Filmmaker Spike Lee wasn’t the only prominent African American in show business announcing his intent to boycott this year’s Academy Awards due to its lack of diversity amongst nominees. Actress Jada Pinkett Smith took to Facebook in a video (which can be viewed after the jump) to not only inform fans she will not be attending the February 28th ceremony, but to also encourage other actors of color to follow suit as the award show, for the second time in a row, has failed to acknowledge their cinematic achievements.

“Begging for acknowledgement, or even asking, diminishes dignity and diminishes power. And we are a dignified people, and we are powerful,” she said. “So let’s let the Academy do them, with all grace and love. And let’s do us, differently.” – Jada Pinkett Smith

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After much speculation, last Fall saw Bravo officially announce the newest instalment of its Housewives franchise – ’The Real Housewives of Potomac.’

Based in the bespoke Maryland town, the series is particularly noteworthy because it’s the first series to feature a cast compromised of women of color since the debut of the Atlanta branch eight years ago.  

The gargantuan success NeNe Leakes and co have enjoyed with their show (which is the highest rated in the Housewives portfolio) meant comparisons would be plentiful and that the proverbial bar would be set sky-high. 

Now, with the premiere episode having aired last night, debate has turned to whether reality TV’s newest divas delivered. 

Of course, the length and breath of the season will bring with it the definitive answer. However, per the first taste, the signs are potently promising. And here’s why…

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An extended look at ‘Barbershop 3: The Next Cut’ is here!

Ice Cube, Cedric The Entertainer, Eve, and much of the cast from the first two instalments of the franchise are back for its third outing. This go round, though, they’ve recruited superstar rapper Nicki Minaj.

Onika will portray the character Draya, a sassy local hairstylist working at the barbershop.

Due to hit theaters on April 15th, it looks like light-hearted fun.

Check out the trailer below…

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Mark those calendars!

The ladies of Litchfield are back this summer for another scorching  season of ‘Orange Is The New Black.’

June 17th will see a new batch of episodes of the award-winning prison dramedy uncaged on Netflix.

With 2015’s third run earning polarizing reviews, can the show’s fourth outing redeem? The answer awaits soon. For now, though, check out the newly unwrapped teaser featuring favourites Piper, Crazy Eyes, Red, Mendoza, and more….

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Confusion currently encases Rihanna‘s ‘ANTI’ album campaign, but that hasn’t stopped the Bajan beauty from continuing to build her empire.

In the absence of any charting music, the 27-year-old has opted to flex her acting muscles – this time in Luc Besson‘s newest movie ‘Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets.’

The star’s involvement with the flick (reportedly a prominent one) took her to France this week, where she has been shooting the Sci-Fi flick.

Little is known about the specifics of Rih’s role, but the film itself follows time-traveling agent Valerian, who is sent to investigate a galactic empire, along with his partner Laureline. Actor Clive Owen and Cara Delevingne are also set to star.

With shooting seemingly wrapped for the model, Besson has been gushing about her performance.

See what he had to say below…
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Impressed by the Fox series ‘Scream Queens‘?

Good news….it’s been renewed for a second season.

Details below…

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Welcome to Retro Rewind, the new TGJ original feature that invites our readers on a journey to Entertainment’s glorious past.

Today, as news of a ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ reboot heats excites the show’s fans we celebrate one of the show’s more powerful scenes.

In it, Will (aptly portrayed by Will Smith) attempts to build a relationship with the father he was abandoned by as a child only to find himself faced with hurt and disappointment when the man (portrayed by Ben Vereen) rejects him.

Showcasing layers African-American characters are often written without,  Will’s cracked delivery of “how come he doesn’t want me” would go on to stand as one of the television’s most memorable (and heartbreaking) lines.

Watch above and, as ever, let us know…

Your thoughts?

The Hollywood Reporter‘s Actor Roundtable welcomed Will Smith, Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Cain to the mix recently to bare all on their careers, their industry as it is today and why they turned roles picked up by the other.

It makes for an extremely interesting watch especially as it arrives as talk of racial discrimination against actors of colour by the Academy Awards heats up after Smith’s role in ‘Concussion’ was overlooked by its committee.

Hit the play button for uncensored and extremely honest conversation between gifted peers below…

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Missed Ryan Murphy’s ‘Scream Queens’ when it first aired on Fox last year?

Fear not because we’ve got you covered. Yes, waiting for you below is the entire first season of the horror-comedy starring Keke Palmer, Niecy Nash, Emma Roberts, Nick Jonas and Niecy Nash and features material from the R&B supergroup TLC.

So, exactly what is the series about?

A sorority house faced with danger when a serial killer dressed as their college mascot takes students out by one twenty years after the suspicious disappearance of a baby born in the very house they are targeted in.

Watch below…

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If you thought season 8 The Real Housewives of Atlanta was explosive, things are set to pop all the way off in the second half of the Bravo smash.

From allegations of gay husbands to fake friendships, the ladies of the “A” are playing no games.

Beyond the return of original housewife Nene Leakes, the tension between newcomer Kim Fields and renown troublemaker Kenya Moore comes to the most dramatic of heads. So much so that the future of one lady’s stint on the show now hangs in the balance.

How do we know all this? Bravo have unleashed a season 8 (part 2) super-trailer, which awaits below…

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Despite a dip in ratings, the world still has ‘Empire’ fever. As such, FOX have obliged the masses by renewing the Lee Daniels music drama for a third season.

Details after the jump…

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Lady Gaga‘s comeback as a musician may have the full support of her fan base but it seems that things aren’t as straight forward when it comes to ‘American Horror Story’, the TV series in which she stars.

Details below…

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