The 23rd annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) will present two-time Academy Award® nominee Brad Pitt with the Desert Palm Achievement Actor Award for his lead role in Moneyball and his supporting role in The Tree of Life. Presented by Cartier, the Awards Gala will be held Saturday, January 7, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Hosted by Mary Hart, the Gala will also present awards to previously announced honorees George Clooney, Glenn Close, Michel Hazanavicius, Octavia Spencer and Michelle Williams.

“Brad Pitt consistently mesmerizes audiences with the depth and versatility of his performances. He has the rare ability to interpret and capture the most complicated facets of human nature, infusing his roles with strength and emotion,”

said Harold Matzner, Chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. “ In The Tree of Life, he portrays a father whose sensitive son tries to make sense of their relationship and understand the wrongs of a difficult childhood. In Moneyball, he faces failure head on and draws upon his dormant, though fierce competitive nature to become a standout in the world of major league baseball management. To Brad Pitt, the Palm Springs International Film Festival is once again privileged to present you with an award to honor your extraordinary talent, this time the 2012 Desert Palm Achievement Award for Acting.”

Entertainment News

Joyful Noise Soundtrack Number 1 on Billboard! Features Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Karen Peck, Kirk Franklin, Karen Peck and more!

GMC TV Honors Black History Month with the

GMC World Premiere Movie A Cross To Bear, “The 27th Annual Stellar Awards Show, Plus More...

“A Raisin in the Sun” is a Timely Classic

Entertainment News: Wendy Raquel Robinson

THE LEVI’S BRAND AND AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE CALL ON FILMMAKERS TO “SHOW US THE WAY” TO A BETTER TOMORROW

Fab 4 Power February Film Favorite To Go Review

Paramount Pictures and Cirque du Soleil jointly announced that the studio has acquired worldwide distribution rights to the Cirque du Soleil 3D feature film entitled "Cirque du Soleil Worlds Away". Written and directed by Andrew Adamson ("Shrek," "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"), and executive produced by Academy Award ® winning filmmaker James Cameron, the 3D film event features artistic and acrobatic performances from some of the most elaborate Cirque du Soleil productions.  The film was produced by Adamson, Aron Warner, Cirque’s Martin Bolduc and Ed Jones and Cary Granat. Vince Pace oversaw the 3D stereo production aspect of the film.

A number of production companies collaborated to bring the film to life.  In addition to Cirque, Warner and Adamson’s Strange Weather Productions, Reel FX and Cameron Pace Group all contributed to this groundbreaking production.

"The coupling of filmmaker James Cameron’s groundbreaking 3D visual accomplishments and Andrew Adamson’s beautiful direction, combined with a timeless original story written especially for this movie, will make for a truly amazing moviegoeing experience for audiences of all ages " said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures.

Said Jacques Méthé, Executive Producer, General Manager, Images, Events, Lifestyle of Cirque du Soleil, “This 3D event brings the spectator beyond what they could see at a show, it takes them on the stage. This unique point of view allows the audience to discover the artistic details of our productions and reveal the human spirit that our artists bring to the audience in their performances. Jim and Andrew have masterfully captured what a Cirque du Soleil 3D experience could offer and Paramount will present it to the world.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

GLORIA ESTEFAN KICKS OFF 2012 WITH A #1 DEBUT ON THE BILLBOARD HOT LATIN SONGS CHART

Seven time Grammy Award winner and international superstar, Gloria Estefan, finds herself once again atop the Billboard Hot Latin Songs Chart with her latest hit, "Hotel Nacional". This is Gloria's 15th number one hit on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs Chart and it's the first time in History that a FEMALE artist debuts a song at #1 on the Hot Latin Songs Chart. "Hotel Nacional" is also climbing the Billboard Dance Chart moving up to #8 on this weeks chart.

Gloria Estefan also claims the #1 spot this week on the Billboard Tropical Airplay Chart making this her 7th number one song on the Billboard Latin Tropical Airplay Chart (tying the record for most #1's by Female Artist on the chart) shared with India.

"Hotel Nacional" produced by her Grammy Winning husband Emilio Estefan and co-produced by Motiff, is the infectious second single and follow up to her chart- topping smash, "WEPA". Both tracks are featured on Gloria's latest project, Miss

Little Havana. Miss Little Havana is Gloria's 26th album and is produced by Pharrell Willams and co-produced by Estefan. The album is Gloria's first English- language release since 2003 and represents her return to dance music and celebrates her musical roots at the same time embraces a new pop sound with traces of early Miami Sound Machine. Hotel Nacional features remixes by some of the hottest dj's on the music scene including Mike Cruz and Dee Martello, Ralphi Rosario, Razor N' Guido and Funk3d to name a few.

Gloria, known as "The Queen of Latin Pop", has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of her three decade long career. Since the release of her debut album in 1977, she has sold over 90 million albums, performed for millions and has received a multitude of awards and accolades making her the single most successful crossover artist of all time.

Gloria has a very busy month ahead of her preparing for and shooting the music video for Hotel Nacional which will be directed by famed director and chorographer, Kenny Ortega. The video will be released worldwide in late January. Later this month Gloria heads to Los Angeles to begin shooting her guest appearance on the FOX Television's hit musical, Glee. Gloria will appear on Glee in a multiple episode arcplayingSantana's (Naya Rivera) mother.

Paramount Pictures announced today that principal photography has commenced in Los Angeles, CA on the sequel to STAR TREK from director J.J. Abrams. The film will be released on May 17, 2013 in 3D. The 2009 re-launch of the “Star Trek” franchise by Abrams was met with critical acclaim and a worldwide gross of over $385 million at the box office.

Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions present a Bad Robot Production of a J.J. Abrams Film. Returning to their posts on the Enterprise are John Cho, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoë Saldana, Karl Urban, and Anton Yelchin. They are joined by new cast members Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve and Peter Weller.

Based upon “Star Trek” created by Gene Roddenberry, the film is produced by J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Damon Lindelof, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. The script was written by Alex Kurtzman & Robert Orci & Damon Lindelof.

Jeffrey Chernov, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Paul Schwake are the executive producers. The director of photography is Dan Mindel, ASC, BSC. The production designer is Scott Chambliss. The film is edited by Maryann Brandon, A.C.E. and Mary Jo Markey, A.C.E. The costume designer is Michael Kaplan. The music is by Michael Giacchino.

J.J. ABRAMS BEGINS PRODUCTION ON THE NEXT “STAR TREK” MOVIE

Thursday, January 22nd, was opening night, for the critically-acclaimed Ebony Repertory Theatre production of Lorraine Hansberry’s American classic “A Raisin in the Sun,” playing at Center Theatre Group’s Kirk Douglas Theatre. With rich performances that were both captivating and riveting, Lorraine Hansberry’s story comes relevantly to life!

Set in Chicago during the 1950s, “A Raisin in the Sun” portrays an African-American family and its pursuit of a better life while facing the obstacles of conflicting aspirations, betrayal and racism. Central to the story is a $10,000 life insurance payment that symbolizes freedom in various ways to each family member, including the possibility of buying the family’s first house.  Shining a spotlight on America's struggle to overcome its past, “A Raisin in the Sun” pays tribute to those whose courage helped shape a future filled with faith in the fundamental decency and unlimited capacity of the human spirit.  In light of the current global economy, Rahsad presents the playwright’s message of deferred dreams and hope many Americans need to hear today!

“A Raisin in the Sun” is directed by Phylicia Rashad, who starred in the 2004 Broadway revival and who won the Tony Award for Best Actress.  This was the first time in Tony history that an African-American actress won in this category.  Her Los Angeles directing debut, with the Ebony Repertory Theatre production, was a smashing success!  I had a brief moment afterwards to speak with her about the evening’s performance.  It was clear she was pleased and I quote, “I wanted to capture the heart of the people…” and you did, Bravo! Bravo!

The cast members included (in alphabetical order) Kenya Alexander, Keith Arthur Bolden, Brandon David Brown, Kevin T. Carroll, Jason Dirden, Deidrie Henry, Amad Jackson, Scott Mosenson, Kem Saunders, Kim Staunton and Ellis E. Williams.  All were stellar in their craft making us laugh, cry and sometimes squirm in our seats as they delivered   the playwright’s at times gritty but often beautifully poetic dialogue with honesty and potency.

The scenic design is by Michael Ganio, costume design by Ruth E. Carter, lighting design by Elizabeth Harper, sound design by Bob Blackburn and wig and hair design by Carol F. Doran. The production stage manager is David Blackwell.

Lorraine Hansberry was 29 when “A Raisin in the Sun” opened on Broadway in 1959.  She was the first African-American woman to have a play produced on Broadway. It only seems fitting that the Ebony Repertory Theatre produce the play today.  Founded under the leadership of Producer Wren T. Brown and the late Artistic Director Israel Hicks, ERT’s commitment is to bring diverse, high standard, professional performing arts to the Mid-City community, as well as the greater Los Angeles area.  ERT’s mission is to create, develop, nurture and sustain a world-class professional theatre rooted in the experience of the African Diaspora and shaped by a dynamic perspective that incorporates an understanding of, and respect for, the unique African-American journey to freedom.

“A Raisin in the Sun” is another production presented by LA’s Theatre Company the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre at 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, California and will run until February 19.2012.  A quaint venue with easy parking, great restaurants and near by shopping, The Kirk Douglas Theatre always a great place to see live theatre performances.  For more information about future shows contact the Center Theatre Group Audience Services at (213) 628-2772, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office, on-line at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org

The Double Comes To Blu-Ray & DVD

When a United States Senator is brutally murdered, the evidence points to a Soviet assassin code- named Cassius, who was long-thought to be dead. Two men who know Cassius best are thrown together to catch him. Paul Shepherdson (Richard Gere, An Officer and a Gentleman) is a retired CIA operative who spent his career tracking Cassius around the globe.

Ben Geary (Topher Grace, Spider-Man 3) is a hotshot young FBI Agent and family man who has studied the killer's every move. Ben thinks he knows Cassius, but Paul knows he is dead wrong. Now, time is running out to stop this merciless killing machine before he finds his next target. Martin Sheen (The Departed), Stephen Moyer (True Blood), Odette Yustman (Cloverfield) and Stana Katic (Castle) costar in this tense thriller from the co-writers of Wanted and 3:10 to Yuma that will keep you guessing until the very last shot. Cast: Martin Sheen; Odette Yustman; Richard Gere; Stana Katic; Stephen Moyer; Tamer Hassan; Topher Grace.

Blu-ray MSRP : $29.97 DVD MSRP: $27.97 Release Date : 1/31/2012 Run Times : 98 mins Rated: PG-13

Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Kim Fields, Marvin Sapp, Dorinda Clark and more top line a month of powerful and uplifting entertainment

GMC TV, America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment, honors Black History Month 2012 with the original GMC World Premiere Movie A Cross to Bear, the GMC World Premiere Music Special, “The 27th Annual Stellar Awards Show, powerful movies and Black History Moments. Packed with history makers of today, GMC’s Black History Month tribute reflects stories of courage and commitment that celebrate the lives of African-Americans whose determination and pride achieved greatness against seemingly insurmountable odds. The programming slate, which runs through the month of February, features extraordinary performances by some of the most influential performers on film and in gospel music, including Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Kim Fields, Andre Braugher, Charles S. Dutton, Mario Van Peebles, Dorinda Clark Cole, Marvin Sapp Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond and more.

Assault at West Point, a politically charged historical drama, recounts the beginnings of racial integration in America's most prestigious military academy, West Point. Born into slavery in 1858, Johnson Chestnut Whittaker was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1876.  A talented black cadet, Whittaker was viciously attacked by three fellow students in disguise. Although the perpetrators were racists who resented his presence at the Academy, administrators chose not to believe that allegation. Instead, they court-martialed Whittaker for staging his own attack to gain sympathy. After more than a year of nationally publicized hearings, Whittaker was found guilty in an 1881 court martial and expelled from West Point.  In 1995, more than 60 years after his death, Whittaker was posthumously commissioned by President Bill Clinton.  Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Sam Waterston, Seth Gilliam and Al Freeman, Jr., Assault at West Point will premiere on GMC on Saturday, February 4th at 7:00 pm EST with encore performances at 9:00 pm and 11:00 pm EST.

GMC’s special series, “Black College Quiz” hosted by Gregory Alan Williams (“Necessary Roughness”) features college students from HBCU’s competing for college scholarships and prizes.  “Black College Quiz” will premiere on GMC Saturdays, February 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th at 9 a.m. EST.

The Ghosts of Mississippi is based on the true story of the 1994 trial of Byron De La Beckwith, a white supremacist accused of the 1963 assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers. De La Beckwith was tried twice shortly after the assassination and both trials ended in hung juries. In 1989, Evers' widow Myrlie, who had been trying to bring De La Beckwith to justice for over 25 years, believes she has what it takes to bring him to trial again. Although most of the evidence from the old trial had disappeared, Bobby DeLaughter, an assistant District Attorney, decides to help her despite being warned that it might hurt his political aspirations and despite the strain that it caused in his marriage. De La Beckwith is brought to trial for the third time 30 years later and in 1994, Byron De La Beckwith was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.  The Ghosts of Mississippi will debut on GMC on Monday, February 6th at 9:00 pm EST with encore performances on Tuesday, February 21st at 9:00 pm EST and Friday, February 24th at 11:00 pm EST.

“The 27th Annual Stellar Awards Show” celebrates accomplishments in gospel music with some of the greatest artists in gospel. Hosted by Dorinda Clark Cole and Marvin Sapp, the show is filled with riveting performances from Kirk Franklin, Earnest Pugh, Fred Hammond, Ricky Dillard & New G, Richard Smallwood & Vision and more.  “The 27th Annual Stellar Awards Show” will premiere on Saturday, February 11th at 7:00 pm with encore performances at 9:00 pm EST and 11:00 pm EST.

A Cross to Bear, an original GMC World Premiere Movie starring Kim Fields, Malinda Williams, Jackie Long and featuring newcomer Danielle Deadwyler tells the unflinching and inspiring story of Erica (Deadwyler) a would-be dancer with no family connections who finds herself fighting alcoholism and living on the streets with her newborn child after being left by her boyfriend. One ill-fated night, she takes refuge from the cold in an empty building with a handful of other homeless people and her life is shattered. Traumatized and now living at the home of Joan (Fields)—a former nurse who has dedicated her life to helping women like Erica, Tina (Tamika Tanner) and Fae (Williams) get back on their feet, Erica struggles to forge a new path for herself.  As the cause of Erica’s personal hell is revealed, slowly, with the help of Joan’s unique brand of tough love and the friendship of Tina, a former crack baby, and the guidance of other women who have found new beginnings at Joan’s House, Erica finds the will to live and learns the redemptive power of forgiveness.  A Cross to Bear will premiere on GMC on Saturday, February 18th at 7:00 pm EST with encore performances at 9:00 pm and 11:00 pm EST.

A Soldier’s Story, the Academy Award© nominated film based on the Pulitzer Prize©-winning Off-Broadway production of a black Army officer sent to investigate the murder of a black sergeant in Louisiana near the end of World War II. He initially suspects that a pair of white men are responsible for Sergeant Waters' death, but his probe reveals that nearly everyone, regardless of skin color, had ample reason to kill the loathsome but pitiable Waters. The powerful cast features stellar performances by Academy Award-nominees Howard E. Rollins, Jr., Adolph Ceasar, Denzel Washington, David Allan Grier, and Robert Townsend and is directed by Norman Jewison.  A Soldier’s Story will premiere on GMC on Saturday, February 25th at 7:00 pm, with an encore performance at 9:00 pm EST.

10,000 Black Men Named George, an award-winning drama recounting the historic formation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters union by journalist and political activist Asa Phillip Randolph and porter Ashley Totten, an act which proved to have a major impact in both labor and race relations in America. The award-winning film stars Andre Braugher, Charles S. Dutton, and Mario Van Peebles.  10,000 Black Men Named George will premiere on GMC on Tuesday, February 28th at 9:00 pm EST.

Throughout the month, GMC will present a series of Black History Moments.  The vignettes feature renowned gospel music superstars as they reflect on significant moments and famous African Americans that influenced their lives and careers.  Artists featured include, Marvin Sapp, Beverly Crawford, Byron Cage, Ricky Dillard, Canton Jones, The Murrills, and Angella Christie. 

PARAMOUNT AND CIRQUE DU SOLEIL TO PARTNER ON "CIRQUE DU SOLEIL WORLDS AWAY", WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY ANDREW ADAMSON,

AND PRESENTED BY JAMES CAMERON

Perfect Sense

Film Release Date: February 10, 2012

A story about two people who fall in love just as their worlds start falling apart. About Perfect Sense. A hit at Sundance '11 and winner of the Ediburgh Film Festival's prize for Best New British Feature, the amazing genre creation directed by David Mackenzie stars Eva Green and Ewan McGregor as witnesses to the end of the world-- strangers who form a desperate romantic connection in the face of an apocalyptic epidemic of sensory loss.  Cast include: Ewan McGregor, Connie Nielsen, Eva Green, Ewen Bremne and Stephen Dillane.

This Means War

Film Release Date: February 14, 2012

The world's deadliest CIA operatives are inseparable partners and best friends until they fall for the same woman. Having once helped bring down entire enemy nations, they are now employing their incomparable skills and an endless array of high-tech gadgetry against their greatest nemesis ever - each other. Cast Include: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, Chelsea Handler, Til Schweiger and Angela Bassett. Link into the site at http://www.thismeanswarmovie.com

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

Film Release Date: February 17, 2012

The story sees Johnny Blaze, aka Ghost Rider (Nicholas Cage), hiding out in remote Eastern Europe and struggling to repress his curse. Blaze is recruited by a sect to take on The Devil (Ciaran Hinds), who wants to take over his mortal son’s body on the kid’s birthday. Idris Elba plays an alcoholic warrior monk tasked with finding Ghost Rider. Johnny Whitworth plays a criminal who is recruited by The Devil to find the boy and is later turned into a demonic creature. Cast include: Nicolas Cage, Idris Elba, Johnny Whitworth, , Ciaran Hinds, Violante Placido and Fergus Riordan

Good Deeds

Film Release Date: February 24, 2012

An affluent and successful entrepreneur is about to get married when he becomes enamored with a down-on-her-luck single mom. Cast include: Tyler Perry, Thandie Newton, Jamie Kennedy and Rebecca Romijn.

The Levi’s® brand, in alliance with two of the American Film Institute’s renowned programs – AFI Fest, a showcase of the best in global cinema, and AFI Conservatory, named the #1 film school in the world by The Hollywood Reporter – is pleased to launch “Show Us The Way” – a short film competition for burgeoning filmmakers. The contest is calling on filmmakers to submit actionable story treatments for the chance to produce a five-minute short film about a better tomorrow. The program was announced at this afternoon’s AFI Alumni Reception during the Sundance Film Festival.

“We feel that the medium of film has a powerful resonance in our culture and is a great avenue for the leaders of tomorrow to promote change,” said Mary Alderete, global vice president of marketing for the Levi’s® brand. “We are proud to align with the American Film Institute to challenge visual artists of today to inspire the world through their creations. In the spirit of our Go Forth campaign, we hope this alliance with AFI will amplify the voice of future pioneers to believe anything is possible and then make it so.”

AFI Fest has always supported the work of emerging filmmakers. We are pleased to join with Levi’s® to provide participating filmmakers with the opportunity to showcase their short films at AFI Fest 2012 presented by Audi and bring their voices to the dialogue, driving positive change in the world through their art,” said Jacqueline Lyanga, festival director for AFI Fest.

The contest’s film treatment submission period is open through March 30, 2012. During this open call, filmmakers can submit their story treatment to Levi.com/ShowUsTheWay.

Levi’s® and AFI will announce six winners in May 2012 as selected by the jury of experts. Winners will be awarded a grant of $5,000 to produce their short film, $500 for a Levi’s® wardrobe for their cast and ten hours of mentorship from a regarded AFI Conservatory alumnus. Winners will be flown, expenses paid, to AFI Fest 2012 to see their films showcased at the festival. For more information about the Levi’s® brand, please visit www.levi.com. For more information about the American Film Institute, AFI Fest and AFI Conservatory, please visit www.AFI.com

The soundtrack features performances by Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Oscar® nominee Dolly Parton; Oscar® nominee, Grammy® and Golden Globe Award winner Queen Latifah; BET and NAACP Award winner Keke Palmer; 11-time Singing News® female vocalist of the year, three-time Grammy® nominee and three-time Dove nominee Karen Peck; and seven-time Grammy®, 35-time Stellar, 12-time Dove, five-time NAACP, and two-time BET Music Award winner Kirk Franklin. Five-time Grammy®, six-time Dove, two-time Stellar Award winner Mervyn Warren produced and arranged the Joyful Noise soundtrack.

Parton, who penned three new songs for the collection, recently performed two of those songs on national TV: “From Here to the Moon and Back” on the Late Show with David Letterman, and “Not Enough,” a duet with co-star Queen Latifah, on NBC’s Today Show.

The third song Parton wrote, “He’s Everything,” is also on the soundtrack, which includes the film’s stars performing renditions of memorable songs originally recorded by a wide range of artists: Chris Brown, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Sly & the Family Stone, Usher, and Stevie Wonder.

The collection also includes tracks by some of the finest acts in gospel and R&B. Grammy winner Kirk Franklin wrote and takes the vocal reins on his jubilant new song “In Love,” and award-winning gospel vocalist Karen Peck creates harmonic gold on “Mighty High.”

ABOUT THE FILM

Oscar® nominees Queen Latifah (“Chicago,” “Hairspray”) and Dolly Parton (“Steel Magnolias,” “Nine to Five”) star in Alcon Entertainment’s and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Joyful Noise,” a funny and inspirational story of music, hope, love and renewal.

The small town of Pacashau, Georgia, has fallen on hard times, but the people are counting on the Divinity Church Choir to lift their spirits by winning the National Joyful Noise Competition. The choir has always known how to sing in harmony, but the discord between its two leading ladies now threatens to tear them apart. Their newly appointed director, Vi Rose Hill (Latifah), stubbornly wants to stick with their tried-and-true traditional style, while the fiery G.G. Sparrow (Parton) thinks tried-and-true translates to tired-and-old. Shaking things up even more is the arrival of G.G.’s rebellious grandson, Randy (Jeremy Jordan). Randy has an ear for music, but he also has an eye for Vi Rose’s beautiful and talented daughter, Olivia (Keke Palmer), and the sparks between the two teenagers are causing even more friction between G.G. and Vi Rose. If these two strong-willed women can put aside their differences for the good of the people in their town, they—and their choir—may make the most joyful noise of all.

Starring with Latifah and Parton are Keke Palmer (“Akeelah and the Bee”), Courtney B. Vance (“Extraordinary Measures”), Jeremy Jordan (Broadway’s “Bonnie and Clyde”), and Kris Kristofferson (“Dolphin Tale”). Rounding out the main cast are Dexter Darden, Angela Grovey, Paul Woolfolk and Jesse L. Martin. Power-Up with www.joyfulnoisethemovie.com