Latest news with #JanelleJames
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Janelle James on Ava's challenging year on ‘Abbot Elementary': ‘They kind of threw everything at me this season'
Tough and sassy Ava Coleman was put through the wringer in Season 4 of Abbott Elementary, but Janelle James can look back at her onscreen persona and confidently say, 'They kind of threw everything at me this season and I feel like I delivered.' And then some! On the positive side, Ava may have fought it at first, but she eventually eased into a mature romance with chill I.T. guy O'Shon (Matthew Law), a relationship that helped balance out the bigger story arcs that were the opposite of happy. First, Ava reluctantly faced her estranged father Frank (Keith David), and then took a major career punch when she was fired as principal of Abbott for accepting bribes in the form of new computers for the budget-challenged elementary school. "I'm just honored that the writers trust me with the material that they've been giving me," James says. More from GoldDerby 'Death Becomes Her' costume designer Paul Tazewell on creating show's spectacular outfits: 'Theater-making is about the impossible' (exclusive images) Jamie Lee Curtis eyes historic back-to-back Emmy win as Comedy Guest Actress race heats up 'Étoile' creators on writing a show for 'genius' Luke Kirby Given all those compelling story arcs this year, James, who's scored three Best Comedy Supporting Actress Emmy nominations for the ABC sitcom, is closer than ever to landing the trophy that's eluded her thus far. Here, the St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands native talks about how Ava has evolved since the show's first season, how she approached working with veteran actor David as her father, and her take on how Ava felt about her Abbott colleagues coming to her aid to help her get her job back. Gold Derby: It's been a nice, slow evolution for Ava since season and the audience has gotten to know her better and better. How has that been for you over the last four years? Janelle James: It's been very satisfying. I like that you said that because it really has been such a build and such a true character arc. And, for me, satisfying in the not only fan reaction, but character world-building for her. The satisfaction of seeing people come around to her in such a way has been amazing. It's always a testament to the writing, but I always thought she was much more complex than she seemed in the beginning [of the series], and those are my favorite kind of characters and those are my favorite type of humans. Back in the first season, Ava was always coming at Janine (Quinta Brunson) so hard and she had her flirt on with Gregory (Tyler James Williams). Did you ever worry that maybe audiences wouldn't like her when those first episodes are rolling out? I didn't worry, but I also knew for a fact that some people didn't like her, so I didn't even have to worry about it. Of course, in the pilot, she did a horrible thing of taking money from the school, but we all have to introduce our characters as the most heightened version of themselves, and then after that, not immediately, they started her arc. SEE Abbott Elementary bosses on subverting finale expectations, 'the season of Ava,' and their dream crossover A lot has happened to Ava in the back half of Season 4, like the "Rally" episode where she's been fired and everyone comes together to help her get her job back. How you were playing that as Ava with all these people coming to help her, which probably wouldn't have happened in Season 1? I think she was surprised. She's not used to anyone stepping up for her with her whole abandonment issues. She was shocked, and even in the episode when people are coming in the different doors [to help her], I'm playing it as, "What? I can't believe it." Even when she got fired, she kind of took it on the chin and moved on, so she was very surprised that all these people came together to rally for her. Keith David came on this season to appear as Ava's father Frank, who she doesn't have the closest relationship with. How has that been to play that arc, given it's revealed even more layers of Ava? I mean, what amazing casting. First of all, he could totally be my dad. We do look related! And they did a great job for all the guest relatives for each character that we've had on the show. And [Keith is] a legend, and then also someone with such gravitas in voice and standing is amazing. It's also flattering that he would want to come on our show and portray this character and act alongside me. I always try to convince myself that I will rise to the occasion, so I wasn't nervous. I'm more honored to be in the same space as these people. Like, "Oh, this person being here is going to just elevate me to rise" because I'm never going to embarrass myself. For me, it's been gratifying to show that I do have these skills and that I can go toe to toe with these actors that have been around for so long. Disney/Gilles Mingasson There's a moment in the "Rally" episode where Frank sincerely says, "I'm proud of you. I'm here for you." Was that a hard scene for you to shoot? I don't know how that relationship is going to go, but based on the information I have now and how I think of Ava, a couple of visits is not going to repair this relationship. While she was surprised that he said that, she's not entirely convinced, and I also don't think that that was some sacred sacrament moment for them. That's how I played it. He says, "You've got to give me another chance. You always get other chances." And I forget the line, but I say, "Well, I did a good job the first time, and that's why I got a second chance." I love how Quinta and the writers are playing that and giving it nuance. It's not the cliché sitcom thing that would be for me to be like, "Oh, daddy!" and then we hug. In real life, that's not how it works. No one changes overnight. No one defrosts overnight. Ava has ice around her heart for this man and it's warranted, so she's not gonna let him off that easy. It's always fun to see a character go through a romantic relationship since you see different shades of them. How has it been to play Ava's romance with O'Shon? There's also a nice chemistry between the characters, which can be tough to make happen! If anything, I was nervous about that because, like you said, it doesn't happen a lot. That's what I've heard. I'm confident in my skills of pretending we have chemistry, but it's always great when it's already there. Mutually, we just really just put each other at ease. He's a great actor and although he's not as known as Keith David, he came in with the same professionalism and skill. "Oh, this guy is for real!" So I had to match him. And what we know about Ava is that all her relationships seems to be pretty superficial, and here is a guy that's completely different than what she's used to, so that's just been fun to play. But I'm really proud of that relationship because he's also not in every episode and we've told a whole story in such a short time. When he is there, we're onscreen maybe four minutes, so for it to be a fully realized thing and have people making fan videos about us and all of that from such a short interactions is amazing. SEE Abbott Elementary director Randall Einhorn on capturing Ava's 'moment of humility' and the 'surreal' crossover with It's Always Sunny The season finale is always in Philly and this year it was at the Please Touch Museum. Is there a field trip feel to it for you all since you're on location in Philadelphia, where the show is set? This was my first time going to Philly and just to be on the plane with everyone, like, "Well, this plane can't go down." It's like our school bus in the sky and we even had some of our kids from L.A. come on location as well so that was cool. And then, as famous as I am, I'm super famous in Philly, so that was awesome. [Laughs] The show has done so well the last couple years and you're still out there doing stand-up. Is there a difference in how audiences receive you or how hard or not hard you have to work for the audience? I don't know if it's changed based on the audience. I'm approaching it differently in that my goal for myself now is to separate myself from the character and introduce me as a real person. I'm doing something else, and that's been the challenge for me. And when I say challenge, not that it's hard, but that's the assignment I've given myself. I am a separate person and I am also hilarious in a totally different way, so that's been fun. And what has changed audience-wise is I have a wider audience now, and who can complain about that? I have a bigger audience coming out now, so I love it. Best of GoldDerby 'Étoile' creators on writing a show for 'genius' Luke Kirby How 'The Handmaid's Tale' series finale sets up 'The Testaments' TV Visual Effects supervisor roundtable: 'Black Mirror,' 'The Boys,' 'The Wheel of Time' Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
2025 Emmys Supporting Actress Comedy Predictions
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Emmy Predictions: Supporting Actress (Comedy) — Is It Time for Janelle James to Take Home the Gold for 'Abbott Elementary?' Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday. More from Variety Explore Awards Circuit Predictions Pages Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys Jessica Williams in Apple's 'Shrinking' Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Commentary (Updated May 1, 2025): It's time for Janelle James to stand on the Emmy stage! In her fourth season on ABC's beloved mockumentary 'Abbott Elementary,' James is delivering her best work to date as Principal Ava Coleman. Her role has grown from the simple comic relief to being one of the show's emotional centers. In Season 4, she showcases new depths, including apparent vulnerability and heartwarming leadership, building on her sharp-tongued, over-the-top style. Having been nominated three times before, James could finally win this time, solidifying her status as a top comedic talent on TV. Her 'Abbott' co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph made waves in 2022 with her deserved Emmy win for playing veteran teacher Barbara Howard, who brings wisdom and warmth to the show. She should sail through to another nomination. Moreover, we're still waiting on the possibility of Lisa Ann Walter nabbing her first nom for playing Philly native Melissa. Close behind her is Liza Colón-Zayas, who performed best as Tina in the third season of FX's 'The Bear' and who came off her surprise win last year. Can she make it back-to-back wins? She would be the first Latina to win two consecutive acting Emmys, a historic feat. Hannah Einbinder is always a strong contender for her role in HBO/Max's 'Hacks,' but hasn't won a statuette yet. Catherine O'Hara, a five-time Emmy winner, returns to comedy in Apple TV+'s 'The Studio.' She plays a network executive and producer with a deadpan delivery that enhances every scene. She'll also have 'The Last of Us' (which may put her in play for supporting drama actress to increase her chances). O'Hara's co-star, Kathryn Hahn, also has the potential to double-dip at the Emmys. She adds a lively energy to the Apple series and will try to sneak in for 'Agatha All Along' as lead comedy actress. Some other notable contenders include Emmy nominee Jessica Williams in 'Shrinking,' who's as impressive as ever in 'Shrinking,' and Meryl Streep, whose role in Hulu's 'Only Murders in the Building' falls below the 50% episode number (but due to new Emmy rules, must submit in supporting). As I often say, 'doubt Meryl at your own peril.' Meg Stalter is still looking for her first Emmy shot for 'Hacks,' while Broadway star Patti LuPone could get a trip to the ceremony for 'Agatha All Along.' See Emmy Award predictions below: Variety Awards Circuit: Oscars (The list of predicted nominees and contenders is incomplete and will be updated every Thursday throughout the TV Awards season.) And the Predicted Contenders Are: And the Predicted Contenders Are: !function(){'use strict'; 0!== e= t in r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if( d= More Information (Supporting Actress Comedy) 2024 category winner: Liza Colón-Zayas, 'The Bear' (FX) — Season 3 !function(){'use strict'; 0!== e= t in r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if( d= About the Primetime Emmy Awards The Primetime Emmy Awards, commonly known as the Emmys, are awarded by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Established in 1949, these celebrate outstanding achievements in American primetime television. The Emmys are categorized into three divisions: the Primetime Emmy Awards for performance and production excellence; the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, recognizing achievements in artistry and craftsmanship; and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards, which honor significant engineering and technological advancements. The eligibility period typically extends from June 1 to May 31 each year. The Television Academy hosts the Emmys and has over 20,000 members across 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors, artisans and executives. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Grey's Anatomy,' ‘Shifting Gears' Among Five ABC Renewals, ‘Doctor Odyssey' in Limbo
ABC has locked in most — but notably, not all — of its scripted series for the 2025-26 season. The network on Thursday announced renewals for veteran drama series Grey's Anatomy, 911, The Rookie and Will Trent and first-year comedy Shifting Gears. They join the previously renewed Abbott Elementary and High Potential on ABC's roster for next season, along with 911: Nashville, a spinoff of the first-responder series that earned a straight-to-series order in February. More from The Hollywood Reporter TV Ratings: 'The Rookie' Snags Season High as ABC's Tuesday Momentum Continues (Exclusive) Amid a Back-to-the-Future Moment for Animation, Could 'The Critic' Make a Comeback? Janelle James Reacts to Ava Being Fired on 'Abbott Elementary' and Last Year's Emmy Snub The pickups will take Grey's Anatomy through its 22nd season (it's the longest-running scripted show in ABC's history); 911 through its ninth overall and third on ABC after moving from Fox; The Rookie through its eighth; Will Trent through its fourth season; and the Tim Allen-led Shifting Gears through its second. Not on the renewal list at the moment: Doctor Odyssey, the first-year drama from Ryan Murphy Television that stars Joshua Jackson as a cruise-ship doctor. Sources say ABC and the show's team are talking about the show's creative direction and a decision on season two has yet to be made. ABC has the smallest scripted lineup of any of the big four broadcast networks, with only nine series airing this season — and one of those, The Conners, ending in a month's time. The network has also had a fairly quiet development season, with just a handful of projects in the works, among them a potential Rookie spinoff (ABC and Hulu merged their development teams under Simran Sethi six months ago). ABC's robust unscripted roster, along with programming from ABC News and live sports produced by ESPN, fills the majority of its primetime hours. ABC may still order a few pilots this spring to consider for the second half of 2025-26; Shifting Gears was produced on a similar timeline last year, scoring a pilot order in early March and a series pickup in July. Grey's Anatomy, 911, Shifting Gears and Will Trent all hail from ABC's Disney sibling 20th Television, while The Rookie is produced Lionsgate TV in partnership with 20th. Keep track of all the network renewals and cancellations with THR's network scorecard. Best of The Hollywood Reporter The Cast of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' Then and Now 'Yellowstone' and the Sprawling Dutton Family Tree, Explained A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise
Los Angeles Times
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Janelle James of ‘Abbott Elementary' on the potential changes coming to education in the U.S.
Janelle James, who stars as principal Ava Coleman in 'Abbott Elementary,' spoke to The Times' Nicholas Ducassi about the potential changes coming to education in the U.S., including the dismantling of the Department of Education: 'I think a lot of people forget that children grow up to be people…I don't know why you would make it harder for that to happen in their infancy.' James was nominated for the the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for her work in 'Abbott Elementary.'
