Tag: Empire

  • ‘Empire’ returns on Star World and Star World HD

    ‘Empire’ returns on Star World and Star World HD

    MUMBAI: Golden Globe nominee Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives,” “Devious Maids”) will guest-star on broadcast’s No. 1 drama, Empire, this spring on Star World. Longoria will play “Charlotte Frost,” the formidable director of the all-powerful state gaming commission. Charlotte has the power to make-or-break Lucious’ (Terrence Howard) dreams of expanding Empire’s reach to Las Vegas and beneath her alluring facade, lies a force of darkness and corruption.

    The battle between Lucious and Cookie explodes into their biggest war yet, when Empire returns every Thursday from 23 March, 2017 onwards at 9 pm on Star World and Star World HD.

    After launching a deadly missile at Angelo, Lucious announces his new music project, Inferno, and puts everyone on notice – especially Cookie, who then vows to knock him off his throne for good. The two engage in an epic clash – fueled by a history of love, loyalty and betrayal.

    From Imagine Television in association with 20 Century Fox Television, Empire was created by Academy Award nominee Lee Daniels and Emmy Award winner Danny Strong, and is executive-produced by Daniels, Strong, Academy Award- and Emmy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer, Ilene Chaiken, Francie Calfo and Sanaa Hamri.

    Longoria joins previously announced actors and musicians who appear on Empire this spring, including Taye Diggs, Phylicia Rashad, Rumer Willis and Nia Long.

    Longoria is a Golden Globe-nominated, Screen Actors Guild- and ALMA Award-winning actress, producer, director, entrepreneur, philanthropist and “Desperate Housewives” alumnus. She stars opposite Academy Award nominee Demian Bichir in the upcoming feature film “Low Riders,” slated for release on May 12. She also is featured in the British miniseries “Decline and Fall,” opposite U.K. comedy star Jack Whitehall, which premieres this spring. Additionally, she directed an episode of the Golden Globe-nominated series “Jane the Virgin,” and is set to direct the Emmy Award-winning series “Black-ish.” Longoria recently celebrated 10 years as a Global Brand Ambassador for L’Oreal Paris. She owns BESO Restaurant in Hollywood, the production company UnbeliEVAble Entertainment and fragrances “EVA” and “EVAmour.” She also has a New York Times best-selling cookbook, “Eva’s Kitchen,” and a home collection line with JC Penney. Her greatest work is as a champion of women, the Latino community and youth with special needs. She is founder of The Eva Longoria Foundation, to help Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship; co-founder of Eva’s Heroes, which enriches the lives of those with intellectual special needs by providing an inclusive setting built on the four tenets of interact, grow, learn and love; and is the National Spokesperson for “Padres Contra el Cancer,” a non-profit organization that is committed to improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer and their families.

  • ‘Empire’ returns on Star World and Star World HD

    ‘Empire’ returns on Star World and Star World HD

    MUMBAI: Golden Globe nominee Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives,” “Devious Maids”) will guest-star on broadcast’s No. 1 drama, Empire, this spring on Star World. Longoria will play “Charlotte Frost,” the formidable director of the all-powerful state gaming commission. Charlotte has the power to make-or-break Lucious’ (Terrence Howard) dreams of expanding Empire’s reach to Las Vegas and beneath her alluring facade, lies a force of darkness and corruption.

    The battle between Lucious and Cookie explodes into their biggest war yet, when Empire returns every Thursday from 23 March, 2017 onwards at 9 pm on Star World and Star World HD.

    After launching a deadly missile at Angelo, Lucious announces his new music project, Inferno, and puts everyone on notice – especially Cookie, who then vows to knock him off his throne for good. The two engage in an epic clash – fueled by a history of love, loyalty and betrayal.

    From Imagine Television in association with 20 Century Fox Television, Empire was created by Academy Award nominee Lee Daniels and Emmy Award winner Danny Strong, and is executive-produced by Daniels, Strong, Academy Award- and Emmy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer, Ilene Chaiken, Francie Calfo and Sanaa Hamri.

    Longoria joins previously announced actors and musicians who appear on Empire this spring, including Taye Diggs, Phylicia Rashad, Rumer Willis and Nia Long.

    Longoria is a Golden Globe-nominated, Screen Actors Guild- and ALMA Award-winning actress, producer, director, entrepreneur, philanthropist and “Desperate Housewives” alumnus. She stars opposite Academy Award nominee Demian Bichir in the upcoming feature film “Low Riders,” slated for release on May 12. She also is featured in the British miniseries “Decline and Fall,” opposite U.K. comedy star Jack Whitehall, which premieres this spring. Additionally, she directed an episode of the Golden Globe-nominated series “Jane the Virgin,” and is set to direct the Emmy Award-winning series “Black-ish.” Longoria recently celebrated 10 years as a Global Brand Ambassador for L’Oreal Paris. She owns BESO Restaurant in Hollywood, the production company UnbeliEVAble Entertainment and fragrances “EVA” and “EVAmour.” She also has a New York Times best-selling cookbook, “Eva’s Kitchen,” and a home collection line with JC Penney. Her greatest work is as a champion of women, the Latino community and youth with special needs. She is founder of The Eva Longoria Foundation, to help Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship; co-founder of Eva’s Heroes, which enriches the lives of those with intellectual special needs by providing an inclusive setting built on the four tenets of interact, grow, learn and love; and is the National Spokesperson for “Padres Contra el Cancer,” a non-profit organization that is committed to improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer and their families.

  • Star World to launch Lee Daniel’s musical drama series ‘Star’

    Star World to launch Lee Daniel’s musical drama series ‘Star’

    MUMBAI: After creating the juggernaut series Empire, multi award-winning director and creator Lee Daniel’s brings a brand new television series. Titled Star, he musical drama series is based on the lives of three girls who overcome numerous hardships to realize their musical dreams. The show launches on Star World and Star World HD on 22 December and will air every Thursday at 9 pm soon after the U.S. telecast.

    This series that revolves around dreams, perseverance and glamour will fill the Empire hiatus gap before the latter returns in March 2017.

    Starring Queen Latifah and Benjamin Bratt, the show is staged around Star Davis played by Jude Demoreset, a tough chick from the wrong side of the tracks. Within the first 15 minutes Star is seen rescuing her younger sister, Simone played by Brittany O’Grady after plunging a knife into the latter’s foster father. Together with bestie Alexandra Crane played by Ryan Destiny – who’s trying to escaping her ivory tower in Manhattan – the ladies drive to Atlanta seeking shelter with Star and Simone’s godmother, Carlotta Brown played by Latifah. With a number of struggles paving her way forward, Star must face her life’s most difficult phase – the road to building a successful singing career.

    Star gives viewers an opportunity to navigate the dark corridors of the world of music through the eyes of three hard-working, independent and talented girls who dare to dream.

    Promo Link: https://www.facebook.com/StarWorldIndia/videos/10154632514566745/

  • Star World to launch Lee Daniel’s musical drama series ‘Star’

    Star World to launch Lee Daniel’s musical drama series ‘Star’

    MUMBAI: After creating the juggernaut series Empire, multi award-winning director and creator Lee Daniel’s brings a brand new television series. Titled Star, he musical drama series is based on the lives of three girls who overcome numerous hardships to realize their musical dreams. The show launches on Star World and Star World HD on 22 December and will air every Thursday at 9 pm soon after the U.S. telecast.

    This series that revolves around dreams, perseverance and glamour will fill the Empire hiatus gap before the latter returns in March 2017.

    Starring Queen Latifah and Benjamin Bratt, the show is staged around Star Davis played by Jude Demoreset, a tough chick from the wrong side of the tracks. Within the first 15 minutes Star is seen rescuing her younger sister, Simone played by Brittany O’Grady after plunging a knife into the latter’s foster father. Together with bestie Alexandra Crane played by Ryan Destiny – who’s trying to escaping her ivory tower in Manhattan – the ladies drive to Atlanta seeking shelter with Star and Simone’s godmother, Carlotta Brown played by Latifah. With a number of struggles paving her way forward, Star must face her life’s most difficult phase – the road to building a successful singing career.

    Star gives viewers an opportunity to navigate the dark corridors of the world of music through the eyes of three hard-working, independent and talented girls who dare to dream.

    Promo Link: https://www.facebook.com/StarWorldIndia/videos/10154632514566745/

  • Digital content shines at 68th Emmy Awards nominations

    Digital content shines at 68th Emmy Awards nominations

    MUMBAI: Last night, the nominations for the 68th Emmy Awards  were announced in Los Angeles amidst the collective ‘ooh’s and ‘aah’s of  the world’s entertainment industry. Given the impressive lineup of content that 2015 has produced, it isn’t surprising that all eyes were on who will make it to the list.

    Hosted by Television Academy Chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum along with Anthony Anderson from the ABC series black-ish and Lauren Graham from Parenthood and the upcoming Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls, the gala event drew in several celebrated faces—from  television, Hollywood, and of course the digital world.

    “Television dominates the entertainment conversation and is enjoying the most spectacular run in its history with breakthrough creativity, emerging platforms and dynamic new opportunities for our industry’s storytellers,” said Rosenblum. Having said so, one look at the nomination list and see the telling difference digital content has made.

    From Game Of Thrones from HBO GO to  Veep,  to House Of Cards from Netflix – several original web-serieses have repeat mentions on the nomination list in various categories. While Game of Thrones again tallied the most nominations (23), limited series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story and Fargo received 22 nominations and 18 nominations respectively.

    This year’s Drama and Comedy Series nominees include first-timers as well as returning programs to the Emmy competition: black-ish and Master of None are new in the Outstanding Comedy Series category, and Mr. Robot and The Americans in the Outstanding Drama Series competition.

    John Oliver fans would be delighted to know that HBO’s flagship variety show,  Last Week Tonight with John Oliver  too has secured itself nominations in seven categories including Outstanding Directing For A Variety Series and Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series

    Other favourites include, previous three-time Emmy winner Laurie Metcalf (for her supporting role on Roseanne) emerged a multiple-nominee: in the lead comedy category for Getting On, as well as for her comedic guest work in The Big Bang Theory and her dramatic guest work in Horace and Pete. Contenders for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Limited Series or Movie category (actor and actress), include twice-nominated Sarah Paulson in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (as well as in American Horror Story: Hotel), and first-time nominees Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager, Courtney B. Vance and Cuba Gooding, Jr. in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, and Kirsten Dunst in Fargo.

    The awards itself has undergone a digital transformation.  After fully transitioning to an online voting system last year, the Academy saw a 22 percent increase in participation for this year’s nomination round. Final-round online voting begins August 15. The 68th Primetime Emmys will be simulcast live in India on Star World, Star World HD and Star World Premiere HD on September 19.
    Here are the nominees in some of the important categories: 

    Lead Actor in a Drama Series

    Kyle Chandler – Bloodline
    Rami Malek – Mr. Robot
    Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul
    Matthew Rhys – The Americans
    Liev Schreiber – Ray Donovan
    Kevin Spacey – House of Cards

    Lead Actress in a Drama Series

    Claire Danes – Homeland
    Viola Davis – How to Get Away with Murder
    Taraji P. Henson – Empire
    Tatiana Maslany – Orphan Black
    Keri Russell – The Americans
    Robin Wright – House of Cards

    Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

    Bryan Cranston – All The Way
    Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock
    Idris Elba – Luther
    Cuba Gooding Jr. – The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
    Tom Hiddleston – The Night Manager
    Courtney B. Vance – The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

    Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

    Kirsten Dunst – Fargo
    Felicity Huffman – American Crime
    Audra McDonald – Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

  • Digital content shines at 68th Emmy Awards nominations

    Digital content shines at 68th Emmy Awards nominations

    MUMBAI: Last night, the nominations for the 68th Emmy Awards  were announced in Los Angeles amidst the collective ‘ooh’s and ‘aah’s of  the world’s entertainment industry. Given the impressive lineup of content that 2015 has produced, it isn’t surprising that all eyes were on who will make it to the list.

    Hosted by Television Academy Chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum along with Anthony Anderson from the ABC series black-ish and Lauren Graham from Parenthood and the upcoming Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls, the gala event drew in several celebrated faces—from  television, Hollywood, and of course the digital world.

    “Television dominates the entertainment conversation and is enjoying the most spectacular run in its history with breakthrough creativity, emerging platforms and dynamic new opportunities for our industry’s storytellers,” said Rosenblum. Having said so, one look at the nomination list and see the telling difference digital content has made.

    From Game Of Thrones from HBO GO to  Veep,  to House Of Cards from Netflix – several original web-serieses have repeat mentions on the nomination list in various categories. While Game of Thrones again tallied the most nominations (23), limited series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story and Fargo received 22 nominations and 18 nominations respectively.

    This year’s Drama and Comedy Series nominees include first-timers as well as returning programs to the Emmy competition: black-ish and Master of None are new in the Outstanding Comedy Series category, and Mr. Robot and The Americans in the Outstanding Drama Series competition.

    John Oliver fans would be delighted to know that HBO’s flagship variety show,  Last Week Tonight with John Oliver  too has secured itself nominations in seven categories including Outstanding Directing For A Variety Series and Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series

    Other favourites include, previous three-time Emmy winner Laurie Metcalf (for her supporting role on Roseanne) emerged a multiple-nominee: in the lead comedy category for Getting On, as well as for her comedic guest work in The Big Bang Theory and her dramatic guest work in Horace and Pete. Contenders for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Limited Series or Movie category (actor and actress), include twice-nominated Sarah Paulson in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (as well as in American Horror Story: Hotel), and first-time nominees Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager, Courtney B. Vance and Cuba Gooding, Jr. in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, and Kirsten Dunst in Fargo.

    The awards itself has undergone a digital transformation.  After fully transitioning to an online voting system last year, the Academy saw a 22 percent increase in participation for this year’s nomination round. Final-round online voting begins August 15. The 68th Primetime Emmys will be simulcast live in India on Star World, Star World HD and Star World Premiere HD on September 19.
    Here are the nominees in some of the important categories: 

    Lead Actor in a Drama Series

    Kyle Chandler – Bloodline
    Rami Malek – Mr. Robot
    Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul
    Matthew Rhys – The Americans
    Liev Schreiber – Ray Donovan
    Kevin Spacey – House of Cards

    Lead Actress in a Drama Series

    Claire Danes – Homeland
    Viola Davis – How to Get Away with Murder
    Taraji P. Henson – Empire
    Tatiana Maslany – Orphan Black
    Keri Russell – The Americans
    Robin Wright – House of Cards

    Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

    Bryan Cranston – All The Way
    Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock
    Idris Elba – Luther
    Cuba Gooding Jr. – The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
    Tom Hiddleston – The Night Manager
    Courtney B. Vance – The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

    Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

    Kirsten Dunst – Fargo
    Felicity Huffman – American Crime
    Audra McDonald – Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

  • English entertainment cast who can sing in real life too

    English entertainment cast who can sing in real life too

    MUMBAI: A lot of TV series which show the actors sing, lose out on authenticity if the performers are not up to snuff or if there is a mismatch between the singers’ voice and actors’ personality. So, the success mantra of TV shows, especially the ones with music as the essence, lies in casting actors who amaze the viewer’s not just with their spectacular performance onscreen but also with their singing ability.

    Here’s a list of TV series where actors do not just lip sync the songs featured on the show because they can sing in real life too:

     

     

    Empire

    public://02.jpg

    The American musical drama television series that centers on a hip hop music company has a cast of actual hip hop musicians and actors who can sing. Right from Terence Howard who has produced his own music album to Taraji Henson who has even won an Oscar for one of her songs, the series with its perfect musical cast never fails to fulfill its promise of being a seriously entertaining one. And the best part of the series is that the musical aspect is very reality based where performances come with the organic development of the characters as artists. Empire season 1 and 2 has started airing on  weekdays from 19th May, 2016 at 10pm on Star World and Star World HD          

    Nashville

    public://03.jpg

    The stars of the American musical drama Nashville sing and not just for the show! The entire cast sings the songs for real and breathes life into lyrics that can keep the audience hooked. While the Stella sisters sang their way to stardom through Nashville, Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere are the award winning actresses the show owes its success to.

    Smash

    public://04_0.jpg

    The runner up of the fifth season of American Idol, Katherine McPhee gained her fame in Smash, the musical drama which revolves around the creation of a new Broadway musical. And that’s not all; the other character Ivy Lynn who also competes to be Monroe on the show has been played by Megan Kathleen who has gained prominence due to her several roles in Broadway musicals.

    Glee

    public://01.jpg

    Another musical dramedy which centers its plot on the high school glee club earned its fans primarily because the cast put together performance after performance with great vocals and stellar choreography. In fact, Matthew Morrison was cast after Murphy spent three months observing actors on Broadway. Chris Colfer and Jayma Mays are also singers who have contributed towards the numerous songs which have been a commercial success.

    Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

    public://05_0.jpg

    A show without which the list will definitely be incomplete is the series that has changed the viewers’ perception about musical shows, by featuring two to three songs in each episode to narrate the plot musically is Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. The backbone of the show is undoubtedly the Golden Globe award winning actress, Rachel Bloom, who is not just a comedian or writer but also a fabulous musician. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has been renewed for season 2.

     

  • English entertainment cast who can sing in real life too

    English entertainment cast who can sing in real life too

    MUMBAI: A lot of TV series which show the actors sing, lose out on authenticity if the performers are not up to snuff or if there is a mismatch between the singers’ voice and actors’ personality. So, the success mantra of TV shows, especially the ones with music as the essence, lies in casting actors who amaze the viewer’s not just with their spectacular performance onscreen but also with their singing ability.

    Here’s a list of TV series where actors do not just lip sync the songs featured on the show because they can sing in real life too:

     

     

    Empire

    public://02.jpg

    The American musical drama television series that centers on a hip hop music company has a cast of actual hip hop musicians and actors who can sing. Right from Terence Howard who has produced his own music album to Taraji Henson who has even won an Oscar for one of her songs, the series with its perfect musical cast never fails to fulfill its promise of being a seriously entertaining one. And the best part of the series is that the musical aspect is very reality based where performances come with the organic development of the characters as artists. Empire season 1 and 2 has started airing on  weekdays from 19th May, 2016 at 10pm on Star World and Star World HD          

    Nashville

    public://03.jpg

    The stars of the American musical drama Nashville sing and not just for the show! The entire cast sings the songs for real and breathes life into lyrics that can keep the audience hooked. While the Stella sisters sang their way to stardom through Nashville, Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere are the award winning actresses the show owes its success to.

    Smash

    public://04_0.jpg

    The runner up of the fifth season of American Idol, Katherine McPhee gained her fame in Smash, the musical drama which revolves around the creation of a new Broadway musical. And that’s not all; the other character Ivy Lynn who also competes to be Monroe on the show has been played by Megan Kathleen who has gained prominence due to her several roles in Broadway musicals.

    Glee

    public://01.jpg

    Another musical dramedy which centers its plot on the high school glee club earned its fans primarily because the cast put together performance after performance with great vocals and stellar choreography. In fact, Matthew Morrison was cast after Murphy spent three months observing actors on Broadway. Chris Colfer and Jayma Mays are also singers who have contributed towards the numerous songs which have been a commercial success.

    Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

    public://05_0.jpg

    A show without which the list will definitely be incomplete is the series that has changed the viewers’ perception about musical shows, by featuring two to three songs in each episode to narrate the plot musically is Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. The backbone of the show is undoubtedly the Golden Globe award winning actress, Rachel Bloom, who is not just a comedian or writer but also a fabulous musician. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has been renewed for season 2.

     

  • FX and FX HD to air season 2 ‘Empire’ this women’s day

    FX and FX HD to air season 2 ‘Empire’ this women’s day

    MUMBAI: Women’s Day is the celebration of female equality and achievement in social, economic, cultural spheres and what mirrors our society better than television! On this International Women’s Day, FX is commemorating television’s edgiest female character ‘Cookie Lyon’ in the hit musical series Empire who represents a feminist politics of insolence that has no time for prim notions of femininity as demure, quiet and self-effacing. The character, impeccably essayed by Golden Globe Winner Taraji P Henson, signifies the woman of today who is strong, confrontational, uncompromising and very much visible.

    The season 2 of Empire will air on 8 March 2016 9 am onwards.

    Empire follows the family of Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard), a former drug dealer now turned hip hop mogul and CEO of Empire Entertainment, who learns he has ALS. His life begins to cave in around him after his past sins come back to haunt him following his diagnosis. Lucious, looking to groom one of his three sons Andre (Trai Byers), Jamal (Jussie Smollett), and Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray) to take over the family business, pits them against each other. Meanwhile, Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson), Lucious’ ex-wife Cookie Lyon and the mother of his three sons is released from prison after serving a 17-year sentence.  

  • FX and FX HD to air season 2 ‘Empire’ this women’s day

    FX and FX HD to air season 2 ‘Empire’ this women’s day

    MUMBAI: Women’s Day is the celebration of female equality and achievement in social, economic, cultural spheres and what mirrors our society better than television! On this International Women’s Day, FX is commemorating television’s edgiest female character ‘Cookie Lyon’ in the hit musical series Empire who represents a feminist politics of insolence that has no time for prim notions of femininity as demure, quiet and self-effacing. The character, impeccably essayed by Golden Globe Winner Taraji P Henson, signifies the woman of today who is strong, confrontational, uncompromising and very much visible.

    The season 2 of Empire will air on 8 March 2016 9 am onwards.

    Empire follows the family of Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard), a former drug dealer now turned hip hop mogul and CEO of Empire Entertainment, who learns he has ALS. His life begins to cave in around him after his past sins come back to haunt him following his diagnosis. Lucious, looking to groom one of his three sons Andre (Trai Byers), Jamal (Jussie Smollett), and Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray) to take over the family business, pits them against each other. Meanwhile, Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson), Lucious’ ex-wife Cookie Lyon and the mother of his three sons is released from prison after serving a 17-year sentence.