Essence Magazine Presents 10th Anniversary “Black Women in Hollywood Awards & Gala”

Oscar-Week Event to Honor Hollywood’s “Next Generation”: Janelle Monáe, Issa Rae, Aja Naomi King and Yara Shahidi

Time Inc.’s Essence, the preeminent brand for African-American women, will commemorate the 10th anniversary of its esteemed “Black Women in Hollywood Awards”—the annual Oscar-week celebration at the forefront of spotlighting Hollywood’s most creative and accomplished visionaries. Shifting from a daytime luncheon to a resplendent evening gala for the first time, the red carpet ceremony will be held at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, CA, on Thursday, February 23, 2017.

The Awards & Gala will honor Hollywood’s “Next Generation”—young women who are excelling and elevating their crafts—including triple-threat actress/musician/entertainer Janelle Monáe (Breakthrough Award); groundbreaking actress/writer/producer Issa Rae (Vanguard Award); standout actress Aja Naomi King (Lincoln Shining Star Award); and dynamic actress Yara Shahidi (Generation Next). Actress/Producer Gabrielle Union will serve as the program’s host.

“For the past decade, the “Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards” have paid homage to our modern image-makers—both in front of the camera and behind the scenes,” said Essence Editor-in-Chief Vanessa K. De Luca. “This past year has been an exceptional one for diversity in film and television, and with the incredible contributions of Janelle, Issa, Aja and Yara, it is fitting that our 10th anniversary will honor the future of Hollywood and its continued steps on the path to inclusion.”

Also for the first time, internationally acclaimed visual artist and filmmaker Mickalene Thomas will be infusing the event with her elaborate imagery celebrating the power of female beauty as a facet of women’s empowerment.

Since its inception in 2008, the “Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards” have honored some of the most cherished figures in the industry, including Oprah Winfrey, Lupita Nyong’o, Ava DuVernay, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Angela Bassett, Queen Latifah, Naomie Harris, Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Zoe Saldana, Alfre Woodard, Regina King, Gabrielle Union, Tracee Ellis Ross, Debbie Allen, Nina Shaw, Mary J. Blige, Gabourey Sidibe, Quvenzhané Wallis, Jurnee Smollett, Ruby Dee, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson, Loretta Devine, Mara Brock Akil, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ruth E. Carter, Nina Shaw, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Suzanne de Passe.

Lancôme And St. Jude Partner To Create “Moments Of Happiness”

“Finding a way to bring moments of happiness to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, with joy and grace, is a delicate balance. I applaud the work that Lancôme is doing with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.” – Lancôme ambassadress Julia Roberts.

Lancôme, a brand devoted to “la vie est belle”, is expanding its commitment to St. Jude to bring moments of happiness to patients and their families by supporting the cause in a bigger way than ever before. For the past five years, Lancôme has partnered with St. Jude through various fundraising efforts and is now elevating and expanding their support. The Moments of Happiness campaign will begin this month and will include regional in-store events with celebrity makeup artist Mickey Williams, an interactive social media “hand heart” campaign and nationwide fundraising efforts that will benefit St. Jude throughout the year.

As Lancôme’s national charity partner since 2010, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its leading work finding cures and saving children. Lancôme respects St. Jude’s passion for research and dedication to making a difference in the lives of millions of families.

Through state-of-the-art research, Lancôme pioneers new concepts in beauty, while always remembering that true beauty lies beyond appearances. Since visionary pioneer Armand Petitjean founded the brand in 1935, Lancôme has epitomized timeless glamour with a quintessential French touch. Lancôme’s ambition is that every woman who comes to the brand to look more beautiful leaves feeling happier.

Today the world’s leading luxury beauty brand continues to inspire with its elusive je ne sais quoi of effortless French chic and the very best in quality, style, and transformative results. With a presence in 130 countries, over 20,000 beauty advisers in as many points of sale relay Lancôme’s message of French excellence, with incredible service and iconic products such as: L’Absolu Rouge, Hypnôse mascara, Dual Finish, Teint Idole, Advanced Génifique, Visionnaire, Absolu L’Extrait, Tresór and La Vie Est Belle.

The brand continues to offer every woman the best in beauty through its Elite Membership Rewards Program, which allows customers access to exclusive offers, products and uniquely indulgent experiences through brand partners. Lancôme’s ambassadresses include Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Penélope Cruz, Lupita Nyong’o, Lily Collins, Alma Jodorowsky and Daria Werbowy.

From October 18th to October 24th, the brand will donate $1 directly to St. Jude for every transaction made on Lancome-usa.com and at counters nationwide. This includes bestsellers such as La Vie Est Belle, a fragrance collection that embodies happiness, and two products known for award winning innovation – Définicils Mascara and the Génifique skincare collection. A limited-edition bracelet will also be offered at counters for incremental donations.

“Our work with St. Jude began in 2010, and every year, it’s becoming bigger and bigger, and better and better,” says Xavier Vey, President of Lancôme USA. “It’s a very important partnership for Lancôme. It was rooted in a strong, shared belief in research and innovation that can transform lives. But that was just the beginning. For these families facing difficult times, we bring a slight moment of happiness. And that’s fundamental for Lancôme, because the brand is all about bringing happiness beyond beauty. We like to say that at Lancôme, you come to a counter to look more beautiful, but you leave happier.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Research and treatments pioneered at St. Jude have improved the childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to 80%. No family receives a bill for treatment, travel, food or housing; no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. The majority of funding for St. Jude comes from individual contributions through programs like this, and helps ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

“Lancôme has been a dedicated partner of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the past five years and we are truly grateful for their innovative approach in raising funds and elevating awareness of our life-saving mission through this new campaign,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Lancôme’s support means St. Jude can continue to freely share its discoveries so that one child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientist worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.”

Specific retail partners are also supporting the cause. From October 16^th through October 24^th, Lancome and Dillard’s will donate $2 of every transaction to support research and treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. HSN will also be featuring the campaign during the brand’s scheduled appearances on October 24^thand 25^th. In addition, Lancôme invites fans and followers to Instagram or Tweet “hand hearts” with the hashtag #LancomeGivesBack* and the brand will make a $1 donation to St. Jude in their honor.

Celebrity Makeup Artist Mickey Williams will also host makeover events at select Dillard’s and Macy’s counters throughout October. For more information about these events and how to get involved go to lancome-usa.com.

For more information, go to www.stjude.org.

OSCAR 2015 NEWS: NEW PRESENTERS ADDED

JASON BATEMAN, IDRIS ELBA, ANSEL ELGORT, NICOLE KIDMAN, LIAM NEESON, GWYNETH PALTROW AND CHANNING TATUM TO PRESENT AT 87TH OSCARS®

Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Ansel Elgort, Nicole Kidman, Liam Neeson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Channing Tatum has been added to the list of presenters for this year’s Oscars to be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and airing on Sunday, February 22, live on ABC.

Bateman appeared in the Best Picture Oscar®- nominated films “Up in the Air” (2009) and “Juno” (2007). Most recently Bateman starred in the “Horrible Bosses” (2011 and 2014) franchise, “This Is Where I Leave You” (2014), and “Bad Words” (2013), Bateman’s directorial debut.  He is currently working on “Untitled Joel Edgerton Project” and recently wrapped production of “The Family Fang,” his second directorial effort in which he also stars.

Elba most recently starred in the 2014 thriller “No Good Deed.” His other film roles include “28 Weeks Later” (2007), “Thor” (2011), “Pacific Rim” (2013) and “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (2013). He has been nominated for four Emmy Awards®, including three for Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for “Luther” (2010). Elba will next be seen in “Beasts of No Nation.”

Elgort made his film debut in 2013’s “Carrie” and followed up with three more films in 2014: “The Fault in Our Stars,” “Divergent” and “Men, Women & Children.” He will next be seen in the sequel “The Divergent Series: Insurgent.”

Kidman won an Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role for “The Hours” (2002) and was nominated for her leading roles in “Moulin Rouge” (2001) and “Rabbit Hole” (2010). Her other credits include “Dead Calm” (1989), “Far and Away” (1992), “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999), “Cold Mountain” (2003) and “The Golden Compass” (2007). Her upcoming films include “Lion” and “The Secret in Their Eyes.”

Neeson received an Oscar nomination for Actor in a Leading Role for his performance as the title character in “Schindler’s List” (1993). Other film roles include “The Dead Pool” (1988), “Husbands and Wives” (1992), “Michael Collins” (1996), “Love Actually” (2003), “Taken” (2008), “The Grey” (2011) and “Non-Stop” (2014). He will next be seen in “Ted 2” and “Run All Night.”

Paltrow is an Oscar winner for her leading role in “Shakespeare in Love” (1998).  She has starred in such films as “Great Expectations” (1998), “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999), and “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001) and most recently the “Iron Man” franchise (2008, 2010 and 2013).

Tatum, who currently stars in the sci-fi feature “Jupiter Ascending,” appeared in last year’s “22 Jump Street” (2014), “Foxcatcher” (2014) and “The Lego Movie” (2014).  His previous credits include “White House Down” (2013), “Magic Mike” (2012) and “21 Jump Street” (2012).  He will star in “Magic Mike XXL” later this year.

Previously announced presenters and performers include:

Presenters:

Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain, Marion Cotillard, Benedict Cumberbatch, Viola Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Chris Evans, Kevin Hart, Josh Hutcherson, Scarlett Johansson, Dakota Johnson, Jennifer Lopez, Jared Leto, Shirley MacLaine, Matthew McConaughey, Sienna Miller, Chloë Grace Moretz, Eddie Murphy, Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, Chris Pine, Chris Pratt, Margot Robbie, Zoe Saldana, Octavia Spencer, Meryl Streep, Miles Teller, John Travolta, Kerry Washington, Naomi Watts, Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon.

Performers:

Jack Black, Common, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Gaga, Anna Kendrick, John Legend, Adam Levine with Maroon 5, Tim McGraw, Rita Ora and Tegan and Sara with The Lonely Island.

The 87th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

 

ADAM LEVINE TO PERFORM AT THE OSCARS

Grammy®-winning  singer, songwriter and actor Adam Levine will perform the Oscar®-nominated song “Lost Stars” at the 87th Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Sunday, February 22, live on ABC.

“Adam Levine is an exceptional and dynamic artist. We’re thrilled to have him make his Oscars stage debut this year,” said Zadan and Meron.

“Lost Stars,” written by Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois for the film “Begin Again,” is nominated for Original Song. The four other nominated songs are “Everything Is Awesome” from “The Lego Movie,” “Glory” from “Selma,” “Grateful” from “Beyond the Lights” and “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” from “Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me.”

Levine is the lead singer for the group Maroon 5, which has received three Grammy® Awards, two for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (2005 and 2007) and one for Best New Artist (2004). Levine made his feature film acting debut in “Begin Again,” which is directed by John Carney and also stars Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo.

OSCAR® WINNERS BLANCHETT, LETO, MCCONAUGHEY AND NYONG’O TO RETURN AS PRESENTERS AT 87TH OSCARS®

Cate Blanchett, Jared Leto, Matthew McConaughey and Lupita Nyong’o, last year’s Oscar winners in the leading actress, supporting actor and supporting actress categories, will return to present at this year’s Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Sunday, February 22, live on ABC.

“The great tradition of having the previous year’s Oscar-winning best actors and actresses in all 4 categories happily continues this year with the amazing quartet of Cate, Jared, Matthew and Lupita.  We’re thrilled to have them back,” says Zadan and Meron.

Blanchett has been nominated for six Oscars and has won two, including last year’s award for “Blue Jasmine.” Her previous win was for Actress in a Supporting Role for the 2004 film “The Aviator.” Blanchett also received leading actress nominations for “Elizabeth” (1998) and “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” (2007), and supporting actress nominations for “Notes on a Scandal” (2006) and “I’m Not There” (2007).

Last year, Leto won the Oscar for Actor in a Supporting Role and McConaughey for Actor in a Leading Role, both for “Dallas Buyer’s Club.” Nyong’o took home the Oscar for Actress in a Supporting Role for “12 Years a Slave.”

“LET IT GO” OSCAR®-WINNING TEAM KRISTEN ANDERSON-LOPEZ AND ROBERT LOPEZ WRITE ORIGINAL MUSICAL NUMBER FOR OSCAR HOST NEIL PATRICK HARRIS

Oscar host Neil Patrick Harris and show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron shared that the Oscar-winning songwriting team from “Frozen,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, are in the midst of writing an original multimedia, musical sequence, “Moving Pictures,” which Harris will perform on Oscar Sunday, February 22, on ABC. Harris made the initial announcement on his Twitter account, posting the network’s first tweet using its new mobile video camera feature.

“On the heels of the international success of last year’s “Frozen” and their Oscar for “Let It Go,” we couldn’t be happier to have Kristen and Bobby Lopez write an incredibly special song for Neil Patrick Harris and special guests to perform this year on the Oscar stage,” said Zadan and Meron. “YouTube, get ready!”

“We love the Oscars® and have always been huge Neil Patrick Harris fans, so when he asked us to write him a song for this year’s show we said, ‘Yes!’ before he could finish the sentence – it’s possible he may have been asking us for something else,” said the Lopezes. “We are having so much fun collaborating, and have even enjoyed weaving our experience as Oscar nominees into the song.”

Lopez is an Oscar, Tony®, Emmy®, Grammy® winning songwriter and co-creator of the worldwide smash-hit Broadway musicals “Avenue Q” and “The Book of Mormon.” Anderson-Lopez in an Oscar-winning songwriter for film and television, who along with her husband, co-wrote songs for “Frozen” and “Winnie the Pooh.” The pair won an Oscar for original song for “Let It Go” from the 2013 Oscar-winning animated film “Frozen,” and are currently working on music for the upcoming stage musical “Up Here.”

OSCAR® NOMINEES COMMON AND JOHN LEGEND TO PERFORM TOGETHER AT THE OSCARS®

Musical artists Common and John Legend will perform their Oscar®-nominated song “Glory” at the 87th Oscars. “Glory,” written by John Stephens (a.k.a. John Legend) and Lonnie Lynn (a.k.a. Common) for the film “Selma,” is nominated for Original Song.

“Common and John Legend are artists who have always lifted our spirits and made us think,” said Zadan and Meron. “The Oscar stage is that much more profound because of their presence and we welcome them.”

Common won a Grammy® in 2002 for Best R&B Song for “Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip Hop),” and in 2007 for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Southside,” with Kanye West. His many acting credits include the films “American Gangster,” “Wanted,” “Date Night” and “Selma,” in which he plays the role of Civil Rights leader James Bevel.

Legend is a nine time Grammy-winning singer/songwriter.  His critically acclaimed debut album, “Get Lifted,”scored multiple Grammy Awards in 2006, including Best R&B Album, Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.  The follow up was the platinum-selling “Once Again,” which garnered a Best Male R&B Performance nod.  Legend’s most recent highly acclaimed fourth studio album, “Love in the Future,” scored two Grammy  nominations and features his break out hit, “All of Me,” which is his highest selling and charting song to date and also earned a 2015 Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.

Singer, songwriter and actress Rita Ora will perform the Oscar®-nominated song “Grateful” at the 87th Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Sunday, February 22, live on ABC.

“Grateful,” written by Diane Warren for the film “Beyond the Lights,” is nominated for Original Song. This marks Warren’s seventh Oscar nomination in the category. Ora dominated the U.K. charts with her first and certified platinum album “Ora” (2012), which included the number one singles “R.I.P.,” “How We Do (Party)” and “Hot Right Now.” Currently featured on the smash single “Black Widow,” with fellow superstar Iggy Azalea, Ora is readying her second full-length album, to be released this spring.  She will appear in a number of upcoming films, including the highly anticipated “50 Shades of Grey” and Jake Gyllenhaal’s “Southpaw” to be released in July.

COUNTRY SUPERSTAR TIM MCGRAW TO PERFORM FOR GLEN CAMPBELL AT THE OSCARS®

Grammy®-winning singer, songwriter and actor Tim McGraw will perform the Oscar®-nominated song “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” for Glen Campbell at the 87th Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Sunday, February 22, live on ABC. In addition to his three Grammy Awards, 14 ACM Awards, 11 CMA Awards, 10 AMA Awards, McGraw has numerous film acting credits including “The Blind Side,”  “Friday Night Lights,” “Country Strong” and the upcoming “Tomorrowland.”

“We couldn’t think of anyone better than Tim McGraw to properly celebrate  Oscar nominee, Glen Campbell.  Tim is the consummate country artist and will bring a bit of Nashville to the Oscars stage,” says Zadan and Meron

“I’m Not Gonna Miss You,” written by Campbell and Julian Raymond for the documentary feature “Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me,” is nominated for Original Song

“I’m honored to be asked to sing this powerful song from one of the true legends of the music industry,” said McGraw.

JACK BLACK TO PERFORM AT THE OSCARS®

The versatile actor, singer and comedian Jack Black will make a special appearance at the 87th Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Sunday, February 22, live on ABC. Black has starred in such films as “High Fidelity,” “Shallow Hal,” “School of Rock,” “King Kong,” and “Tropic Thunder,” and is voicing the title character in “Kung Fu Panda 3,” his third turn in the animated feature series. He also is the lead singer and guitarist of the comedy rock duo Tenacious D, which he formed in 1994 with Kyle Gass.  Black has made three previous appearances on the Oscars, most recently as a presenter at the 81st AcademyAwards.

“Jack Black is a complete original comic voice and we’re beyond thrilled that he has agreed to join the Oscars show in a very special sequence” says Zadan and Meron.

The 87th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscars, produced by Zadan and Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

 

The 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards Winners

JOSEPH ALTUZARRA NAMED WOMENSWEAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

RIHANNA NAMED FASHION ICON OF THE YEAR

AWARDS SHOW TO BE WEBCAST ON CFDA.COM ON TUESDAY, JUNE 3RD AT 11AM

House Photography:  BFA: www.bfanyc.com

Last night, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) paid tribute to the winners and honorees of the 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards in collaboration with Swarovski at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center. Film director and screenwriter John Waters was the host for the evening. For the thirteenth year in a row, the evening was generously underwritten by Swarovski. Highlights of the evening included a live tribute featuring sixteen models of color in Diane von Furstenberg dresses paying homage to Founder’s Award honoree Bethann Hardison for advocating diversity on the runways and Michael Kors leading the In Memoriam segment in which he honored the passing of Annabel Tollman, L’Wren Scott, and Art Ortenberg over the past year.

2014 CFDA Fashion Awards – Award Presentation with hos John Waters

Nominees, honorees, and winners were determined by the CFDA Awards Guild which is comprised of CFDA members, leading fashion journalists, stylists, and top retail executives. Ernst & Young, LLP was the official accounting firm of the Awards.

“Tonight, we celebrated creativity, experience, and conviction by honoring the diversity and vibrancy of individuals who define the influence of the fashion industry,” said CFDA President Diane von Furstenberg.

ACCESSORIES WINNERS – THE ROWMARY – KATE OLSEN & ASHLEY OLSEN WITH PRESENTER KERI RUSSELL(Center)

Dao-Yi Chow, James Marsden, Maxwell Osborne

Lupita Nyongo, Joseph Altuzarra

The evening’s Womenswear Designer of the Year honors went to Joseph Altuzarra for Altuzarra, presented by Lupita Nyong’o. The award for Menswear Designer of the Year was presented to Maxwell Osborne & Dao-Yi Chow for Public School by actor James Marsden. Mary-Kate Olsen & Ashley Olsen for The Row took home the Accessories Designer of the Year Award, presented by actress Keri Russell.

Sebastian Stan, Christopher Peters, Nadja Swarovski, Shane Gabier, Greta Gerwig, Tim Coppens, Irene Neuwirth

Greta Gerwig and Sebastian Stan presented the three Swarovski Awards, which honor and recognize emerging talent. The Swarovski Award for Womenswear was given to Shane Gabier & Christopher Peters for Creatures of the Wind. The Swarovski Award for Menswear was presented to Tim Coppens. The Swarovski Award for Accessory Design went to Irene Neuwirth. Recipients in each category will receive generous financial support from the company as well as exposure to the company’s vast and innovative crystal products and applications for fashion.

Rihanna was presented with the Fashion Icon award by Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour who praised the musician for her ability to tell captivating stories through the boldness and beauty of clothes. Rihanna thanked members of the audience: “the designers, the models, and everyone else who has inspired me.”

“The CFDA believes in designers at every stage of their career.  Last night we recognized a broad range of talent and influence from student scholarship winners and emerging talent to industry icons,” added CFDA CEO Steven Kolb.

“It’s been an honor to partner with the CFDA in celebrating the very best in American fashion for thirteen incredible years, and the creativity of the award winners never fails to amaze.  We are especially pleased to support the industry’s next generation through the Swarovski Awards. It’s a privilege to help these dazzling young talents evolve and realize their visions as they take the next steps in their careers,” said Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board.

The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Tom Ford by Richard Buckley for his consistent, creative influence on fashion.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE TOM FORD

Lancôme Announces Lupita Nyong’o as Brand Ambassadress

Maison Lancôme is delighted to announce Academy award winning actress Lupita Nyong’o as its new brand ambassadress.

With her instinctive and sophisticated talent and one of a kind beauty, both delicate and exuding strength, 31-year-old Lupita Nyong’o has taken the world by storm. She received an Academy Award® in the category of “Best Supporting Actress” for her moving portrayal of Patsey in Steve McQueen’s acclaimed film 12 Years a Slave–making her the fourth Academy Award® winning Lancôme ambassadress. Her performance also won her many other prestigious awards worldwide, including the Screen Actors Guild® Award, the Independent Spirit Award, NAACP Award, as well as the 2013 Hollywood Film Awards’ “New Hollywood Award.”

Lupita Nyong’o, a recent graduate from the Yale School of Drama, has an eclectic artistic repertoire, having performed on stage as well as having directed the award-winning feature-length documentary, In My Genes, about the reality of living with albinism in Kenya. She was recently seen in the action thriller Non-Stop, opposite Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore. The Mexican-born, Kenyan actress is an outstanding example of a natural beauty. Confident and simply true to herself, she embraces life with freshness, citing happiness as the most attractive form of radiance.

“I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for  women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman’s freedom to be herself,” confided Lupita Nyong’o. Joining Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Penélope Cruz, and the recently appointed young actress Lily Collins, Lupita Nyong’o will be seen this summer in campaigns shot by star photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

Oscar®-nominated actress Lupita Nyong’o arrives for the live ABC Telecast of The 86th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre on March 2, 2014 in Hollywood, CA.

“Both talented and committed, true to her African beauty, and showing a great curiosity and open-mindedness in her career choices, Lupita is by essence the Lancôme woman.” stated Françoise Lehmann, General Manager of Lancôme International. “A strikingly beautiful and intelligent woman, serenely but strongly living her life her own way, Lupita has this special kind of aura both enlightening and deep.”

Xavier Vey, President of Lancôme USA added, “Lupita’s authentic inner and outer beauty, her exquisite grace, and true confidence represent today’s modern woman.  Having Lupita as a Lancôme ambassadress will help support our mission in the U.S. market which is to speak to all women.  Her rising star status is like a blooming rose; she is elegant and has an undeniable brilliance.”

19TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS (2014) – BEST PICTURE: 12 YEARS A SLAVE

NEWLY-MINTED 2014 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATED ACTRESSES, ACTORS AND DIRECTORS WON BIG

“12 YEARS A SLAVE” NAMED BEST PICTURE AT 19TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS

“GRAVITY” ROCKETS TO A RECORD SEVEN WINS

“AMERICAN HUSTLE” FOLLOWS WITH FOUR

Glamorous Porsche Vehicles Displayed at Critics’ Choice Movie Awards

Porsche 911 and Panamera S E-Hybrid make red carpet appearance at Los Angeles awards show

Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at the Barker Hangar on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

The Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) announced the winners for the 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards last night, live from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. The show aired on The CW Network at 8:00PM ET/PT and was hosted by Aisha Tyler. A live pre-show aired in various local markets before the awards ceremony. Stars walking the red carpet mingled with the Porsche 911 and Panamera S E-Hybrid, debuted by Porsche Cars North America, Inc., the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles in the U.S. and the official sponsor of the 2014 ceremony.

Cristina Cheever of Porsche arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

B.J. Novak arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

Alessandro Nivola attends the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

Bob Odenkirk arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

Bob Odenkirk arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

Nia Long arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

Kristen Bell arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 16: Critics’ Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award during the 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 16, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for LOUIS XIII)

SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 16: Critics’ Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award during the 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 16, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for LOUIS XIII)

SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 16: Critics’ Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award during the 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 16, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for LOUIS XIII)

SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 16: Critics’ Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award during the 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 16, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for LOUIS XIII)

SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 16: Critics’ Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award during the 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 16, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for LOUIS XIII)

Emma Thompson arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

Since its inception in 1995, the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards has been a star-studded bellwether event of the movie awards season. Among the night’s attendees were Barkhad Abdi, Jensen Ackles, Amy Adams, Christina Applegate, Kristen Bell, Cate Blanchett, Abigail Breslin, Daniel Bruhl, Sandra Bullock, Jessica Chastain, Kristin Chenoweth, Steve Coogan, Bradley Cooper, Chris Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Julie Delpy, Will Forte, Bruce Dern, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chiwetel Ejiofor,  Adele Exarchopoulos, Cuba Gooding Jr., Bill Hader, Tom Hanks, Ethan Hawke, Jonah Hill, Liam James, Spike Jonze, Sir Ben Kingsley, Brie Larson, Jared Leto, Juliette Lewis, Richard Linklater, Nia Long, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kellan Lutz, James Marsden, Melissa McCarthy, Matthew McConaughey, Steve McQueen, Dermot Mulroney, Sophie Nelisse, Lupita Nyong’o, Bob Odenkirk, David O’Russell, Jared Padalecki, Jeremy Renner, Margot Robbie, Julia Roberts, Sam Rockwell, Julia Roberts, Seth Rogen, Martin Scorsese, Tye Sheridan, Ian Somerhalder, Kevin Spacey, June Squibb, Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, Mark Wahlberg, Isaiah Washington, Marlon Wayans, Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey.

And We’re Off!: The 17th Annual Hollywood Film Awards Gala Officially Kicked-Off the Awards Season Honoring the Year’s Best Talent With Series of Star-Studded Surprise Presenters

Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for DCP and Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images
The race is on. The 2013 Hollywood Film Awards gala ceremony lit up the night with a star-studded turnout at its 17th anniversary show on Monday night at the Beverly Hilton, in Beverly Hills. The A-list event attracted Hollywood’s elite to honor excellence in the art of filmmaking, as well as creative talent within the global creative community. The evening was hosted by Entertainment Tonight’s Nancy O’Dell. (A full list of the 2013 Hollywood Film Awards honorees is listed below.)

Honorees recognized for their achievements at this year’s Hollywood Film Awards Gala included Harrison Ford, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Coldplay, Lupita Nyong’o, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater, Jake Gyllenhaal, Dan Scanlon, Michael De Luca, John Knoll, Steve McQueen, Jerry Weintraub, Lee Daniels, Michael B. Jordan, Sophie Nelisse, David Oyelowo, Michael Wilkinson, Judy Becker, Juliette Lewis, Chris Cooper, Margo Martindale, Dermot Mulroney, Julianne Nicholson, and Misty Upham, mostly for films yet to be released in the theaters but are seen to be potential box office and award season winners. These films includes “Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, “August: Osage County”, and “Dallas Buyers Club”

Actor Geoffrey Rush

Actor Jack Black

Actor Jake Gyllenhaal

Actor Matthew McConaughey

Actor Matthew McConaughey

Actress Julia Roberts

Actress Julia Roberts

Director Steve McQueen

Honoree David Oyelowo poses in the press room during the 17th annual Hollywood Film Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 21, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Actress Sophie Nelisse

Honoree David Oyelowo

Honoree David Oyelowo

Actress Julia Roberts

Celebrity presenters for the evening included Jack Black, Octavia Spencer, Geoffrey Rush, Robert Downey Jr., Sean Penn, Kanye West, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Jane Fonda, Forest Whitaker, Brian Helgeland, Jennifer Garner, Sean Hayes, Robert Kazinsky, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett and Olivia Munn among others.

Multiplatinum, multiple award-winning recording act Coldplay was honored with the Hollywood Song Award for the hit song “Atlas” from Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack. The band’s Chris Martin gave a soaring solo performance of “Atlas,” in addition to accepting the award on behalf of Coldplay. The award was presented by 10-time Grammy winner Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.

THE FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER and FILM COMMENT MAGAZINE to present the U.S. Premiere of director Steve McQueen’s 12 YEARS A SLAVE at the 51ST NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL

McQueen, and cast members, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, Adepero Oduye, Paul Dano and Alfre Woodard will be on hand to present the film

The Film Society of Lincoln Center and Film Comment Magazine announced that they will host the U.S. premiere of Steve McQueen’s new film, 12 Years A Slave, on Tuesday, October 8th at the New York Film Festival. McQueen will be on hand to present the film along with cast members, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, Adepero Oduye, Paul Dano and Alfre Woodard. The film recently won the prestigious Audience Award at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, cementing its already cemented status as one of the year’s premier Oscar contenders. Films that have won the festival’s People’s Choice honor over the last 15 years include Best Picture winners “American Beauty” (1999), “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008) and “The King’s Speech” (2011), and Best Picture nominees “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000), “Precious” (2009) and last year’s “Silver Linings Playbook.”. (Tickets are available now to the general public for the festival.)

Gavin Smith, New York Film Festival Selection Committee member and Editor-in-Chief of Film Comment Magazine said, “Film Comment is delighted to be able to champion 12 Years A Slave at the New York Film Festival. This is a powerful work about a subject that remains vital and I have no doubt that it’s one of the year’s most important films.”

“I am honored that 12 Years a Slave will be presented at the New York Film Festival in association with Film Comment” said director, Steve McQueen. “For me, this feels like a true home-coming for Solomon as he was from New York and I’m delighted that his story can be celebrated here.”

Steve McQueen’s courageous new film takes an unflinching close-up look at a subject that has rarely, if ever, been confronted with such unvarnished directness in American cinema. The film is based on the memoir of freeman Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who was abducted in Washington, D.C. in 1841 and delivered to slave trader James Burch (Paul Giamatti), bought by gentleman farmer William Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch) and finally sold to cruel and mentally unbalanced cotton grower Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender), a figure of both horror and pathos who comes to embody the true savagery—and insanity—of slavery. Screenwriter John Ridley, McQueen’s regular cameraman Sean Bobbitt and producer Brad Pitt (who plays Canadian carpenter Samuel Bass in the film’s final section) each make vital contributions to this difficult and troubling film, sure to reignite a dialogue on the most painful chapter in America’s still young life as a nation. Fox Searchlight Pictures will release 12 Years A Slave on October 18.