Latest news with #EntertainmentCommunityFund
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Inside the Drama Desk Awards: Sarah Snook, Nicole Scherzinger, Jasmine Amy Rogers and more on theater's big night
Maybe Happy Ending won big at the 69th annual Drama Desk Awards on Sunday night, earning a total of six trophies at the only awards show to recognize talent from Broadway, off-Broadway and off-off Broadway productions. Hosted by Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess, the show unfolded at NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, with all proceeds benefiting the Entertainment Community Fund. Performers from a range of theater productions were both nominated and on hand to present, including Nicole Scherzinger of Sunset Boulevard, Jonathan Groff of Just in Time and Jeremy Jordan of Floyd Collins. More from GoldDerby Ready for her close-up: Nicole Scherzinger takes the lead in Tony odds for Best Actress in a Musical 'Maybe Happy Ending' dominates the 2025 Drama Desk Awards with 6 wins, 'Boop!' and 'Gypsy' stage upsets Kate Hudson and Mindy Kaling shoot for Emmys recognition for 'Running Point' at the Lakers training facility Among its many accolades, Maybe Happy Ending, which stars Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen as robots who fall in love, earned Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Direction of a Musical and Outstanding Music. Meanwhile, Outstanding Play went to Purpose, Outstanding Revival of Play went to Eureka Day and Outstanding Revival of a Musical went to Gypsy. (See the complete breakdown of winners.) Photo byThe Drama Desk Awards recognized thespians in gender neutral categories, a change implemented in 2023, with two individuals honored per award, or more in the case of a tie. This year, the award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play went to Laura Donnelly for The Hills of California and Sarah Snook for The Picture of Dorian Gray. Speaking to Gold Derby after her win, Snook reflected on returning to the stage after her time spent on television. 'It's like a homecoming,' the Succession alum said. 'It felt like a place that I've always been growing up, and I certainly pursued TV and film in my twenties, but I grew up doing theater, and it's where I really always wanted to come back to. So it's really special.' Snook also spoke to the daunting and rewarding elements of participating in the technologically innovative production led by director Kip Williams. 'Kip has been working with digital screens and cameras for over a decade of his work, but this is the first show in which he used prerecorded elements and composite elements,' she explained. 'That being the risk was a massive challenge for me as the actor as well, because it means there's a certain amount of time between each line and cue that I have to act opposite my prerecorded self, and if I lose concentration, or I relax for a moment, then I've missed the cue, and it's all over. So it's an incredible challenge, but it's the challenge that I've really relished.'The most nominated show of the night Boop!, a musical based on the animated character Betty Boop, won three of its 11 nominations. This included rising star Jasmine Amy Rogers winning Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical alongside theater veteran Audra McDonald, who won for 'Gypsy.' Sharing she was 'over the moon' with the win, Rogers went on to explain how playing Betty is quite strenuous — but that's part of the privilege of the role. 'The most challenging [part] is just the energy level that is required to deliver and pay homage to Betty,' she said. 'She is so full of life. She's so exuberant. She never stops moving. She never stops going, she never stops singing,' she said. 'So I would say that's the most challenging part, but the most rewarding part is also the fact that I get to do that, and that I am able to dive into this character and bring life to her in a way that we haven't been able to in almost the 100 years that she's been around. We've seen her in these small snippets here and there, but this is the first time we're bringing her to life. And it's an honor that I get to do that, that I get to be that girl that gets to do that.' Rogers was nominated alongside Scherzinger, who revealed on the red carpet how she taps into the emotionality of her Sunset Boulevard character Norma Desmond. 'A lot of prayer and meditation, because I've got to anchor myself,' said Scherzinger. 'It's got to come from a really, really, really, really, really deep, soulful, spiritual place. And just trusting in the work, the work over the past two years that I've put into this.' Also in the performance realm, Amalia Yoo of John Proctor Is the Villain and Kara Young of Purpose won in the category of Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play. Young spoke to Gold Derby about the profound topics addressed in Brendan Jacobs-Jenkins' story, which follows an African American family in Chicago.'I personally think that the story transcends race,' Young said. 'It's about a Black legacy family, but it transcends race because we're looking at actual family dynamics of a patriarch and a matriarch and their two children, and what love means in this household.' Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical resulted in three winners — Brooks Ashmanskas for Smash, Jak Malone for Operation Mincemeat and Michael Urie for Once Upon a Mattress. Andrew Scott took home the award for Outstanding Solo Performance for his role in Vanya. Alongside Michael Arden nabbing Best Direction for a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending, Danya Taymor won Best Direction for a Play in recognition of her work on John Proctor is the Villain. Several honors were bestowed outside of the contested awards categories. The late Broadway performer Gavin Creel, who died in September at the age of 48, was posthumously honored with the Harold S. Prince Award for Lifetime Achievement. Additionally, Norm Lewis presented Brian Stokes Mitchell with the William Wolf Award for his service to the entertainment community. Mitchell, who served as chair of the Entertainment Community Fund from 2004 to 2023, spoke to Gold Derby about the recognition: 'I'm just so honored,' he said. 'I'm so happy to get this award, because it's not just for my accomplishments. It's for service as well, and that's done with the whole team, a whole cooperative of people, including all of the staff and board of the Entertainment Community Fund, all the volunteers, anybody that's ever donated money, anybody that's ever done a performance — it really is a community event.' Elsewhere in the night, Kip Williams took home the award for Unique Theatrical Experience for The Picture of Dorian Gray. Asked if he believes that an innovative spirit has helped to fuel one of Broadway's most profitable seasons ever, Williams answered in the affirmative. 'Theater is my favorite art form, and it's my favorite art form because there's nothing like sitting in a room with several hundred other people, and all taking that creative leap of faith together to say what we're watching is real,' he shared. 'We're all going to take an imaginative leap and say 'That's real.' And for me, the bigger that leap, the more rewarding an experience it is for an audience, and particularly at a time where television is not only going through a golden age, it's going through a period of great accessibility.' 'I directed this show and conceived the show directorially whilst I was in the pandemic, not knowing if I would ever get to come back and make a piece of theater,' he continued. 'And so I was fueled by this desire to create an incredible live experience for audiences to say to them, 'Leave your homes that you've been trapped inside for so long. Come back to the theater. Join us in that extraordinary exchange between the stage and an audience.'' Best of GoldDerby 'Maybe Happy Ending' star Darren Criss on his Tony nomination for playing a robot: 'Getting to do this is the true win' Who Needs a Tony to Reach EGOT? Sadie Sink on her character's 'emotional rage' in 'John Proctor Is the Villain' and her reaction to 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' Click here to read the full article.
News18
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Blake Lively Cooks With Couture; Dazzles In Rahul Mishra's 3D Pencil Skirt
Actor Blake Lively was spotted wearing Rahul Mishra Couture in New York while promoting her film, Another Simple Favor. For the promotions of her latest film, Another Simple Favor, Hollywood star Blake Lively stepped out in Rahul Mishra Couture. Blake Lively wore Rahul Mishra's Cityscape 3D pencil skirt from the Couture Spring Summer 2025 collection, The Pale Blue Dot. Styled by herself, she paired the hand embroidered 3D skirt with black cropped tank top. The skirt added edgy drama to her look and we would love to see Blake explore more Indian couture in her future public appearances. Cooking with Couture, Blake was spotted with her co-stars Anna Kendrick, Henry Golding and director Paul Feig making raviolis, pizzas and martinis at Evento in New York. Blake tried her hands at making ravioli along with the chef present and also interacted with the guests who attended the promotional event. Blake's style quotient has always been an extension of her personality. By keeping it Casual with Couture, Blake just set the tone for your summer wardrobe. Edgy with a dash of fun! Blake accessorised with statement jewellery pieces featuring a bracelet, earrings and a couple of rings. Her signature blonde wavy hair and minimal makeup look added to her stunning style of the day. Decoding Blake Lively's New York style statement: Hand embroidered with silk threads and sequins on three dimensional origami structures, the silhouette of the skirt is further defined by a strategic placement of these forms. Rahul Mishra's couture collection, The Pale Blue Dot explores the fragility and impermanence of human life, environmental concerns, and the contemplation of a more sustainable way of living—articulating the human dwelling in an achromatic palette. It is rooted in hope and healing, and it envisions a future where humanity rethinks its relationship with nature, supported by purposeful craftsmanship and a commitment to more mindful consumption. Rahul Mishra's nature-inspired couture collections have caught the attention of an array of celebrities from across the globe. Earlier this week, celebrated American singer-songwriter and entertainer, Nicole Scherzinger was also spotted wearing Rahul Mishra, as she performed at the Entertainment Community Fund. Styled by Michael Philouze, Nicole's stylish look featured Look 25, the Surreal Space corset in black and she paired it with a classic satin silk draped skirt from the Spring 2025 couture collection.
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nicole Scherzinger exudes elegance in a sparkly black satin corset gown as she attends Entertainment Community Fund gala in New York
Nicole Scherzinger cut an elegant figure as she attended the Entertainment Community Fund gala in Washington, New York, on Monday evening. The American singer, 46, looked radiant in a black satin gown featuring a sparkly black corset and a satin skirt with ruched detailing at the waist. The former Pussycat Dolls singer added inches to her frame with black criss-cross heels. To tie her look together, Nicole further accessorised with statement black-and-silver diamond bangles and wore a cluster of matching diamond rings. She styled her dark tresses in an elegant updo and wore a glamorous palette of makeup, including a bold swipe of red lipstick as she posed up a storm on the carpet ahead of the gala. The evening celebrated Academy Award-winning actor, dancer and singer Ariana DeBose, theatre owner and producer James L. Nederlander and Tony Award and Academy Award-winning actor, producer and director Denzel Washington as they received the Entertainment Community Fund Medal of Honor. Nicole's appearance at the bash comes shortly after she showcased her toned physique in a sexy workout video posted to Instagram last Friday. The singer flaunted her age-defying figure in a plunging teal gym bra which she paired with matching leggings. She paired her stylish two-piece workout co-ord with black and white chunky Nike trainers. Nicole appeared in very high spirits for her album as she was seen dancing around her lavish-looking gym. In the various clips, Nicole could be seen using the deadlifting apparatus with a blue resistance band stretched around her thighs. Continuing her leg workout, the performer showcased her strength with some reverse hyper donkey kickbacks. Nicole then switched it up and started focusing on her core with some raised crunches. Feeling in high spirits after the hard-looking workout, the star finished her post with a clip of her dancing. To tie her look together, Nicole further accessorised with statement black-and-silver diamond bangles and wore a cluster of matching diamond rings She styled her dark tresses in an elegant updo and wore a glamorous palette of makeup, including a bold swipe of red lipstick The evening celebrated Academy Award-winning actor, Ariana DeBose (pictured), producer James L. Nederlander and Academy Award-winning actor, Denzel Washington as they received the Entertainment Community Fund Medal of Honor Alongside her post, she penned: "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." — Mahatma Gandhi' And her fans were in awe of the post as they flocked to her comment box to celebrate her hard work and incredible figure. They penned: 'YOU ARE AMAZING .. YOUR BODY IS'; 'Don't ever let anyone dull your sparkle'; 'Inspiring in so many ways!!' 'Absolutely an inspiration'; 'You are so so strong in so many ways'; 'One very stunning gorgeous sexy lovely adorable woman and a hell of a singer and performer in the music world today love her amazing voice and music forever'
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WIF Fetes This Year's 65 Female Oscar Nominees
Whereas past events took place at restaurants or party halls, this year's 18th annual WIF Oscar Nominees Celebration on Friday, Feb. 28 welcomed guests to a residence — Bette Davis' former estate on Orlando. And it proved the perfect backdrop for this year's Academy Award-nominated talent from in front and behind the camera to mingle, network and toast the progress of women in film. "WIF has been working to advance gender equity in the entertainment industry," said WIF CEO Kirsten Schaffer when she took the stage. "Tonight, we gather to applaud the trailblazers, the visionaries and the incredible artists that have graced the silver screen — and to commend the remarkable achievements of the 65 women nominated for the 97th Academy Awards." "Y'all, our industry has taken a beating in the past four years," Schaffer continued, "and that, combined with what's happening to women, to transgender people, to immigrants, to queer people and people of color across this country means that we need this community more than ever. We need to double-down on our efforts for inclusion as a community and not let up." Then she spoke to WIF's history of supporting the community: "Our mission is gender equality, but in order to achieve that, people need to safe: physically, emotionally and financially," Schaffer said. "And that's why, in 2017, during the #MeToo movement, WIF took the lead by launching a sexual harassment helpline for entertainment workers. In 2020, we partnered with the Entertainment Community Fund to provide COVID grants. In 2022, we provided aid to workers impacted by strikes. And in 2025, with our now longtime partner the Entertainment Community Fund, we're raising money for those who lost their homes and livelihoods in the wildfires." Schaffer revealed she is one of them: "My family is one of the 11,500 whose home and neighborhood was destroyed — ours in the Altadena fire. And we have experienced firsthand the love and generosity of Los Angeles. ... This is not over. The recovery process will take many years and may hands." WIF Board President Syrinthia Studer would then come up, followed by this year's crop of contenders — who introduced themselves and named the film and role for which they are nominated. This included Cynthia Erivo (Actress in a Leading Role, Wicked) Monica Barbaro (Actress in a Supporting Role, A Complete Unknown), Arianne Phillips (Costume Design, A Complete Unknown), Coralie Fargeat (Best Director, Best Writing - Original Screenplay, The Substance), Diane Warren (Music - Original Song, 'The Journey' The Six Triple Eight), Frances Hannon (Makeup and Hairstyling, Wicked), Joslyn Barnes (Best Picture, Writing - Adapted Screenplay, Nickel Boys), Juliette Howell(Best Picture, Conclave), Mona Fastvold (Writing - Original Screenplay, The Brutalist), Patricia Cuccia (Production Design, The Brutalist), Samantha Quan (Best Picture, Anora) and Suchitra Mattai (Live Action Short Film, Anuja). But before she left the stage, Schaffer ended with her hopes: "Let us continue to strengthen our bonds," she said, "to expand our community, and to build a Los Angeles that is thriving with well-paying jobs for everyone, equitable film and TV sets, clean air and water, and ecologically sound homes."
