Press Release: In a contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes’ celebrated play, the holiday musical drama BLACK NATIVITY follows Langston (Jacob Latimore), a street-wise teen from Baltimore raised by a single mother, as he journeys to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs (Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett). Unwilling to live by the imposing Reverend Cobbs’ rules, a frustrated Langston is determined to return home to his mother, Naima (Jennifer Hudson). Langston embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey and along with his new friends, and a little divine intervention, he discovers the true meaning of faith, healing, and family.
- Screenplay by: Kasi Lemmons
- Directed by: Kasi Lemmons
- Based on the play by: Langston Hughes
- Produced by: Bill Horberg, Celine Rattray, Galt Niederhoffer
- Executive Producers: Trudie Styler, Joy Goodwin
- Executive Music Producer: Raphael Saadiq
- Cast: Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Tyrese Gibson, Mary J. Blige, Jacob Latimore, Nasir Jones and Jennifer Hudson
Angela Bassett is so cool and talented. I’m all for anything that brings her more attention.
Kasi Lemmons? Really….I’m in! Ready to go see it.
Forest Whitaker has the most amazing voice. I assume he sings in it and I expect it to be amazeballs. I’m going all in. 😀
Man, The Last Stand aside (which should not hold him back), Forest Whitaker is showing up a lot this year as an actor and a producer. Really expect to see him as a major contender.
glad bassett is still getting roles. such a great actress. i think shes in olympus has fallen this year as well? hopefully she knocks this one out of the park and gets back in the scene.
Angela Bassett: I have one thing to say…
YOU BETTER WORK!
With only having The Way, Way Back on their Awards Circuit 2013 tray, it makes sense that they’re pulling this out of 2014. Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Ryan.
It’s sad for me to see Angela Bassett turn up in small parts all over the place, certainly no real chance for her to display her vast talent. But that is Hollywood, and people like Bassett and Viola Davis take opportunities as they come, even when they remain so few. For instance, just a year or two after getting raves for her portrayal of Tina Turner she was back to a minor parts in Contact, just as Davis is forced down the same path. That being said, I’d love for this to be a breakout role for Bassett.
Hopefully this movie will be oscar bait for both Angela Bassett and Kasi who have both been robbed in the past. Angela for What’s Love go to do with it, Malcolm X, and Waiting to Exhale. Kasi for Talk to me and Eve’s Bayou.
This still excites me.