Nikki Beach Miami curated an exquisite VIP Luncheon on Saturday, December 9. This exclusive event unfolded amidst the vibrant tapestry of activations that graced Miami during the Art Week extravaganza.
Photography by Dijana Mesin
Christmas on Cherry Lane was a unique and thoughtful film that followed the story of three families simultaneously. We witness each family member’s festivities, traditions, worries and anxiety, especially pertaining to their holiday plans.
The film’s brilliant showcase of separate plots over various decades was perfected effortlessly and beautifully by both the writer and director. Christmas on Cherry Lane had a unique “big picture” take and gave us both a bird’s eye view and fly on the wall perceptions. The audience stepped into each of the three houses and rooted for each person to manage to surpass their personal obstacles.
The film was not only a sentimental and thoughtful seasonal movie but also a confirmation of how we’re all connected. The sense of humanity and empathy in the movie was done intentionally and with a purpose. Audience members discovered how all the families have been connected through different generations thanks to the protagonist’s evolution from being a teen to an elderly resident in the community tying it all together.
Besides Christmas on Cherry Lane displaying charming holiday themes, the movie philosophically confirmed the domino effect of our actions and the beauty of us all being connected with each other over decades of time. It’s a family friendly film that tugs at your heart strings and leaves a lasting effect of hope and positivity on the watcher and perhaps even a tear or two (guilty!).
In a captivating move that blends the allure of intimate live music with the exclusivity of a private gathering, Sony recently launched the Sony Sound Club, an exceptional unplugged listening session hosted by For the Music in collaboration with renowned music artists.
A very merry evening full of laughter and giving, just in time for the holiday season!
I caught the A uptown, not too far from my old stomping grounds for the 2023 Root 100 Gala event at The Apollo Theater.
The entire evening was legendary. One of the highlights was the performance by Jon Batiste, as a music lover I appreciate the way he uses his voice and plays the piano. We saw a preview of his new Documentary, which premiers on Netflix. The documentary shows his life after being the MD on the Stephen Colbert show. He shares how his wife’s health was also impacted by a condition that they had to face together. I won’t give away the spoiler, but keep an eye peeled for it. The Prince of Jazz was also one of the honorees that received an award. He stood up from the piano after an amazing performance medley, grabbed a horn and began to get the audience to sing together and participate, which was a nice moment. His showmanship and his ability to get us to sing together was a full circle moment for him as he recalls being on the Apollo stage as a 7-year-old who traveled in a van with his brothers from New Orleans to perform and won on the same stage. The Apollo is home to him and it was a wonderful moment.
Deborah Roberts and Al Rocker were also honorees. Al Rocker is from Canarsie, Brooklyn and recalls his earlier days that led him to where he is now. Similarly, Deborah Roberts spoke about becoming a wife, and a mother, and how she always saw herself doing what she is doing now. These 2 African Americans have shared their lives, health journeys, and energy with us for so many years. The ROOT 100 did a phenomenal job by focusing on all the great achievements and sharing their criteria for how the list is made. In addition to having a social media presence and followers, other aspects such as Influence, Substance, and Reach are all calculated. The beauty of this to me as both an attendee and a writer is, that it is not exclusive to just celebrity. Any African American who can utilize social media and does the work that uplifts people can be a contender. This means we all can be great and should aspire to be like the 100 honorees. As we close out 2023, the new year provides an opportunity for any or all of us to contribute to black news by becoming solution-oriented. There is much work to be done and it’s refreshing to know that not all jobs are glamorous if you have the intent and do the work organizations like The Root will be your support.
In this space of awareness, my new perspective on myself as a writer is that it’s now my responsibility to amplify black stories and The Root 100 Gala made me both grateful and fortunate to be in attendance. Congrats to all honored.
For one legendary night, The Root—the foremost digital media publisher covering Black news and Black views—took over the mainstage of the Apollo for a star-studded evening of comedy, music, and inspiring speeches celebrating the Root 100 honorees.
The Root 100 is an annual ranking of Black Americans who are breaking down barriers and paving the way for the next generation.
Attendees included host Roy Wood Jr. (‘The Daily Show’) and honorees Al Roker (‘TODAY’), Deborah Roberts (‘20/20’), Misty Copeland (ballerina), Leslie Odom Jr. (‘Hamilton’), Nate Burleson (‘CBS Mornings’), Doug E. Fresh (rapper and nonprofit founder), Dr. Olajide Williams (nonprofit founder), Jon Batiste (multihyphenate), Fani Willis (District Attorney of Fulton County, GA), Karine Jean-Pierre (White House press secretary), DeMarco Morgan (broadcast journalist), LaChanze (multihyphenate), Abby Phillip (CNN), Melonie Parker (Google), Danyel Surrency Jones (Amazon), Brandice Daniel and (HaDaniel and Shion Row), Jamie Harrison (DNC Chair), Racquel Ode (HSBC Bank USA), Nikole Hannah- Jones (journalist/author), Adjoa B. Asamoah (influencer), Dr. Oni Blackstock (entrepreneur), and Dr. UchéBlackstock (founder and author). Also in attendance were special guests Don Lemon, Tim Malone, Hannibal Burress, Sabrina Greenlee, Jason Lee, PaperBoy The Prince, Brandee Younger, Bevy Smith, Irreversible Entanglements, Erica Lowe, Adenike Olanrewaju, Thysha Shabazz, Dr. Jasper Brewster, Dr. Jeff Gardere, Agnes Tshimbombo, Ahmed Gallab, Kristal Brent Zook, and Editor-in-Chief of The Root, Tatsha Robertson.
Popeyes hosted an event at Lavan 641, located in New York City to celebrate the launch of their newly introduced wings platform.
Beverly Hills, CA – An intimate luncheon was held at the renowned Crustacean restaurant, acclaimed director Carl Joseph E. Papa toasted to his entry into the 96th Academy Awards for his astonishing film, “The Missing.” The exclusive event, which unfolded on December 2, became a celebration of Papa’s cinematic achievements and a prelude to the upcoming recognition at the Oscars.
Crustacean, known for its fusion of Vietnamese flavors and upscale ambiance, set the stage for an afternoon filled with gastronomic delights and the exchange of creative insights. The restaurant, nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, provided the perfect backdrop for industry insiders and supporters to come together and honor Papa’s accomplishments.
“The Missing,” a poignant film that explores themes of loss and redemption, has garnered widespread acclaim for its storytelling and cinematic prowess. With its selection as the Philippines’ official entry to the 96th Academy Awards, the luncheon at Crustacean became a pivotal moment for Papa and his team to reflect on the journey leading up to this prestigious recognition.
The luncheon commenced with guests praising Papa as he made his way into the table, expressing their overwhelming support and praise for his film. Attendees were treated to a delectable menu curated by Crustacean’s culinary experts, featuring signature dishes that blended traditional Vietnamese flavors with a modern twist.
As plates were shared and conversations flowed, the atmosphere at Crustacean echoed with the excitement surrounding “The Missing” and its prospects at the upcoming Oscars. Guests had the opportunity to engage with Papa, gaining insights into the creative process behind the film and the challenges faced in bringing such a powerful narrative to the screen.
The luncheon served as a platform for networking, collaboration, and the forging of connections that could potentially shape the future of Filipino cinema.
As for the film itself, it screams phenomena written all over it. For 90 minutes you can delve into the world of ‘The Missing’ as the film emerges you into a cinematic marvel. It defies all constraints with a team of 90 animators who conjured its mesmerizing visuals for a year and seven months and the filming with actors which only took four days. With a tapestry of drama, sci-fi, and animation, the film casts a spell with its captivating narrative and expressive protagonist, Eric. Despite lacking a mouth, Eric’s silent expressions convey the depth of his emotions as he grapples with the trauma of his past. The story unfolds when a concerned call from his mother, Rosalinda, sets Eric and his co-worker Carlo on a journey to uncover the mystery of his missing Uncle Rogelio, only to discover a tragedy that shatters Eric’s already fragile world.
At its core, “The Missing” is an exploration of resilience and recovery in the face of unspeakable tragedy. Eric’s silence, a result of childhood trauma, becomes a powerful symbol of the struggles many endure in coping with mental and emotional distress. The film delicately portrays the darkest moments of human experience, revealing how love, support, and inner strength can guide one from the shadows of despair to a gradual rediscovery of self.
As the luncheon concluded, attendees left with a sense of anticipation for the 96th Academy Awards and a deeper appreciation for the artistry of Carl Joseph E. Papa. The event at Crustacean not only celebrated a talented filmmaker but also highlighted the importance of recognizing and supporting diverse voices in the world of cinema.
Click on this reel to watch a visual recap of the luncheon!
Venice, California, transformed into a haunting labyrinth on November 28th as Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and 20th Century Studios conjured the spirits for the Blu-ray and DVD release of “A Haunting in Venice.” The air was thick with mystery, and the event promised an immersive experience that mirrored the eerie charm of the film.
Upon arriving, attendees were welcomed with various activities that transported them to the mystical canals of Venice. Masked characters of the film lingered around the house as guests walked about. It made me feel like I was at a haunted house during Halloween; it had peak spooky vibes. Guests tested their wits about the film during a trivia battle on the second floor. Appetizers were served throughout the evening that gave us a taste of Italy.
A highlight of the evening was the Seance Room, where Medium Christina Engalhardt attempted to bridge the gap between the living and the spirit world. The ethereal atmosphere heightened the suspense as attendees eagerly anticipated what would happen once they stepped into the room. Each guest who walked in had the chance to have a tarot card reading and get a glimpse into their spiritual self.
One of the most captivating elements of the evening for me was the Typewriter Poets, perched on the rooftop, creating personalized poems for attendees. As the cool night breeze whispered through the canals of Venice, guests could capture the essence of the spooky night with a unique poem to take away – a haunting memento from an unforgettable evening.
The event was a perfect marriage of theme and execution, embracing the eerie ambiance of the film. From watching the movie in theaters to experiencing this one-night activation, it was a unique, thoughtfully executed experience. With a mix of spine-tingling activities, engaging trivia, and the personal touch of a typewriter poet, it was an immersive celebration that transported guests to the haunting beauty of Venice. “A Haunting in Venice” left its mark as the moon glowed over the canals.
Check out our reel of the night here.
Roku recently hosted a holiday event in New York City, which showcased its entire ecosystem of products, including its industry-leading operating systems and latest product releases.
Ever wonder if your favorite SNL stars get nervous before a show or if they get star struck when getting to work with a new host? Now’s your time to find out!
SNL episodes have a fast turnaround rate and the actors are all tremendously talented at being able to adapt quickly to new scripts, characters and changes that are being made. Not only are they adapting to those elements, but to add in another level, they work alongside new hosts frequently.
Some of the SNL cast confessed to getting star struck when working with Emma Stone, Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny. Others admitted that they still get nervous before getting on stage despite all the practice they’ve had and the amount of years they’ve been with the show. However, as one actor said, “feeling nervous means you care,” and I couldn’t agree more.
The cast lit up the red carpet with their charm, witty jokes and honesty. The tight knit members often spoke highly of each other and served as each other’s hype men and woman. Given the amount of long hours they put into the show, the actors dotingly told me that they consider each other family, and that was more than evident on the AMNH’s Gala red carpet.