Michael K. Williams leaves behind a powerful legacy following his sudden death. Fall film festivals are off to a strong start, as Telluride and Venice generate Oscar buzz. Meanwhile, Britney Spea…
Perfection is rarely achieved in movies, but this heaven-sent concert doc hits the sweet spot. Over two days in January 1972, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin — she was 29 at the time — sweeps into the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts in front of a congregation and testifies to God in song. The blessed thing took nearly half a century to come out because director Sydney Pollack failed to sync the image with the sound. Then digital angels stepped in, and glory, glory, hallelujah!
Perfection is rarely achieved in movies, but this heaven-sent concert doc hits the sweet spot. Over two days in January 1972, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin — she was 29 at the time — sweeps into the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts in front of a congregation and testifies to God in song. The blessed thing took nearly half a century to come out because director Sydney Pollack failed to sync the image with the sound. Then digital angels stepped in, and glory, glory, hallelujah!
Perfection is rarely achieved in movies, but this heaven-sent concert doc hits the sweet spot. Over two days in January 1972, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin — she was 29 at the time — sweeps into the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts in front of a congregation and testifies to God in song. The blessed thing took nearly half a century to come out because director Sydney Pollack failed to sync the image with the sound. Then digital angels stepped in, and glory, glory, hallelujah!
Perfection is rarely achieved in movies, but this heaven-sent concert doc hits the sweet spot. Over two days in January 1972, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin — she was 29 at the time — sweeps into the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts in front of a congregation and testifies to God in song. The blessed thing took nearly half a century to come out because director Sydney Pollack failed to sync the image with the sound. Then digital angels stepped in, and glory, glory, hallelujah!
Perfection is rarely achieved in movies, but this heaven-sent concert doc hits the sweet spot. Over two days in January 1972, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin — she was 29 at the time — sweeps into the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts in front of a congregation and testifies to God in song. The blessed thing took nearly half a century to come out because director Sydney Pollack failed to sync the image with the sound. Then digital angels stepped in, and glory, glory, hallelujah!
Perfection is rarely achieved in movies, but this heaven-sent concert doc hits the sweet spot. Over two days in January 1972, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin — she was 29 at the time — sweeps into the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts in front of a congregation and testifies to God in song. The blessed thing took nearly half a century to come out because director Sydney Pollack failed to sync the image with the sound. Then digital angels stepped in, and glory, glory, hallelujah!
Perfection is rarely achieved in movies, but this heaven-sent concert doc hits the sweet spot. Over two days in January 1972, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin — she was 29 at the time — sweeps into the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts in front of a congregation and testifies to God in song. The blessed thing took nearly half a century to come out because director Sydney Pollack failed to sync the image with the sound. Then digital angels stepped in, and glory, glory, hallelujah!
Perfection is rarely achieved in movies, but this heaven-sent concert doc hits the sweet spot. Over two days in January 1972, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin — she was 29 at the time — sweeps into the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts in front of a congregation and testifies to God in song. The blessed thing took nearly half a century to come out because director Sydney Pollack failed to sync the image with the sound. Then digital angels stepped in, and glory, glory, hallelujah!
Michael K. Williams leaves behind a powerful legacy following his sudden death. Fall film festivals are off to a strong start, as Telluride and Venice generate Oscar buzz. Meanwhile, Britney Spears’ conservatorship battle takes a shocking turn, plus “Blue’s Clues” nostalgia and TikTok star Addison Rae break the internet.
In the latest episode of Variety‘s video series “The Take,” presented by Apple TV+, senior correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister and film awards editor Clayton Davis discuss their takes on the week’s biggest headlines.
Williams, the prolific and talented character performer from such shows as “Boardwalk Empire” and “The Wire,” died this week at the age of 54. During his impressive career, he picked up five Emmy nominations, one of which is for HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” for supporting actor drama. If he wins at the Sept. 19 ceremony, he will be the seventh posthumous acting winner in Emmy history, along with the first Black winner of the category.
The Spears’ legal battle took a major turn this week when her father, Jamie Spears, filed a petition to completely terminate her conservatorship. The filing marked a sudden change of course for the elder Spears, who has firmly stated that his famous daughter needs to live under the conservatorship. Spears’ attorney, Mathew Rosengart, called the surprise move a “massive legal victory,” while pledging to investigate her father to the full extent, despite him asking the judge to end the court-ordered arrangement. More details on Spears’ fate will be determined at her next hearing on Sept. 29.
The Venice and Telluride film festivals took place last week, giving the world the first reactions to “Spencer” with Kristen Stewart, “King Richard” with Will Smith and “Belfast” with Jamie Dornan. Along with a slew of documentary and international debuts, including Todd Haynes’ “The Velvet Underground” and Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Hand of God,” the upcoming awards season looks to be an exciting one.
TikTok superstar Rae inked a major multi-picture deal with Netflix, following the success of her remake “He’s All That” with the streaming giant. Rae, who has more than 80 million followers on TikTok alone, has sparked a conservation about parlaying social media fame into the entertainment business.
Steve Burns, the original host of Nick Jr.’s “Blue’s Clues,” took to social media to celebrate the children’s program’s 25th anniversary. In addition to tapping into millennial nostalgia, he brought a bit of joy we didn’t know we all needed.
Hosted by Variety senior correspondent Wagmeister and awards editor Davis, “Variety The Take,” presented by Apple TV+, is a weekly series that will navigate the week’s top stories from the entertainment world, pop culture and media while providing expert analysis and exclusive insight on what’s buzzing in Hollywood. Filmed in Variety’s state-of-the-art studios in Los Angeles, new episodes are released weekly on Fridays on Variety.com, YouTube and social media.
Make sure to let us know…What’s your take?