HU EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS

ABFF Honors Celebrates Kerry Washington, Janelle Monáe, And More At 9th Annual Ceremony

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One of Black Hollywood’s biggest nights took place on Sunday, March 5, as the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors recognized major players in the industry — along with an iconic film that has stood the test of time. Kerry Washington, Courtney B. Vance, Charles D. King, and Janelle Monáe were among the evening’s biggest … Read more

Kerry Washington And Delroy Lindo Star In Hulu’s New Series ‘UnPrisoned’

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Kerry Washington stars as Paige Alexander in the new Hulu dramedy UnPrisoned, a series loosely based on the real-life story of the show’s creator and executive producer, Tracy McMillan. The series follows Paige, a single mother and therapist, who takes in her father, Edwin Alexander — played by Delroy Lindo — after he is released … Read more

Raven-Symoné Honored With ‘Icon Award’ At 9th Better Brothers LA Truth Awards

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An icon is defined as a person widely admired for their great influence, and at this year’s Truth Awards, that icon was Raven-Symoné. We spoke with Raven and her wife, Miranda Maday, about her receiving the Icon Award. Raven shared that after 37 years in the industry, she’s grateful to finally be receiving her flowers … Read more

Anthony Mackie, Jahi Winston, And David Harbour Star In Netflix New Film ‘We Have A Ghost’

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Netflix’s new film We Have A Ghost might sound like a spooky thriller, but it’s actually a feel-good family movie — with a little murder mystery thrown in. Hollywood Unlocked was on the red carpet for the premiere at Netflix’s Hollywood campus, catching up with the stars about what fans can expect. For Anthony Mackie, … Read more

HU Exclusive: Diplo Makes It Clear He Did Not Shade Beyoncé After Grammy Win!!

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Although it’s been weeks since the 65th Grammy Awards, Diplo is speaking out to clear his name following the viral video where fans believe he shaded Queen Bey! As we previously reported, the history-making singer snagged one of the biggest awards at the Grammys and of course, many fans were happy for her achievement. However, … Read more

Bel Air Cast On Success Of Show, Working with Tatyana Ali & Saweetie On Season 2!

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Ahead of the second season of Bel Air which just premiered on Peacock, we had the chance to speak to the cast on all the tea this season as the show returns following its smash hit debut last year, and they are setting the bar.

Last season we saw Will, (Jabari Banks) packing his bags and leaving the Banks house to go out on his own after getting into it with Uncle Phil (Adrian Holmes), and his dad. Bel Air has proved itself to be its own show, separate from the original classic The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. This time around the show tackles more real life issues and touches on life lessons for all the characters who have their own style and authenticity in their roles.

We had the chance to sit down with the stars of the show, Jabari Banks, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Adrian Holmes, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan Jones and Simone Jones, who touched on how their characters have evolved this season, special guest stars including Saweetie, and the Fresh Prince star, Tatyana Ali!

Press play above for the interview and catch season 2 of Bel Air now on Peacock.

Grammy Recap: Smokey Robinson Talks About New “Gasm” Album, Fivio Foreign Shows Love To Beyonce & Rihanna Amid Comparison Controversy, Amber Rose Respectfully Goes Awf & More!

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It was lights, cameras, and a whole bunch of action at the 65th Grammy Awards on Sunday. Hollywood Unlocked was in attendance for the big night and we got to talk to some of the incredible stars and nominees while on the red carpet. We caught up with singer Coco Jones and also Dani Leigh … Read more

Harlem’s Tyler Lepley, Grace Byers and Shoniqua Shandai On Following Your Heart, Relationship Vs Friendships Ahead Of Season 2 Premiere

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harlem

Ahead of the the highly anticipated premiere of Harlem’s season 2 on Prime, we sat down with Tyler Lepley, Grace Byers and Shoniqua Shandai to get into all the juicy tea and what to expect this time around with the highly successful show. If you recall last time we were left with a few cliffhangers … Read more

Stars Face Their Fears At World Premiere Of Hidden Empire’s Upcoming Horror ‘FEAR’

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Hidden Empire’s Deon Taylor and Roxanne Avent Taylor have made another remarkable movie and they brought everybody in Hollywood out to celebrate the upcoming release of horror film ‘Fear.’

Directed by Deon Taylor and starring Joseph Sikora, Andrew Bachelor, Anne Ilonzeh, Iddo Goldber, Ruby Modine, Jessica Allain and T.I.  The film was filmed at the height of the Pandemic in just 17 days, at a time when many of our fears were somewhat coming true, and to now see the film in theaters is a full circle moment, and a thought provoking one!

In anticipation, Hollywood Unlocked attended the star studded premiere in Los Angeles on Saturday where we spoke with the film’s stars, including Power’s Joseph Sikora, Deon Taylor himself.  Other attendees included Da Baby who came to support, and the CEO of Hollywood Unlocked himself, Jason Lee!

“‘Fear’ is a film that explores the mind. Making a film during one of the most fearful times in our lives gave way to some of the most thought-provoking conversations I’ve had as a filmmaker,” said “Fear” director Deon Taylor has previously shared of the film. “Understanding the impact of fear is something I am intrigued and excited about. It’s a powerful emotion that connects us all and the panel assembled for this important conversation will provide unique perspectives on ways to conquer it.”

If you are ready to face your FEAR, head to theaters January 27!

HU Exclusive: Rihanna & A$AP Rocky Finally Share Pictures Of Their Adorable Baby Boy

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Months after welcoming her first child, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are finally sharing pictures of their adorable son! In exclusive photos obtained by Hollywood Unlocked, Rocky can be seen holding up his precious 7-month-old baby to the camera while in another snap, the baby boy is seen hanging out all cute on the bed. In … Read more

Malcolm D. Lee, Morris Chestnut & Terrence Howard Talk The Best Man: The Final Chapters & Reuniting For The Last Time

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the best man

Best Man fans, this Christmas we are getting a special treat and as Director Malcolm D Lee confirmed, the final chapter of the Best Man chronicles.  The Best Man: The Final Chapters premieres right before Christmas and, it will be the final conclusion to the story. This time round Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Melissa … Read more

The Game Cast On Continuing The Legacy & The Show’s Staying Power

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THE GAME

The Game is back for another season! As one of the most successful long standing shows that has stood the test of time is returning, we can expect more drama, laughs and of course, lessons. We might even see a few blasts from the past! In anticipation for the release we spoke to the series … Read more

Mallori Johnson In Her Break Out Roll For FX’s New Series ‘Kindred’

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From page to screen, the late award-winning writer Octavia E. Butler’s groundbreaking novel Kindred has officially been adapted for television — and it’s ready to make an impact. Hollywood Unlocked was invited to the Los Angeles premiere, where we spoke with writer, showrunner, and executive producer Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, along with members of the cast. Jacobs-Jenkins, … Read more

The Legacy Continues: The Game Is Back For Season 2 And The Show Just Keeps Getting Better & Better!

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Hollywood Unlocked was in the building for the premiere of The Game: Season 2and got a chance to speak with all the cast members about the new season! While the carpet we got a chance to speak with Wendy Raquel Robinson about the new season and she explained how this season filled with a lot … Read more

Jenna Ortega Brings New Life To Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Darkly Fun ‘Wednesday’ Series

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Netflix and Tim Burton have teamed up to deliver the first-ever spinoff focused on everyone’s favorite member of the Addams Family — Wednesday. Jenna Ortega pulls out the signature pigtails, all-black wardrobe, and dry, deadpan humor to give fans a deeper look into Wednesday Addams’ world — a backstory many never knew they needed. Hollywood … Read more

Jonathan Majors And Glenn Powell Star In The Hit Movie ‘Devotion’

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Hollywood Unlocked was in the building to cover the premiere of Devotion which is based-on-true-events during the Korean war.  The premiere was held in Los Angeles with the support of some big stars! Michael B. Jordan even popped out to support Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell for this amazing film. Which had a lot of … Read more

Netflix Premieres ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ Starring Daniel Craig, Kate Hudson, Jannelle Monae And More!

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Hollywood unlocked spoke with some big stars at the Netflix premiere of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery which stars Daniel Craig, Madelyn Cline, Janelle Monae and more!  While on the carpet we spoke with Janelle Monae and she talked about her not feeling any pressure of being a new cast member of a sequel. … Read more

Nickelodeon Presents Its New Family Sports Comedy ‘Fantasy Football’ Starring Omari Hardwick, Kelly Rowland & More!

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Hollywood Unlocked was in the building for Nickelodeon’s latest original family sports comedy, #FantasyFootball coming out on Paramount plus!  

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: Joshua Martin, Jamal Henderson, Carol Martin, Rome Flynn, Marsai Martin, Omari Hardwick, Anton Cropper, Kelly Rowland, Spencer Beighley and Jamila Jordan-Theus pose for a photo at the “Fantasy Football” Premiere & Event at Paramount Studios, Sherry Lansing Theatre on November 17, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Paramount+)

The film stars some of favorites such as Omari Hardwick, Kelly Rowland, Marsai Martin, and Rome Flynn. We got a chance to speak with Hardwick before the premiere and he spoke about switching it up and playing a comedic role for the first time. “What made this so different with this cast than verses any other cast is that this is the first time I’ve played any character like this. It’s the first comedy of sorts that I’ve done. I guess you could count “Nobody’s Fool” with Tyler Perry, but this is really the first comedy where I had I was responsible for a lot of the funny” he said. 

Now the film reflects on Omari’s character being a NFL superstar back in the day, but not wanting to give the sport up because he’s still in love with the game. His daughter, in the film, Marsai Martin is super tech savvy and loves to play the Madden video game and can take on anyone who wants to challenge her. Martin ends controlling Omari’s moves on the field in real life all through the controllers of the game. Which ends up making their young new quarterback, played by Rome Flynn jealous.

Kelly Rowland is also starring in the film and she plays the wife. We got a chance to speak with her on. the carpet as well and spoke about the film. “This one is filled with magic, family, it’s the first of its kind to me. It’s filled with so much fun, it’s greatness and it’s big!”

The movie will be available to stream on Paramount+ beginning Friday, Nov. 25 so #Socialites make sure you stay tuned for this amazing film!

Dennis Quaid On Playing Jake Gyllenhaal’s Dad & Jaboukie Young White On Their First Disney Animation Role In Strangeworld

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strangeworld

Ahead of Disney’s original action, packed animation, “Strange World” we sat down with Legendary actor, Dennis Quaid, and star Jaboukie Young-White to speak about what we can expect in this one-of-a-kind animation that explores generations of father-son relationships, and the changes we all experience within our families.

While Quaid is not shy about playing the dad role, “Strange World” was the first animation for both Quaid and Young-White. We got into what it meant to them to be a part of this exhilarating film and the creativity it took in playing roles where they had no actual physical interaction with their co-stars.

We also got some insight into how Quaid prepared himself to transform into his character as he jokingly told us that he doesn’t shy away from stealing from his previous roles, giving him more than enough material to work with in his latest film.

“Strange World” is a father-son adventure. The Clades are a legendary family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest and most crucial mission into uncharted and treacherous territory. The film also stars Lucy Liu, Gabrielle Union, and Jake Gyllenhaal.

“Strange World” is set to release on November 23!