Colman Domingo will receive the prestigious Montecito Award at the 40th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival for his “powerhouse performance” in Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing as Divine G. This announcement follows Domingo’s win at last night’s Gotham Awards, where he took home the honor for Outstanding Lead Performance.
Director Ava DuVernay is among six Sheroes, female heroes who inspire girls by breaking boundaries and expanding possibilities for women everywhere, honored by Barbie at the Variety Power of Women Luncheon in New York City with a one-of-a-kind doll created in their likeness. The doll features Ava DuVernay with her trademark braids and sitting in the director’s chair.
I always played w/ my sisters Jina + Tera. For hours making stories + scenarios. So this is special. Thanks, @Barbie. pic.twitter.com/aL8KGBx3XF
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) April 24, 2015
“Barbie has always represented that girls have choices, and this Spring we are proud to honor six Sheroes who through their trade and philanthropic efforts are an inspiration to girls,” said Evelyn Mazzocco, General Manager Barbie. “Started by a female entrepreneur and mother, this brand has a responsibility to continue to honor and encourage powerful female role models who are leaving a legacy for the next generation of glass ceiling breakers.”
The complete list of Barbie 2015 Sheroes are:
Ava DuVernay: Director of the Academy Award Best Picture nominee, SELMA, and founder of African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement, which provides opportunities and resources to underrepresented filmmakers.
Emmy Rossum: Golden Globe® nominated actress and spokesperson for Best Friends Animal Society, the only national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and a leader in the no-kill movement.
Eva Chen: Breaking boundaries by bringing inspiration to print as the youngest appointed female Editor-in-Chief of a national fashion magazine, Lucky.
Kristin Chenoweth: An inspiration on Broadway and beyond, the Emmy® and Tony Award® nominee and winner also founded the Kristin Chenoweth Art & Education Fund volunteering with young talent in the arts.
Sydney “Mayhem” Keiser: Five year-old fashion designer with work appearing in Vogue and signed on with major national fashion brand, J.Crew, for the collection ‘Little Mayhem for J.Crew’ launching in June.
Trisha Yearwood: A woman with many super powers, succeeding as an award-winning Country artist, best-selling author, Food Network host and entrepreneur.
Following the awards ceremony, each Shero auctioned off their doll to benefit a charity of her choice.
Berlinale Special of 2015 Berlin International Film Festival presents recent works by contemporary filmmakers, biopics of renowned personalities.