagant pink gown.
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Billie Eilish and brother Finneas color-coded in baby pink. Coincidentally, Billie’s look also seems to match Roddy Ricch.
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Dua Lipa looked ethereal and stunning in this textured butterfly gown.
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Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars gave us some retro vibes in their suits, which featured flared pants.
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Chika went heavy on the pastels for her look.
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Doja Cat channeled her inner Beetlejuice in this green, feathered dress.
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Megan Thee Stallion looked radiant in an orange Dolce & Gabbana number.
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The two briefly linked for a photo, too.
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Bad Bunny also kept his look pretty simple, sporting some black bunny ears.
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H.E.R. gave off some very regal vibes in her purple fit.
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Host Trevor Noah of The Daily Show kept things classic.
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Beyonce looked great during her historic win last night, sporting a fitted black dress.
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Beyonce also took the stage with Megan to accept the Best Rap Performance award.
Drew Brees officially retired from the NFL on Sunday which means the Saints have a whole new quarterback situation to deal with. Many felt like they would be going with Jameis Winston, while others feel like Taysom Hill is the logical way to go. Regardless, the Saints have some salary cap problems to deal with and on Sunday, they announced exactly how they are going to solve those issues.
Despite this, many fans don’t actually know what a voidable contract is, which ultimately led to a ton of confusion on social media. Fans were enraged that a player like Hill could get such a massive deal, and it led to a whole lot of hilarious Twitter reactions.
In the tweets below, you can see just what people felt about this new contract, and whether or not they felt like Hill deserves it. Of course, it’s important to note that these reactions were born out of confusion. We’re sure even Hill would be surprised if he actually saw $35 million per year.
At every Grammy Awards ceremony, there are winners and losers.
Here, though, “loser” is a relative term. If you’re an artist who is doing so well that you’re at the Grammys at all, it’s hard to imagine that you’re anything but a winner. That said, if you’re particularly confrontational, “loser” might be what you call somebody who was nominated for an award and did not win that award. On the flip side, you could say that some artists didn’t lose: they won the right to keep their title of nominee (at the cost of not getting promoted to winner).
Then there are cases where you don’t need to glass-half-full the truth to declare somebody was a winner, whether they went home with a trophy or two or otherwise excelled during music’s biggest night. Last night’s Grammys ceremony was full of people who had different levels of success, so let’s get into who thrived and who didn’t quite do that, as well as who offered some of the evening’s biggest surprises.
Winner: Megan Thee Stallion
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Meg had one of the best winning percentages of the night, taking home three of the four Grammys for which she was nominated — she won Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song (both for “Savage”), and Best New Artist, but didn’t claim Record Of The Year.
Outside of the awards themselves, Meg was notary-like with how she put her stamp on the evening. She and Cardi B made more modest-minded music admirers mad with a performance of “WAP” (more on that in a second). Even the Grammy Meg didn’t win, she kind of did win it. While Billie Eilish accepted the Record Of The Year trophy, she got behind the podium and mostly spoke about how Meg should have won it instead of her.
Loser: The structural integrity of “WAP”
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It’s true that “WAP” was probably the biggest song of 2020. It’s also true that it wasn’t made for TV (or for any audible medium at all, according to Ben Shapiro). So, when it was revealed that Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion would be performing the hit during the Grammys broadcast, fans were ready to see a non-insignificant portion of the song left on the cutting room floor. That was true to the extreme. The lyric sheet for this version of the track looked like a brand new Madlibs book. I’m sure Cardi and Meg did all they could to bring “WAP” to the Grammys and they still delivered an entertaining few minutes of television, but the performance came across like they didn’t secure the rights to the song, so they got as close to actually performing it as they could without getting into legal trouble.
Loser: Jhené Aiko
As is tradition, the Grammys took a very long time. Even before the actual ceremony, there was the also-lengthy Grammy premiere ceremony, which the Recording Academy roped Aiko into hosting. Between that and the actual show, it was a long, grueling day for Aiko and she didn’t even end up winning any of the three Grammys for which she was nominated.
Thankfully, Aiko is an optimist. The hosting gig was a personal triumph for Aiko, as she wrote on Twitter, “i conquered a major fear of public speaking today by hosting the freaking Grammy Premiere Ceremony!!” She was even cool with not taking home a trophy, as she tweeted, “i know what its like to lose… do u? do u?! lol,” later adding, “what a crazy day! but its all good. love you all so much.”
i conquered a major fear of public speaking today by hosting the freaking Grammy Premiere Ceremony!! thank you @RecordingAcad for having me!! see u at the show after i take this lil cat nap
In some ways, the Grammys are a popularity contest: If some no-name (not Noname) from the middle of nowhere made one of the year’s best songs, they’re probably not going to win a Grammy for it. The Recording Academy further proved that with their pick for Song Of The Year, as HER took home the prize over people like Beyonce, Roddy Ricch, Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, and Billie Eilish. While HER is certainly a successful artist and “I Can’t Breathe” is an impactful song built on meaningful social justice themes, she’s not exactly a household name and her victory certainly left many viewers feeling like Michael Bluth:
Winners: Fans of normalcy
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Over the past year-plus, pretty much every aspect has been entirely different than it was pre-pandemic. That includes The Grammys, but the fact that the ceremony even happened at all is a grounding force. Yes, the show wasn’t really like previous broadcasts in any way, but it was also as close to normal as any sort of live music event has been since early 2020. Considering the circumstances, the Recording Academy excelled with their broadcast. Delayed ceremony aside, one thing music fans have been able to count on towards the start of the year is finding out what music and artists the Recording Academy “secret commitees” deserve to be honored, for better or worse.
Losers: Fans of normalcy
That said, the whole thing was a bit weird, right? During performances, there were probably too many cuts to Trevor Noah and other artists in the room to forcefully drive home the point that everybody was actually there IRL. Those shots just hit different when it’s just one or two people side-stage instead of a big seated audience. Then, when the performances were done, the golf-level applause didn’t make the Grammys seem as epic as they usually do. Going the NBA route and piping in artificial fan noise wouldn’t have been a bad move.
The Recording Academy faced an impossible problem, but they still managed to put on a functional and entertaining show that offered plenty of highlights and made you forget this is an atypical Grammy year. Ultimately, though, it often felt less than grand, which, again, is really nobody’s fault.
Winner: Performance aesthetics
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Sure, let’s flip this topic of Grammy normalcy around one more time. Usually, artists and their crews only have a few minutes to get an elaborate performance set-up onto the singular Grammy stage at the Staples Center. This year, though, the set-up made things different, arguably better. The multiple stages on-site allowed for performers to get their own look going in their own space, all with minimal time between performances. In an aesthetic highlight, Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff, and Aaron Dessner were all able to take to a mini cabin in a mystical-looking forest, for example, it feels like that something that gorgeous may not have been possible in a traditional Grammy year. Lil Baby’s cinematic performance that addressed police brutality definitely wouldn’t have been an eighth as impactful on a traditional stage.
Surprise: Jojo Rabbit
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Taika Waititi himself would agree with this pick, as it seemed like he didn’t really expect the Jojo Rabbit soundtrack to win Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media over films like Frozen 2 and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga. Waititi offered a simple “Lol wtfffff” on Twitter in reaction to the news, and during his acceptance speech, he noted, “I guess they’re just giving Grammys to anyone now! I’ll take it, thank you.” He went on, “It was so long ago, I can barely remember anything about making that movie — but it seems like it’s never going to go away, and I’m happy about that.”
So, if you don’t remember the Jojo Rabbit soundtrack, it’s OK because Waititi probably doesn’t either.
Winner/Loser: Masks
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Whether this is a winner or loser is a matter of perspective. Audience shots at awards shows are usually the most fruitful vine from which to pluck plump, dank memes of celebrities who didn’t expect the camera to be on them at a share-worthy moment. In that regard, music fans and internet jokesters lose. Masks could be seen as a major victory for artists who didn’t pick up a trophy, though, considering a wearable specifically made to cover the lower half of your face makes it a heck of a lot easier to hide your disappointment when you come away from a category empty-handed. Frustrated cursing no longer has to be under your breath!
Winner: The entire Carter family
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The Beyhive would never let me hear the end of it if I declared Beyonce a loser, so thankfully, she had an amazing night. For years, she has been climbing up the all-time Grammy wins list, and she made history this year by picking up more trophies to become the woman and singer with the most Grammy victories.
That would have been enough to get her on this list, but that was just one aspect of a multi-pronged night for Bey. She and Megan Thee Stallion became the first women to win Best Rap Performance with “Savage,” and on top of that, her daughter Blue Ivy managed to become one of the youngest Grammy winners ever. Jay-Z was the only member of his immediate family to not directly win a Grammy this year, except even that’s not quite true since he has a writing credit on the “Savage” remix.
So, in what was perhaps the least surprising takeaway from the evening (or from any day, really), the Carter family is doing quite well.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
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love you all so much 
