Entertainment
ACADEMY AWARDS : Genevieve Nnaji, Akin Omotosho Become Oscar Family
Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji and Film director, Akin Omotoso, have been selected as members of the 2020 class of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
In a statement released on Tuesday, The Academy has invited a total number of 819 artistes and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.
Other notable artists include Cynthia Erivo, Zendaya, Eva Longoria, John David Washington, Ladj Ly, Bernie Taupin, Matthew A. Cherry, Florence Pugh and Awkwafina
The academy also stated that if the 819 members accept the invites, agent members of the 2020 class will be allowed voting privileges at the upcoming Oscars.
“The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 819 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.
“There are 75 Oscar® nominees, including 15 winners, and five recipients of Scientific and Technical Awards. Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2020.”
This will not be the first time Nigerian filmmakers are making the Academy membership list. In 2018, actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Wunmi Mosaku, Femi Odugbemi and Ngozi Onwurah were extended invites and they were also among artistes to determine winners of Oscar in 2019.
Genevieve, however, took to twitter to accept the invite, she wrote, “I’m honoured to be a member of the family. Thank you.”
The 93rd edition of the Academy Awards, known as Oscar award, is scheduled to hold on April 25, 2021, and nominations will be announced on March 15, 2021.
Entertainment
Simi Welcomes Second Child With Adekunle Gold
Popular Nigerian music star, Simisola Bolatito Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has welcomed her second child with her husband, singer Adekunle Kosoko, widely known as Adekunle Gold.
She shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday evening.
In her post, Simi revealed that the baby was born on March 10, 2026.
She posted maternity photos and addressed earlier rumours that she had given birth to twins in January, making it clear that this is her second child.
Simi referred to herself as “mommy of two,” while Adekunle Gold responded in the comments, calling himself “Daddy of two.”
She wrote, “+1. 3.10.26. God bless my little family. Mommyof2.”
The couple did not disclose the baby’s name or gender.
Entertainment
Bill Cosby Ordered To Pay $19m Over Sex Abuse Case
A woman who said she was drugged and sexually assaulted by veteran US entertainer Bill Cosby was awarded more than $19 million on Monday after a civil hearing in California.
Donna Motsinger said she was working as a waitress more than 50 years ago when the performer began to target her.
In the civil case decided in Santa Monica, the suit stated that the comedian had initially come into the restaurant where the now-84-year-old Motsinger worked.
According to court filings, one day, when he picked her up in his limousine, Cosby gave her a glass of wine and what she thought was aspirin.
She began slipping in and out of consciousness, and the next thing she knew, she was waking up at home, wearing only her underwear.
“She knew she had been drugged and raped by Bill Cosby,” the suit said.
Attorneys said Cosby, 88, did not remember any sexual contact with Motsinger, but that any that had occurred had been consensual.
The jury took three days to deliver its verdict, ordering Cosby to pay $19.3 million, a figure that could increase if they add punitive damages.
The case was heard in the same courthouse where a 2022 jury ordered Cosby to pay $500,000 in damages to Judy Huth after finding that he had molested her in 1975 when she was just 16 years old.
The man formerly known as “America’s Dad” was jailed in Pennsylvania for drugging and molesting a woman in a separate criminal case in 2018, but was freed in 2021 when his conviction was overturned on a technicality.
Cosby was a towering figure in late 20th-century American popular culture, including for his starring role in “The Cosby Show,” which ran from 1984 to 1992.
Dozens of women have accused Cosby of being a calculating, serial predator who plied victims with sedatives and alcohol before assaulting them over four decades.
AFP
Entertainment
Funke Akindele’s Record-Breaking “Behind The Scenes” Hits Netflix On April 3
Funke Akindele’s blockbuster film, which broke box office records in West Africa, will premiere on Netflix on April 3.
This follows a successful theatrical run that grossed over N2.7 billion, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time.
The film’s streaming debut marks Akindele’s return to Netflix since “Omo Ghetto: The Saga”, highlighting her consistent cinema-first approach and record-breaking annual December releases.
“Behind The Scenes” features an ensemble cast, including Scarlet Gomez, Uzor Arukwe, and Tobi Bakre, and explores themes of generosity, family, and personal responsibility.
Produced by Akindele and Wendy Uwadiae Imasuen, the film’s success extends beyond Nigeria, with notable performances in the UK, Ireland, North America, and Canada.
It became the first Nollywood film to cross the N2 billion mark and achieved N512 million within its first 12 days.
The film’s distributor, Filmone, announced its Netflix premiere, stating, “From shattering box office records to streaming in YOUR HOME and on the go! The record-breaking title, Behind The Scenes, is coming to you on NETFLIX.
“After shattering records with over 2.7 billion at the Box Office, Behind The Scenes will be available for streaming from April 3rd. Watch Behind The Scenes on Netflix from April 3rd”.
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