Coffee Talk: Idris Elba and Laurence Fishburne May Direct and Star in 'The Alchemist'
Plus: Gabourey Sidibe is working on her first memoir, Zoe Kravitz to star in new Western film, Black Belle, Kanye and Kim shut down Disneyland for North's 2nd birthday and more!
Idris Elba and Laurence Fishburne May Direct, Star in ‘The Alchemist’
The Weinstein Company is in talks with Laurence Fishburne and Idris Elba to direct and star, respectively, in the film adaptation of Paulo Coelho’s best-selling novel “The Alchemist.” The film will follow the epic spiritual tale of a shepherd who sets out on a journey to find the meaning behind his reoccurring dream. No deals have been signed yet but The Weinstein Company is hoping to begin production in 2016. [Deadline]
Getty Images
02
Zoe Kravitz to Star in New Western Film, ‘Black Belle’
Fresh off of the Dope movie set, Zoe Kravitz is headed to the wild, wild west as the gunslinging bounty hunter in Black Belle. Kravitz will play the lead in this Civil War-era drama about a young woman seeking revenge after the murder of her mother. Production is already underway. [Deadline]
Getty Images
03
Gabourey Sidibe to Release Memoire in 2017
Empire star Gabourey Sidibe is working on her very own memoir to be published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
“I’ve been writing since I was a child and have always had so many stories to tell that are too long, shady, and impolite to share in interviews,” Sidibe said. “It brings me much joy to add ‘Published Writer’ to my resume of ‘Actor and part-time Foot Model.’”
The Oscar-nominated actress will release her currently untitled memoir in 2017. Clutch]
Getty Images
Article continues after video.
04
Kanye and Kim to Shut Down Disneyland for North’s 2nd Birthday
North West is about to have the biggest birthday bash of the century. Her mommy and daddy, Kim and Kanye West, have reportedly bought out Disneyland for a private party to celebrate North’s 2nd birthday. Naturally, the couple had to top North’s 1st birthday blowout, a concert dubbed “Kidchella” with a real ferris wheel and stage. Can we be invited to her third birthday party? [Complex]
Instagram
05
Otis Redding, Xscape to be Featured on ‘Unsung’
A new season of TV One’s Unsung is here and will feature some of our favorite legendary musicians including iconic singer-songwriter Otis Redding, whose episode airs Wednesday, June 10. This season of Unsung will revisit the musical stylings of Xscape, Kid ‘n’ Play and even Chuck Brown, the mastermind behind go-go music. Click here to see which of your favorite artists will get their own episode.
Getty Images
06
Jacqueline Woodson Named Young People’s Poet Laureate
Jacqueline Woodson, author of the award-winning autobiographical novel “Brown Girl Dreaming,” has been named the Young People’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation. The Chicago-based foundation recognized Woodson for her “career devoted to writing exceptional poetry for young readers.” Woodson was honored last fall with a National Book Award for young people’s literature. [Associated Press]
Star Gazing: Cynthia Erivo, Teyana Taylor, Marla Gibbs And Raamla Mohamed Honored At ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood 2025
Tyra Banks made history as the first recipient of the Luminary Spotlight Award, recognizing her decades-long impact across fashion, TV, and film.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Teyana Taylor attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
ESSENCE’s 18th annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards lit up the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles on Thursday, honoring a powerful lineup of women whose creativity, resilience, and brilliance have shaped the entertainment industry. Hosted by actor Aldis Hodge, this year’s celebration honored Cynthia Erivo, Teyana Taylor, Marla Gibbs, and Raamla Mohamed for their groundbreaking contributions both on screen and behind the scenes.
The ceremony’s 2025 theme, “Scene and Unseen,” highlighted the often-overlooked stories and talents of Black women who continuously push the boundaries of Hollywood storytelling. Tyra Banks was also recognized with the inaugural Luminary Spotlight Award, celebrating her enduring legacy in fashion, film, and television.
In a surprise moment, Joy Reid — fresh off her unexpected MSNBC departure — received a warm welcome from stars like Issa Rae, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, and Niecy Nash, proving that sisterhood always shines brightest in Hollywood. In addition to the star-studded honoree list, the event supported relief efforts for areas impacted by recent Los Angeles wildfires, including Altadena and Pasadena.
Take a look at ESSENCE’s special edition of Star Gazing below.
Kat Graham, Lori Harvey, Teyana Taylor, Tyla and Ryan Destiny.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Kat Graham, Lori Harvey, Teyana Taylor, Tyla and Ryan Destiny attend the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Tika Sumpter and Crystal Renee Hayslett.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Tika Sumpter and Crystal Renee Hayslett attend the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Luvvie Ajayi, Cynthia Erivo, Jackée Harry, Ava DuVernay, Raven Bowens and Aisha Hinds.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Luvvie Ajayi, Cynthia Erivo, Jackée Harry, Ava DuVernay, Raven Bowens and Aisha Hinds attend the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Tyra Banks, Luminary Spotlight honoree.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Tyra Banks, Luminary Spotlight honoree, speaks onstage during the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Joy Reid speaks onstage.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Joy Reid speaks onstage during the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Ava DuVernay and David Oyelowo.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Ava DuVernay and David Oyelowo attend the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Tichina Arnold and Taraji P. Henson.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Tichina Arnold and Taraji P. Henson are seen backstage during the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Issa Rae and Aldis Hodge pose backstage.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Issa Rae and Aldis Hodge pose backstage during the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Kevin and Melissa Fredericks.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Kevin Fredericks (R) and guest attend the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Honoree Raamla Mohamed and Issa Rae.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Honoree Raamla Mohamed and Issa Rae pose backstage during the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Niecy Nash and Honoree Teyana Taylor.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Niecy Nash and Honoree Teyana Taylor pose backstage during attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Terri J. Vaughn, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tabitha Brown, Anthony Anderson, Nina Parker, Kym Whitley and Loretta Devine.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Terri J. Vaughn, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tabitha Brown, Anthony Anderson, Nina Parker, Kym Whitley and Loretta Devine attend the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Honoree Cynthia Erivo and Keke Palmer.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Honoree Cynthia Erivo and Keke Palmer pose backstage during the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Brandee Evans and KJ Smith.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Brandee Evans and KJ Smith attend the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Nneka Onuorah.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Nneka Onuorah attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Tasha Smith.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Tasha Smith attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Taye Diggs.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Taye Diggs attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Cari Champion.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Cari Champion attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Tabitha Brown.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Tabitha Brown attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Article continues after video.
Coco Jones.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Coco Jones attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Kysre Gordrezick.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Kysre Gordrezick attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Lori Harvey.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Lori Harvey attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Ryan Destiny.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Ryan Destiny attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Danielle Brooks.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Danielle Brooks attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Meagan Good.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Meagan Good attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Jonathan Majors.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Jonathan Majors attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Kyla Pratt.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Kyla Pratt attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Tyra Banks.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Tyra Banks attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Rome Flynn.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Rome Flynn attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Kandi Burruss.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Kandi Burruss attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Tyla.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Tyla attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Storm Reid.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Storm Reid attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Karrueche Tran.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Karrueche Tran attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Gia Peppers.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Gia Peppers attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Lala Milan.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Lala Milan attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Dominique Fishback.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Dominique Fishback attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Monique Rodriguez.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Monique Rodriguez attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Tia Mowry.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Tia Mowry attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
Nafessa Williams.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Nafessa Williams attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Tyler Lepley.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Tyler Lepley attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
