Essence has the first look at future Emmy nominee Queen Latifah as Bessie Smith in HBO’s upcoming bio of the “Empress of the Blues” who arose from crushing poverty and overcame a lifetime of personal struggles to become “Empress of the Blues.” The film is based on Smith’s life story along with the biography Bessie by Chris Albertson. Pariah director Dee Rees wrote the script and will directs. The loaded casts includes Michael Kenneth Williams, Khandi Alexander, Mike Epps, Tika Sumpter, Tory Kittles, Charles S. Dutton and Mo’Nique.
Start polishing the Emmys.