Producer Brian Anthony Moreland has officially announced that Golden Globe winner and multi-award-nominated Taraji P. Henson and six-time NAACP Image Award winner Cedric the Entertainer will headline this new Broadway staging of August Wilson’s seminal play. Directed by the illustrious Debbie Allen, the production is set for a Shubert Theatre opening in Spring 2026.

This marks Taraji P. Henson’s Broadway acting debut, although she previously made waves on Broadway as a producer of the Tony-nominated Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. She will portray Bertha Holly, alongside Cedric, who returns to Broadway as Seth Holly following his debut in American Buffalo (2008).

Producer Brian Anthony Moreland—who recently brought us The Piano Lesson starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and Danielle Brooks, and last season’s star-caliber Othello featuring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal—described the revival as:

“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is Wilson’s seminal masterpiece—an unflinching exploration of pain, identity, and hope. With Debbie Allen’s visionary direction and this extraordinary cast, the entire company will present a performance that resonates deeply and lingers in the hearts and minds of all who experience it.”

A Legacy of Black Excellence

Debbie Allen, a pioneering figure in Black performance, made her Broadway debut in Purlie in 1970 and has dazzled audiences in Raisin, West Side Story, and Sweet Charity. She directed the all-Black 2008 production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and is set to receive an honorary Oscar at the 2025 Governors Awards.

Taraji P. Henson brings a critical lens and wide-ranging acclaim—from her breakout in Hustle & Flow and Oscar nomination in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, to standout roles in Hidden Figures, The Color Purple, and Empire. In television, her guest turn on Abbott Elementary earned her an Emmy nomination. Her off-stage impact is equally powerful: she spearheaded mental health advocacy through the Boris L. Henson Foundation and champions Black wellness and inclusion. As a producer, she earned a Tony nomination for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.

Cedric the Entertainer returns to Broadway after his debut in American Buffalo. The comedian, actor, and author currently stars in CBS’s The Neighborhood, now entering its eighth season, and co-created the Hulu series Kings of BBQ. His debut novel, Flipping Boxcars, weaves familial lore into a crime narrative, while his philanthropic efforts continue through The Kyles Family Foundation, supporting organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs and St. Jude’s.

A Story of Spiritual Rediscovery

Set in 1911, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone unfolds in a Pittsburgh boarding house owned by Seth and Bertha Holly—a steadfast husband and his warm, nurturing wife. Their home becomes a sanctuary for Black folks on the move, seeking stability in the wake of the Great Migration. But when a mysterious man named Herald Loomis arrives, the house is shaken by more than just passing footsteps. Loomis is searching—not just for the wife he lost, but for the pieces of himself stolen during seven years of illegal enslavement under the haunting grip of Joe Turner.

As buried trauma rises and ancestral spirits stir, Loomis’s path becomes one of spiritual reckoning, identity reclamation, and hard-won healing. Around him, others navigate their own quests for love, livelihood, and liberation—each of them trying to shape a future not defined by sorrow, but by possibility.

The second play in August Wilson’s American Century Cycle, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a deeply poetic portrait of Black resilience—one that wrestles with memory, community, and the ever-burning hope of a freedom that goes beyond escape.

Stay tuned for additional casting and theatre details, coming soon. For more information, visit www.JoeTurnerBway.com.

Broadway Black covers the artists, stories, and cultural moments shaping Black theatre. Follow us for all the latest on this extraordinary revival.

The post Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer to Star in August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway, Directed by Debbie Allen appeared first on Broadway Black.

A landmark of Black television is making its way to Broadway with an all-star team of Black creatives leading the charge. On June 3, 2025, producer Brian Anthony Moreland announced the development of Polly: The Musical, a new stage adaptation of the 1989 Disney film Polly and the novel by Eleanor H. Porter. Two-time Tony Award winner Debbie Allen, who directed the original film, will return to direct and choreograph the Broadway-bound production.

Joining Allen to bring this story to the stage are Emmy-winning writer and producer Lena Waithe and actor-playwright Michael Benjamin Washington, who will co-write the book. The music and lyrics will be handled by Grammy winner Siedah Garrett (Man in the Mirror) and rising musical theatre writer Joriah Kwamé (Little Miss Perfect).

Set in 1950s Alabama, Polly centers around a relentlessly optimistic young Black girl whose joy and positivity challenge the divisions of a segregated Southern town. Originally adapted for television by Debbie Allen in 1989, the film starred Keshia Knight Pulliam, Phylicia Rashad, and Dorian Harewood (The Notebook: The Musical) Barbara Montgomery (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Raisin), Vanessa Bell Calloway (Purlie Victorious, Dreamgirls), Brandon Quintin Adams (“Moonwalker,” “Mighty Ducks”), Ken Page (Ain’t Misbehavin‘, The Wiz, Cats), Brock Peters (Lost in the Stars, The Caucasian Chalk Circle), George Anthony Bell (Timbuktu), Michael Peters (Dreamgirls, Comin’ Uptown) Vickilyn Reynolds (Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk)  and featured the final screen performance of Butterfly McQueen, best known for her role as Prissy in Gone with the Wind. A sequel, Polly: Comin’ Home, aired in 1990.

“The message of Polly is one that we need today more than ever,” Allen shared. “ That the power of a single positive voice can make change in the face of adversity and divisiveness; that the voice of a child could bring unity and hope — is what Polly is about. This musical, with its joy and its unbridled hope, will shine a light on a path for every audience to find unity in their community.”

Producer Brian Moreland added, “This team of creative all-stars is exactly what Polly needs to bring her story to the stage. With Debbie’s brilliant hands back on the steering wheel, I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working together with them to share this experience with the world.”

A Legacy of Black Excellence

Debbie Allen’s return to the director’s chair for Polly is nothing short of full-circle. A Howard University alum, Kennedy Center honoree, and Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning icon, Allen has choreographed the Oscars ten times and directed for shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Empire, and Insecure. Her Broadway and Hollywood legacy spans decades—and generations.

Lena Waithe continues to blaze trails as the creator of The Chi, the screenwriter of Queen & Slim, and the producer behind A Thousand and One and Being Mary Tyler Moore. This marks another major step into theatre for the Hillman Grad founder, following her producer credit on Ain’t No Mo’.

Michael Benjamin Washington, a powerhouse in both acting and playwriting, brings a deep understanding of political and cultural storytelling, including his critically acclaimed Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin. His turn as James Baldwin on MGM+’s Godfather of Harlem further shows his range in capturing Black icons with nuance and fire.

Music with Heart and History

Siedah Garrett’s name is synonymous with hits like Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” and “Love You I Do” from Dreamgirls, which earned her a Grammy and an Oscar nomination. Her work is featured in MJ the Musical and The Color Purple musical film adaptation. Garrett’s songwriting has always held emotional weight—and her theatrical work is no different.

Joining her is Joriah Kwamé, the emerging force behind the viral song “Little Miss Perfect,” and co-writer of “Top of the World” for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Kwamé represents the next generation of musical theatre writers—a visionary voice continuing the legacy of Black storytelling on Broadway.

With a team like this, Polly: The Musical is shaping up to be a powerful blend of nostalgia, Black girl joy, and intergenerational storytelling with modern musical edge. General management will be provided by KGM Theatricals, and additional creative team members and casting will be announced soon.

Broadway better get ready—Polly is coming, and she’s bringing hope, harmony, and a whole lot of history with her.

—

Follow Broadway Black for updates on casting, previews, and more about Polly: The Musical

The post Broadway-Bound Polly: The Musical Taps All-Black Creative Team Including Debbie Allen and Lena Waithe appeared first on Broadway Black.

Anika Noni-Rose, Chloe Bailey, Erika Alexander, Nicco Annan, and TC Carson presented the nominees via Instagram. Noni-Rose & Annan garnering nominations for work in the holiday musical Jingle Jangle: A Christman Journey and Katori Hall‘s play turned television series,  P-Valley, respectively.

The nominees are Viola Davis, Debbie Allen, Angela Bassett, Keith David, Sterling K. Brown, Simone Missick, Jenifer Lewis, Aunjanue Ellis, Leslie Odom Jr., Daveed Diggs, Radha Blank, Phylicia Rashad, J. Alphonse Nicholson & so many more.

Check out the full list of nominees:

SPECIAL AWARDS

Social Justice Impact

April Ryan

Debbie Allen

Lebron James

Stacey Abrams

Tamika Mallory

Entertainer of the Year

D-Nice

Regina King

Viola Davis

Trevor Noah

Tyler Perry

TELEVISION + STREAMING 

Outstanding Comedy Series

#blackAF (Netflix)

Black-ish (ABC)

grown-ish (Freeform)

Insecure (HBO)

The Last O.G. (TBS)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

Anthony Anderson – Black-ish (ABC)

Cedric The Entertainer – The Neighborhood (CBS)

Don Cheadle – Black Monday (Showtime)

Idris Elba – In the Long Run (Starz)

Tracy Morgan – The Last O.G. (TBS)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

Issa Rae – Insecure (HBO)

Folake Olowofoyeku – Bob Hearts Abishola (CBS)

Regina Hall – Black Monday (Showtime)

Tracee Ellis Ross – Black-ish (ABC)

Yara Shahidi – Grown-ish (Freeform)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Andre Braugher – Brooklyn Nine-Nine (NBC)

Deon Cole – Black-ish (ABC)

Jay Ellis – Insecure (HBO)

Kenan Thompson – Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Laurence Fishburne – Black-ish (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Jenifer Lewis – Black-ish (ABC)

Marsai Martin – Black-ish (ABC)

Natasha Rothwell – Insecure (HBO)

Tichina Arnold – The Neighborhood (CBS)

Yvonne Orji – Insecure (HBO)

Outstanding Drama Series

All Rise (CBS)

Bridgerton (Netflix)

Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)

This Is Us (NBC)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

Jonathan Majors – Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Keith David – Greenleaf (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Nicco Annan – P-Valley (Starz)

Regé-Jean Page – Bridgerton (Netflix)

Sterling K. Brown – This Is Us (NBC)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

Angela Bassett – 9-1-1 (FOX)

Brandee Evans – P-Valley (Starz)

Jurnee Smollett – Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Simone Missick – All Rise (CBS)

Viola Davis – How To Get Away With Murder (ABC)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Clifford “Method Man” Smith – Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)

Delroy Lindo – The Good Fight (CBS All Access)

Alphonse Nicholson – P-Valley (Starz)

Jeffrey Wright – Westworld (HBO)

Michael Kenneth Williams – Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Adjoa Andoh – Bridgerton (Netflix)

Aunjanue Ellis – Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Lynn Whitfield – Greenleaf (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Mary J. Blige – Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)

Susan Kelechi Watson – This Is Us (NBC)

Outstanding Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special

Hamilton (Disney+)

Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu)

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (Netflix)

Sylvie’s Love (Amazon Studios)

The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (Lifetime)

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special

Blair Underwood – Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (Netflix)

Chris Rock – Fargo (FX)

Daveed Diggs – Hamilton (Disney+)

Leslie Odom, Jr. – Hamilton (Disney+)

Nnamdi Asomugha – Sylvie’s Love (Amazon Studios)

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special

Aunjanue Ellis – The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (Lifetime)

Kerry Washington – Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu)

Michaela Coel – I May Destroy You (HBO)

Octavia Spencer – Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (Netflix)

Tessa Thompson – Sylvie’s Love (Amazon Studios)

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)

AM Joy: Remembering John Lewis Special (MSNBC)

Desus & Mero: The Obama Interview (Showtime)

The Color of Covid (CNN)

The New York Times Presents “The Killing of Breonna Taylor” (FX)

The Reidout (NBC)

Outstanding Talk Series

Red Table Talk (Facebook Watch)

Tamron Hall (Syndicated )

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)

The Oprah Conversation (Apple TV+)

The Shop: Uninterrupted (HBO)

Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series)

Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)

Iyanla: Fix My Life (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Shark Tank (ABC)

United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell (CNN)

Voices of Fire (Netflix)

Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special)

8:46 (Netflix)

Black Is King (Disney+)

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion (HBO Max)

VERZUZ (APPLE TV)

Yvonne Orji: Momma I Made It! (HBO)

Outstanding Children’s Program

Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices (Netflix)

Craig of the Creek (Cartoon Network)

Family Reunion (Netflix)

Raven’s Home (Disney Channel)

We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited–Series)

Alex R. Hibbert – The Chi (Showtime)

Lexi Underwood – Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu)

Lyric Ross – This Is Us (NBC)

Marsai Martin – Black-ish (ABC)

Miles Brown – Black-ish (ABC)

Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble

Don Lemon – CNN Tonight with Don Lemon (CNN)

Jada Pinkett Smith – Red Table Talk (Facebook Watch)

Joy Reid – The Reidout (NBC)

LeBron James – The Shop: Uninterrupted (HBO)

Trevor Noah – The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)

Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble

Alfonso Ribeiro – America’s Funniest Home Videos (ABC)

Iyanla Vanzant – Iyanla: Fix My Life (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Steve Harvey – Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)

Kamau Bell – United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell (CNN)

RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1)

Outstanding Guest Performance – Comedy or Drama Series

Chris Rock – Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Courtney B. Vance – Lovecraft Country (HBO)

Dave Chappelle – Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Issa Rae – Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Loretta Devine – P-Valley (Starz)

Outstanding Animated Series

Big Mouth (Netflix)

Central Park (Apple TV+)

Doc McStuffins (Disney Junior)

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (Netflix)

Star Trek: Lower Decks (CBS All Access)

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)

Aisha Tyler – Archer (FX)

Courtney B. Vance – Hollywood’s Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story (PBS)

Dawnn Lewis – Star Trek: Lower Decks (CBS All Access)

Deon Cole – Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (Netflix)

Laya DeLeon Hayes – Doc McStuffins (Disney Junior)

Outstanding Short Form Series – Comedy or Drama

#FreeRayshawn (Quibi)

CripTales (BBC America)

Lazor Wulf (Adult Swim)

Mapleworth Murders (Quibi)

Sincerely, Camille (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Outstanding Performance in a Short Form Series

Giancarlo Esposito – The Broken and the Bad (AMC.com )

J.B. Smoove – Mapleworth Murders (Quibi)

Jasmine Cephas Jones – #FreeRayshawn (Quibi)

Laurence Fishburne – #FreeRayshawn (Quibi)

Stephan James – #FreeRayshawn (Quibi)

Outstanding Short Form Series – Reality/Nonfiction

American Masters – Unladylike2020 (PBS)

Benedict Men (Quibi)

Between The Scenes – The Daily Show (Comedy Central)

In The Making (PBS)

Inspire Change Series (NFL Network)

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)

Katori Hall – P-Valley (Starz)

Keith Knight – Woke (Hulu)

Ramy Youssef – Ramy (Hulu)

Raynelle Swilling – Cherish the Day (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Teri Schaffer – Cherish the Day (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

RECORDING

Outstanding New Artist

Chika – High Rises (Warner Records)

Doja Cat – Say So (RCA Records/Kemosabe )

D Smoke – Black Habits (WoodWorks Records / EMPIRE)

Giveon – When It’s All Said And Done (Epic Records)

Skip Marley – Higher Place (Island Records/ Tuff Gong Records)

Outstanding Male Artist

Big Sean – Detroit 2 (Def Jam Recordings/G.O.O.D Music)

Black Thought – Streams of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane & Able (Republic Records)

Charlie Wilson – All of My Love (P Music Group/BMG)

Drake – Laugh Now, Cry Later (Republic Records)

John Legend – Bigger Love (Columbia Records)

Outstanding Female Artist

Beyoncé – Black Parade (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

E.R. – I Can’t Breathe (RCA Records/MBK Entertainment)

Jazmine Sullivan – Lost One (RCA Records)

Ledisi – Anything For You (Listen Back Entertainment/BMG)

Alicia Keys – Alicia (RCA Records)

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album

I Can’t Breathe – H.E.R. (RCA Records/MBK Entertainment)

Anything For You – Ledisi (Listen Back Entertainment/BMG)

Black is King – Beyonce´ (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

Brown Skin Girl – Beyonce’ feat WizKid, SAINt JHN, Blu Ivy Carter (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

Do It – Chloe x Halle (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

Outstanding Album

Alicia – Alicia Keys (RCA Records)

b7 – Brandy (Brand Nu/eOne)

Bigger Love – John Legend (Columbia Records)

Chilombo – Jhené Aiko (Def Jam Recordings)

The Wild Card – LEDISI (Listen Back Entertainment/BMG)

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Music from the Netflix Film) – Branford Marsalis (Milan)

Insecure: Music from the HBO Original Series – Various Artists (Atlantic Records)

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey – Various Artists (Atlantic Records )

Soul Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Jon Batiste, and Tom MacDougall (Walt Disney Records)

The First Ladies of Gospel: The Clark Sisters Biopic Soundtrack – Donald Lawrence (Relevé Entertainment)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album

Chosen Vessel – Marvin Sapp (RCA Inspiration)

Gospel According to PJ – PJ Morton (Morton Inspiration / Tyscot Records)

I Am – Koryn Hawthorne (RCA Inspiration)

Kierra – Kierra Sheard (Karew/RCA Inspiration)

The Return – The Clark Sisters (Karew/Motown)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song

“All in His Plan” – PJ Morton (Morton Inspiration / Tyscot Records)

“Never Lost” – CeCe Winans (Pure Springs Gospel)

“Something Has To Break” – Kierra Sheard feat. Tasha Cobbs-Leonard (Karew/RCA Inspiration)

“Strong God” – Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA Records)

“Touch from You” – Tamela Mann (TillyMann Inc.)

Outstanding Jazz Album – Instrumental

Be Water – Christian Sands (Mack Avenue Music Group)

Music From and Inspired By Soul – Jon Batiste (Walt Disney Records)

Omega – Immanuel Wilkins (Blue Note Records)

Reciprocity – George Burton (Inner Circle Music)

The Iconoclast – Barry Stephenson (Independent)

Outstanding Jazz Album – Vocal

Donny Duke and Wonder – Nathan Mitchell (ENM Music Group)

Holy Room – Live at Alte Oper – Somi (Salon Africana)

Pulling Off The Covers – Mike Phillips (Sono Recording Group)

Stronger – Jeff Bradshaw (Bone Deep Enterprises)

The Eddy (From The Netflix Original Series) – The Eddy (Arista Records)

Outstanding Soul/R&B Song

“I Can’t Breathe” – H.E.R. (RCA Records/MBK Entertainment)

“Anything For You” – LEDISI (Listen Back Entertainment/BMG)

“S. feat. H.E.R” – Jhené Aiko (Def Jam Recordings)

“Black Parade” – Beyonce’ (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

“Do It” – Chloe x Halle (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song

“Deep Reverence feat. Nipsey Hussle” – Big Sean (Brand Nu/eOne)

“Savage Remix” – Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé (300 Entertainment / 1501 Certified Ent. LLC)

“Cool Off” – Missy Elliott (Atlantic Records)

“Laugh Now, Cry Later” – Drake (Republic Records)

“Life Is Good” – Future & Drake (Epic Records)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)

Alicia Keys feat. Jill Scott – Jill Scott (RCA Records)

Chloe x Halle – Wonder What She Thinks Of Me (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis feat. Babyface – He Don’t Know Nothin’ Bout It (BMG)

Kem feat. Toni Braxton – Live Out Your Love (Motown Records)

Ledisi and PJ Morton – Anything For You (Listen Back Entertainment/BMG)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)

Alicia Keys feat. Khalid – “So Done” (RCA Records)

Big Sean feat. Nipsey Hussle – “Deep Reverence” (Def Jam Recordings/G.O.O.D Music)

Chloe x Halle – “Do It” (Columbia Record/ Parkwood)

Jhené Aiko feat. H.E.R. – “B.S”. (Def Jam Recordings)

Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé – “Savage Remix” (300 Entertainment / 1501 Certified Ent. LLC)

Outstanding International Song

“Blessed” – Buju Banton (Roc Nation Records)

“Lockdown” – Original Koffee (Promise Land Recordings)

“Pressure (Remix)” – Original Koffee feat. Buju Banton (Promise Land Recordings)

“Tanana” – Davido feat. Tiwa Savage (RCA Records/Sony Music U.K./Davido Worldwide Entertainment)

“Temptation” – Tiwa Savage (Motown Records)

Outstanding Producer of the Year

Donald Lawrence

Hit-Boy

Jathan Wilson

Sean Keys

TM88

LITERATURE

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction

Black Bottom Saints – Alice Randall (HarperCollins Publishers)

Lakewood – Megan Giddings (HarperCollins Publishers)

Riot Baby – Tochi Onyebuchi (TorDotCom Publishing, imprint of Tom Doherty Associates)

The Awkward Black Man – Walter Mosley (Grove Atlantic)

The Vanishing Half – Brit Bennett (Riverhead Books)

Outstanding Literary Work – Nonfiction

A Black Women’s History of the United States – Daina Berry (Beacon Press)

A Promised Land – Barack Obama (Crown)

Driving While Black – Gretchen Sorin (W. W. Norton & Company)

Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America – Michael Eric Dyson (St. Martin’s Press)

We’re Better Than This – Elijah Cummings (HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author

A Knock at Midnight – Brittany Barnett (Penguin Random House)

Greyboy: Finding Blackness in a White World – Cole Brown (Skyhorse)

Lakewood – Megan Giddings (HarperCollins Publishers)

The Compton Cowboys – Walter Thompson-Hernandez (HarperCollins Publishers)

We’re Better Than This – Elijah Cummings (HarperCollins Publishers)

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography

A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America’s First All-Black High School Rowing Team – Arshay Cooper (Macmillan)

A Promised Land – Barack Obama (Crown)

Olympic Pride, American Prejudice – Deborah Draper (Simon & Schuster)

The Dead Are Arising – Les Payne, Tamara Payne (W. W. Norton & Company)

Willie: The Game-Changing Story of the NHL’s First Black Player – Willie O’Ree (Penguin Canada)

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional

Do Right by Me: Learning to Raise Black Children in White Space – Valerie Harrison (Temple University Press)

Living Lively – Haile Thomas (HarperCollins Publishers)

The Black Foster Youth Handbook – Ángela Quijada-Banks (Soulful Liberation)

The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith–Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally – Kimberla Lawson Roby (Lenox Press)

Vegetable Kingdom – Bryant Terry (Penguin Random House)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry

Homie – Danez Smith (Graywolf Press)

Kontemporary Amerikan Poetry – John Murillo (Four Way Books)

Seeing the Body – Rachel Eliza Griffiths (W. W. Norton & Company)

The Age of Phillis – Honorée Jeffers (Wesleyan University Press)

Un-American – Hafizah Geter (Wesleyan University Press)

Outstanding Literary Work – Children

I Promise – LeBron James, Nina Mata (HarperCollins)

Just Like a Mama – Alice Faye Duncan, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Simon & Schuster)

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice – Nikki Grimes, Laura Freeman (Simon & Schuster)

She Was the First!: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm – Katheryn Russell-Brown, Eric Velasquez (Lee & Low Books)

The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver – Gene Barretta, Frank Morrison (HarperCollins)

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens

Before the Ever After – Jacqueline Woodson (Penguin Random House)

Black Brother, Black Brother – Jewell Parker Rhodes (Hachette Book Group)

Dear Justyce – Nic Stone (Crown Books for Young Readers)

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning – Jason Reynolds (Hachette Book Group )

This is Your Time – Ruby Bridges (Delacorte Books for Young Readers)

MOTION PICTURE

Outstanding Motion Picture

Bad Boys For Life (Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Entertainment)

Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

One Night In Miami… (Amazon Studios)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

Anthony Mackie – The Banker (Apple)

Chadwick Boseman – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Delroy Lindo – Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)

Forest Whitaker – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Will Smith – Bad Boys For Life (Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Entertainment)

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

Issa Rae – The Photograph (Universal Pictures)

Janelle Monáe – Antebellum (Lionsgate)

Madalen Mills – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Tracee Ellis Ross – The High Note (Focus Features)

Viola Davis – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

Aldis Hodge – One Night In Miami… (Amazon Studios)

Chadwick Boseman – Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)

Clarke Peters – Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)

Colman Domingo – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Glynn Turman – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Anika Noni Rose – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Gabourey Sidibe – Antebellum (Lionsgate)

Nia Long – The Banker (Apple)

Phylicia Rashad – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Taylour Paige – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture

Emperor (Universal Home Video)

Farewell Amor (IFC Films)

Miss Juneteenth (Vertical Entertainment)

The 24th (Vertical Entertainment)

The Banker (Apple)

Outstanding International Motion Picture

Ainu Mosir (ARRAY)

His House (Netflix)

Night of the Kings (Neon)

The Last Tree (ArtMattan Productions)

The Life Ahead (La vita davanti a se) (Netflix)

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture

Dayo Okeniyi – Emperor (Universal Home Video)

Dominique Fishback – Project Power (Netflix)

Jahi Di’Allo Winston – Charm City Kings (HBO Max)

Jahzir Bruno – The Witches (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Madalen Mills – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

The Banker (Apple)

Outstanding Animated Motion Picture

Onward (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Over the Moon (Netflix)

Scoob! (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Trolls World Tour (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture

Ahmir-Khalib Thompson aka Questlove – Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Angela Bassett – Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Chris Rock – The Witches (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Jamie Foxx – Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Phylicia Rashad – Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Outstanding Short Form. (Live Action)

Baldwin Beauty (Powderkeg Media)

Black Boy Joy (Film Independent Project Involve )

Gets Good Light

Home

Mr. & Mrs. Ellis (AMB Productions)

Outstanding Short Form (Animated)

Canvas (Netflix)

Cops and Robbers (Netflix)

Loop (Pixar Animation Studios)

The Power of Hope (The Power Of Hope)

Windup (Unity Technologies)

Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)

Loira Limbal – Through the Night (Third Shift Media, Inc.)

Melissa Haizlip – Mr. Soul! (Shoes In The Bed Productions)

Nadia Hallgren – Becoming (A Higher Ground Productions and Big Mouth Productions Film for Netflix)

Radha Blank – The Forty-Year-Old Version (Netflix)

Remi Weekes – His House (Netflix)

DOCUMENTARY

Outstanding Documentary (Film)

All In: The Fight For Democracy (Amazon Studios)

Coded Bias (7th Empire Media)

John Lewis: Good Trouble (Magnolia Pictures/Participant)

Mr. Soul! (Shoes in the Bed Productions)

On the Record (HBO Max)

Outstanding Documentary (Television)

And She Could Be Next (PBS)

Black Love (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (EPIX)

The Last Dance (ESPN / Netflix)

Unsung (TV One)

WRITING

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series

Issa Rae – Insecure – “Lowkey Feelin’ Myself” (HBO)

Lee Eisenberg, Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon – Little America – “The Rock” (Apple TV+)

Michaela Coel – I May Destroy You – “Ego Death” (HBO)

Mindy Kaling, Lang Fisher – Never Have I Ever º “Pilot” (Netflix)

Rajiv Joseph – Little America – “The Manager” (Apple TV+)

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

Attica Locke – Little Fires Everywhere – “The Spider Web” (Hulu)

Erika L. Johnson, Mark Richard – The Good Lord Bird – “A Wicked Plot” (Showtime)

Jessica Lamour – Little Voice – “Love Hurts” (Apple TV+)

Katori Hall – P-Valley – “Perpetratin’” (Starz)

Tanya Barfield – Mrs. America – “Shirley” (FX)

Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special

Diallo Riddle, Bashir Salahuddin, D. Rodney Carter, Emily Goldwyn, Rob Haze, Zuri Salahuddin, Bennett Webber, Evan Williams, Will Miles – Sherman’s Showcase Black History Month Spectacular (IFC)

Eugene Ashe – Sylvie’s Love (Amazon Studios)

Geri Cole – The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special (HBO Max)

Lin-Manuel Miranda – Hamilton (Disney+)

Sylvia L. Jones, Camille Tucker – The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (Lifetime)

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture

David E. Talbert – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

Kemp Powers – One Night in Miami… (Amazon Studios)

Lee Isaac Chung – Minari (A24)

Pete Docter, Kemp Powers, Mike Jones – Soul (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Radha Blank – The Forty-Year-Old Version (Netflix)

Outstanding Writing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)

Mary Mazzio – A Most Beautiful Thing (Peacock)

Melissa Haizlip – Mr. Soul! (Maysles Documentary Center)

Nile Cone – The Beat Don’t Stop (TV One)

Royal Kennedy Rodgers – Hollywood’s Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story (PBS)

Yoruba Richen, Elia Gasull Balada, Valerie Thomas – The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts the Tonight Show (Peacock)

DIRECTING CATEGORIES

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series

Anya Adams – Black-ish – “Hair Day” (ABC)

Aurora Guerrero – Little America – “The Jaguar” (Apple TV+)

Eric Dean Seaton – Black-ish – “Our Wedding Dre” (ABC)

Kabir Akhtar – Never Have I Ever – “… started a nuclear war” (Netflix)

Sam Miller, Michaela Coel – I May Destroy You – “Ego Death” (HBO)

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series

Cheryl Dunye – Lovecraft Country – “Strange Case” (HBO)

Hanelle Culpepper – Star Trek: Picard – “Remembrance” (CBS All Access)

Misha Green – Lovecraft Country – “Jig-a-Bobo” (HBO)

Nzingha Stewart – Little Fires Everywhere – “The Uncanny” (Hulu)

Steve McQueen – Small Axe – “Mangrove” (Amazon Studios)

Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special

Beyoncé Knowles Carter, Emmanuel Adeji, Blitz Bazawule, Kwasi Fordjour – Black Is King (Disney+)

Christine Swanson – The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel (Lifetime)

Chuck Vinson, Alan Muraoka – The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special (HBO Max)

Eugene Ashe – Sylvie’s Love (Amazon Studios)

Kamilah Forbes – Between The World And Me (HBO)

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture

David E. Talbert – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)

George C. Wolfe – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)

Gina Prince-Bythewood – The Old Guard (Netflix)

Radha Blank – The Forty-Year-Old Version (Netflix)

Regina King – One Night in Miami… (Amazon Studios)

Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)

Keith McQuirter – By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem (EPIX)

Muta’Ali – Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn (HBO)

Sam Pollard, Maro Chermayeff – Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children (Ep. 1 & 2) (HBO)

Simcha Jacobovici – Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (EPIX)

Yoruba Richen – The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts the Tonight Show (Peacock)

The post NAACP Image Award Nominations: Broadway Black Talent Top Contenders appeared first on Broadway Black.

Update: Click

The holiday season is in full swing, and what the world needs now more than ever is some joy. Even though family gatherings may look a bit different this year and celebrations have been scaled back, the Broadway community continues to be a beacon of light during an unexpected dark time.

The Tony Award-winning and Grammy-nominated Broadway Inspirational Voices is a diverse choir of Broadway artists united in changing lives through the power of music and service. Founded in 1994 by Michael McElroy (Rent, The Wild Party), the annual concert, much like many other special musical programmings this holiday, will be live-streamed for FREE on Sunday, December 13 7:00 pm.

The concert “A Season of Hope and Inspiration,” will feature special guests, Billy Porter, Leslie Odom Jr., Daniel J. Watts, and Shoshana Bean; with special appearances by Leslie Uggams, Debbie Allen, Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Phylicia Rashad, Vaness Williams, and more.

McElroy has described the evening as a “moment of unity to bring comfort, healing, and great joy.”  And if you’re interested in hearing some pieces from past holiday concerts, you can check out their albums Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas and Great Joy II: Around the World.

The post Broadway Inspirational Voices’ A Season of Hope & Inspiration, Free Virtual Holiday Concert appeared first on Broadway Black.

This year, the theme of Black History Month at the White House is “Honoring the Past While Celebrating the Present; 7 Years of Living African American History.” As part of this celebration, First Lady Michelle Obama will highlight the contributions African American women have made to dance by hosting a day-long dance workshop for local students.

The First Lady will welcome 51 local Washington, D.C. students to the White House. These students will work with iconic leaders in dance, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Judith Jamison, Debbie Allen, the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Virginia Johnson, and Hip-Hop choreographer Fatima Robinson. Each of these women have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of African American women and girls in dance.

12:30pm ET – In the afternoon, the First Lady will join Judith Jamison, Debbie Allen, Virginia Johnson, and Fatima Robinson for a panel discussion. The panelists will take questions from the students in the audience on a variety of topics including self-confidence, health, hard work, and overcoming adversity.

4:15pm ET – Later In the evening, the First Lady will deliver remarks and introduce a student presentation. As a culmination of the workshops, these young dancers will tell the story of African American history and culture through dance.

Excited to be in DC for #DanceAtTheWhiteHouse with @fatima_noir & @dancetheatreofharlem’s Virginia Johnson! #BlackHistoryMonth

A photo posted by Debbie Allen (@therealdebbieallen) on Feb 8, 2016 at 7:25am PST

#ALVINAILEY dancer Jacqueline Green leads a group of young ladies in Mr. Ailey’s signature movement from his “Revelations.” @whitehouse @jagreen711 Stay tuned for more photos from @michelleobama’s #DanceattheWhiteHouse #BlackHistoryMonth celebration! #AILEYinDC #instaAILEY #AILEYontour

A photo posted by Alvin Ailey (@alvinailey) on Feb 8, 2016 at 8:42am PST

The post First Lady Michelle Obama Celebrates Black Women & Dance appeared first on Broadway Black.

Stop / The madness / Freeze frame / Take a good look at this picture

Three-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer/director extraordinaire Debbie Allen wants those who witness her Freeze Frame production to consider where they fit into the picture on gun violence in America. Written, directed and choreographed by Allen, the U.S. premiere event is described as a live experience and call to action. Stories of the passion and pain of Los Angeles’ toughest streets are set amid a dance-driven musical along with cinema and theatre.

Public performances are Feb. 5-7, at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California. The production run kicks off with a gala performance Feb. 4, presented by Allen and award-winning journalist Maria Shriver. Shriver’s Architects of Change initiative will ignite and reframe the conversation about America’a relationship with violence – a conversation that starts with self and ultimately one that can begin to change the country, according to Shriver.

According to Allen, the Freeze Frame project – which began as a film – was conceived when she was part of the film and television installments of Fame during the 1980s. She was upset about the violence in her community and wanted to use her art to do something about addressing the issue.

In a television news interview, Allen said the project’s title demands and asks: “Stop. Look at this picture. Where do you fit into this picture? How can you change what’s getting ready to happen?” The premise of the show pits an innocent young child against circumstance, as he is in danger of being shot by the police. Inspired by real-life narratives, Allen explained Freeze Frame provides a voice to young people, the police and pro- and anti-gun activists alike.

In January, The White House under President Obama’s Administration ordered executive actions to reduce gun violence and make communities safer. The Office of the Press Secretary released:

Over the past decade in America, more than 100,000 people have been killed as a result of gun violence – and millions more have been the victim of assaults, robberies, and other crimes involving a gun. Many of these crimes were committed by people who never should have been able to purchase a gun in the first place. Over the same period, hundreds of thousands of other people in our communities committed suicide with a gun and nearly half a million people suffered other gun injuries. Hundreds of law enforcement officers have been shot to death protecting their communities. And too many children are killed or injured by firearms every year, often by accident.

Allen considers Freeze Frame – which had its world premiere at the Brisbane Festival in Australia in 2013 – as one of her most important works. The founder of Debbie Allen Dance Academy and sister to Tony winner Phylicia Rashad has been an artist in residence at the Kennedy Center for more than 15 years. In addition to directing for Broadway (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof; Carrie), Allen has contributed her expertise to: Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, Empire, A Different World, Everybody Hates Chris, That’s So Raven, Stompin’ At The Savoy, and The Fantasia Barrino Story.

Featuring artists from Allen’s dance academy alongside seasoned performers, proceeds will benefit the renowned academy. Shows are 8pm Friday and Saturday, with 3pm and 12 noon matinees on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The production contains strong language. Purchase tickets HERE.

Join the conversation at #FreezeFrameLA.

The post U.S. Premiere of Debbie Allen’s Freeze Frame At The Wallis appeared first on Broadway Black.

Hot Chocolate Nutcracker follows the idea of the original tale, with a little twist!  It’s Christmas Eve and the Johnsons are having a grand ole party. The youngest child, Kara Johnson, is a young spirit-filled girl who receives a Nutcracker filled with hot chocolate for the holidays. Falling into a deep slumber, Kara takes the audience on a mystical, magical journey to new lands of wonder from Candy Cane Lane to Egypt to the Land of the Kimona Dolls to Bollywood. Three wise cracking mice narrate the story; they are the three stooges incarnate from New York City who call themselves “The Real Rat Pack.” With dazzling choreography, music and costumes, The Chocolate Nutcracker is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages.

The show this year stars Debbie Allen, Raven Symone, Carlo Imperato, Tichina Arnold, Rasta Thomas, and many more! With an original score by Mariah Carey, Arturo Sandoval, Chau-Giang Thi Nguyen, James Ingram, Shiamak Davar, Tena Clark and Thump. Performances dates are December 18, 2015 at 7:30pm and December 19, 2015 at 1pm and 7:30pm. There will also be an additional special school performance on the morning of December 18th, 2015 at 10am.

Tickets are not on sale yet, but will be available soon. Check back with Broadway Black as we’ll be sure to keep you updated!

The post Debbie Allen’s Annual The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker Stars Raven Symone & Tichina Arnold appeared first on Broadway Black.

Debbie Allen is a Tony award-winning choreographer, director, and dancer who has worked on such projects as Fame, West Side Story and Sweet Charity. Allen was also the producer and director of the iconic television show, “A Different World.” In addition to a multitude of current projects including acting, and directing gigs with Shonda Rhimes, she and husband Norm Nixon  are the founders of  The Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA).  DADA is a non-profit organization committed to expanding the reach of dance and theater arts for young people in the greater Los Angeles area and the world, enriching, inspiring and transforming their lives.

#TBT #thegamechangers @shondarhimes @MaraBrockAkil @AVAETC @IssaRae @essencemag pic.twitter.com/oI28NEHl6U

— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) April 16, 2015

Trained over 160 students from around the world this summer thank you to their families for trusting @DADancAcademy pic.twitter.com/39nvXKs8vL

— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) July 27, 2015

According to their website,

Career Transition For Dancers remains the only nonprofit organization in the US solely dedicated to the career needs of dancers. With offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and a mobile National Outreach Project, they have helped thousands of dancers take their first steps in discovering rewarding second careers.

The 30th Anniversary Pearl Jubilee will be a star-studded celebration; a variety retrospective featuring artists in performance with the Jubilee Orchestra. This one-night-only entertainment event of the season will celebrate ROLEX’s distinguished past Award recipients and honor the legacy of dance, dancers and the mission of the organization. The gala will be produced and directed by international director, choreographer, producer and teacher Ann Marie DeAngelo.  Executive Producer is Alexander J. Dubé.  Attendees can expect special appearances and artists from:  All That Jazz from Chicago; American Ballet Theatre; Arthur Murray Dance Center, Columbus Circle; Big Apple Circus; Jazz Roots Dance Company; Joffrey Ballet Concert Group; National Dance Institute; New York Song & Dance Company and Parsons Dance.

https://twitter.com/ctfdusa/status/625753897609637894

For more information about the organization or the event click here .

The post Debbie Allen to be Honored at 30th Anniversary Pearl Jubilee appeared first on Broadway Black.

That’s right, kids- Fame will live again in a re-imagined television series on the Lifetime network. Based on the 1980 MGM film starring Irene Cara, Fame tells the story of young artists who yearn for success as they start on the road to stardom at the New York High School of Performing Arts. Fame first saw the small screen from 1982-1987 in a series led by Debbie Allen that also featured Gene Anthony Ray, Michael Cerveris, Erica Gimpel, and Janet Jackson.

In the past 35 years, Fame‘s insight into the lives of young performers has been adapted into an Off-Broadway and nationally toured musical, a reality television show, and a film remake in 2009 starring Naturi Naughton and featuring Debbie Allen as Principal Simms. Now that a new television series is in the early development stages, producers hope that original fans will welcome Fame back into their lives and a new generation of audiences will grow to love it!

For those who may not have the following memorized since childhood, here is Debbie Allen from the original Fame television series on the cost of fame:

The post FAME Is Back! New Scripted Series Set For Lifetime Network appeared first on Broadway Black.