“The Bachelor” is one of the biggest franchises in television history. It has also faced enormous criticism over the years for its lack of diversity. After much pushback for never having a lead of color on the franchise’s flagship show, “The Bachelor” will finally have its first Black lead with star Matt James. James is…
UPDATED: An episode of sitcom “Fawlty Towers” removed from a streaming site for containing “racial slurs” is to be reinstated. John Cleese had attacked the decision to remove the episode as “stupid,” as well as taking a swipe at those who take a revisionist view of history in the context of the Black Lives Matter…
via ‘Fawlty Towers’ Episode to Be Reinstated After John Cleese Attacks its Removal — Variety
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced “Academy Aperture 2025,” the latest efforts to increase diversity in the film community, including plans for a more inclusive Oscar race. 27 more words
Since Spike Lee burst onto the scene in 1986, the timeliness of his movies has been the filmmaker’s calling card — with Lee assembling a body of work that meditates on world events in a way that seems almost prescient. 18 more words
via Why Spike Lee Thinks ‘Da 5 Bloods’ Is the Right Movie for the Black Lives Matter Movement — Variety
Ryan Reynolds’ latest venture, an ABC game show called “Don’t,” debuted to decent numbers and won Thursday night ratings race. The Adam Scott-hosted show, which gives contestants the chance to win a cash prize of up to $100,000 by tackling tasks with one simple rule, premiered with a 0.9 rating among adults 18-49 and drew…
Who knew that Bob Dylan was not only determinedly pro-Eagles — take that, Henley/Frey haters! — but that he thinks the Joe Walsh-penned “Pretty Maids in a Row,” probably the least revived song on the “Hotel California” album, is “one of the best songs ever”? 13 more words
Hollywood’s major unions have released extensive back-to-work guidelines for resuming production amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, with a heavy emphasis on testing. The 36-page report, titled “The Safe Way Forward,” starts by saying, “This document represents what we believe to be a path for employers to provide a safer workplace for their cast and crew…
via Hollywood Unions Release Back-to-Work Guidelines for Resuming Production — Variety
Tucker Carlson is, once again, losing advertisers. But the real question is whether Fox News Channel is losing any of the cash those sponsors regularly invest in its overall programming. 30 more words
via Tucker Carlson is Losing More Sponsors. But is Fox News Losing More Ad Cash? — Variety
Oprah Winfrey’s two-night town hall on racism in America drew a substantial number of viewers. Titled “OWN Spotlight: Where Do We Go From Here?,” the town hall was simulcast on OWN and all of its parent company Discovery’s 18 other networks. 16 more words
via Oprah Winfrey Town Hall on Racism Draws Almost 11 Million Viewers — Variety
Disney has moved its animal adventure movie “The One and Only Ivan,” with a voice cast that includes Sam Rockwell and Angelina Jolie, out of theaters and onto its Disney Plus streaming service on Aug. 24 more words
via ‘The One and Only Ivan’ to Skip Theaters and Debut on Disney Plus — Variety
Festival Reviews 