Best Supporting Actress winner Mo’Nique backstage during the 82nd Annual Academy Awards
Last night in Atlanta, GA, RLJ Entertainment and Urban Movie Channel hosted a private screening of the upcoming film “Blackbird,” directed by Patrik-Ian Polk and starring Academy Award winner Mo’Nique, Isaiah Washington and Julian Walker. Held at the Midtown Art Cinema, the film follows a devout high school choir boy who is struggling with his sexuality.
Sidney Hicks – Mo’Nique Hicks – Torrey Laamar – D. Woods – Nikki Jane
Tone X – Mo’Nique – Rodney Perry – Sidney Hicks
“Blackbird” marks Mo’Nique’s return to the big screen since receiving the Oscar for her supporting role for the movie “Precious.” The Academy Award winning actress and comedian first gained fame for her role as Nikki Parker in the UPN series “The Parkers.” She earned the best supporting actress award for her role as an abusive mother in the Lee Daniels film “Precious” in 2010 and has bitterly complained that she was blackballed from Hollywood after winning the Oscar. Called ‘demanding’ and ‘difficult,’ by Lee Daniels, the actress has struggled to land major movie roles since winning the coveted statue. In an interview with TV One’s Roland Martin, which aired last month, she discussed the recent controversy surrounding reports that she experienced backlash following her groundbreaking role.
Meelah Williams
“When I watch Mr. Daniels make statements like I was demanding, and I was difficult, Mr. Daniels knows that is not true because he and I have never had an issue at all. If I were that person, why ever would you offer me the role of ‘Gloria’ in The Butler, why ever would you offer me the role of ‘Cookie’ in Empire?”
Melissa Knowles
“Blackbird” which has been receiving glowing reviews received the Founder’s Award at the Pan African Film Festival in February. Attendees at the private screening included comedian Rodney Perry (Bounce TV), WNBA Atlanta Dream forward Angel McCoughtry, Dr. Heavenly Kimes (Bravo’s “Married to Medicine”), Gary Hayes (DISH Nation/”Rickey Smiley Morning Show”), Meelah Williams (singer, TV One’s “R&B Divas Atlanta”), Bobby Valentino, Melissa Knowles (HLN’s “The Daily Share”) and comedian Tone X.
‘BLACKBIRD’ opens in select U.S. theaters on April 24.
Samantha Ofole-Prince serves as the Senior Entertainment Editor for Trendy Africa. She covers industry-specific news that includes television and film.
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