Issa Rae News

Warner Bros. Pictures’ BARBIE makes its exclusive streaming debut on Max. BARBIE debuted in theaters on July 21 and broke records as the highest-grossing global release in the studio’s 100-year history. Barbie with ASL, the hit blockbuster film interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL), is also available starting now.

This morning, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) hosted its annual Women in Entertainment Breakfast Gala at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, honoring singer-songwriter Adele and actor, producer and activist Kerry Washington for their contributions and impact within the industry. Check out photos from the event now!

Through Sunday, February 11, 2024, BAM will present American Fiction: The Characters of Jeffrey Wright, a look at almost four decades of celluloid creations from the Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor.

The Icon & Creator Tribute was created for this year’s Gotham Awards in order to recognize cultural icons and the filmmakers responsible for bringing that icon’s story to life. With the Global Icon & Creator Tribute, The Gotham will honor and celebrate the creative team behind Greta Gerwig’s innovative and imaginative Barbie.

Get the latest news on the casting for the invited presentations of the new musical 'Long Way Down,' based on the acclaimed novel by Jason Reynolds. Find out who will be bringing this powerful story to life on stage at The Apollo on October 27 and 28.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and SJ Presents non-stop laughter on Valentine’s weekend with comedian and actor Bill Bellamy as emcee as he brings some of the funniest comedians to the stage on Saturday, February 10 for two performances, 7PM and 9:45 PM.  Find out who is part of the lineup here!

Four women writers of the Harlem Renaissance meet in 'Telling Tales Out of School' by Wesley Brown, directed by Woodie King, Jr. at Castillo Theatre/ASP. The play offers a unique perspective on the Harlem Renaissance by providing a character study of four of its most-noted female prime movers. Check out event information here!

NEW FEDERAL THEATRE will hold its 53rd Anniversary Celebration on October 2 at Edison Ballroom, honoring Woodie King, Jr., Gabrielle Kurlander, and Sade Lythcott. The gala is chaired by Kenny Leon and Lynn Whitfield.

Emmy, Grammy & Academy Award winner Common has been added to the list of honorees at Black Theatre United's inaugural Gala on Monday, October 30 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.

The conference will cover the future of cinema, the boom in streaming audio and video, the latest sports and gaming experiences, the potential impact of artificial intelligence and more. With Los Angeles as its backdrop, Screentime will also feature local caterers, chefs and distilleries, providing guests with a taste of the city.

Expanding on the Academy Award-winning short “Hair Love,” the cast includes Scott Mescudi (Stephen Love), Issa Rae (Angela Young), Brooke Monroe Conaway (Zuri Young Love), Loretta Devine (Gigi Young), Harry Lennix (Russell Young), Tamar Braxton (Star), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Sheree), Debra Wilson (Additional Voices), and others. Watch the video!

Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre (NFT), led by Producing Artistic Director Elizabeth Van Dyke, will hold a 53rd Anniversary Celebration October 2, 2023 at Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47th Street.  

Next up at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Center Theatre Group (in association with IAMA Theatre Company) present Alexis Scheer’s Our Dear Dead Drug Lord opening August 27, 2023 (already in previews). CTG’s associate artistic director directs the cast of Ashley Brooke, Aliyah Camacho, Samantha Wynette Miller, Coral Peña, Lilian Rebelo and Juan Francisco Villa. The very busy Samantha squeezed some time from her preview rehearsals to answer a few of my queries.

Dove Cameron is finally inching towards her debut album. Cameron also confirmed that she will be heading out on tour next year, appearing smaller shows later this year. The Schmigadoon! starred teased that the album includes a collaboration with a 'dream artist,' whose tour she will be joining for a few stops.

Discover the Broadway stars who were almost cast in the upcoming Barbie movie, including Ben Platt, Jonathan Groff, and more. Find out why they missed out on the chance to join the star-studded cast and learn about the musical numbers featured in the film.

BARBIE THE ALBUM features new tracks from an unprecedented lineup of artists including Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice, Lizzo, KAROL G, Charli XCX, PinkPantheress, Ava Max, Dominic Fike, Khalid, The Kid LAROI, Tame Impala, HAIM, GAYLE and FIFTY FIFTY feat. Kali. Barbie star Ryan Gosling also joins the robust roster of soundtrack artists .

The Max Original Animation panel hosted at San Diego Comic-Con included exclusive first looks at upcoming animated series coming soon to Max. Watch first look videos from ADVENTURE TIME: FIONNA AND CAKE, HARLEY QUINN season four, and YOUNG LOVE.

Rapidly-rising St. Louis rapper and singer Big Boss Vette shares her anxiously awaited debut EP, RESILIENCE via Beatstaz/Amigo Records/Republic Records. In celebration of the project’s arrival, she uncovered a personal short film that digs deeper into Big Boss Vette’s story of RESILIENCE.

Billie Eilish has released 'What Was I Made For?,' her track from the highly-anticipated Barbie movie soundtrack. Dua Lipa, Karol G, Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, Charli XCX, and Pink Pantheress's songs from the album are out now. The final song that was revealed to be on the soundtrack is by Sam Smith. Watch the new music video now!

RAP SH!T follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna and Mia, who reunite to form a rap group. The second season cast includes Aida Osman (Shawna), KaMillion (Mia), Jonica Booth (Chastity), RJ Cyler (Lamont), and Daniel Augustin (Maurice).