Here’s what we’re talking about over our green juice:
Denzel Washington has done it again. This weekend, his new thriller The Equalizer debuted, making a big splash with $35 million at the box office. The film follows the former commando (Washington) as he leaves his quiet Boston life to go to war with the Russian mafia, after a prostitute acquaintance (Chloe Grace Moretz) goes missing. The Equalizer‘s high opening numbers marks Washington’s third-best debut, in his career, trailing behind 2012’s Safe House, and 2007’s American Gangster. Congrats, Denzel! [HuffingtonPost]
Aretha Franklin will release her latest album on October 21. Titled Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics, the album will feature classic songs from other female singers, all sung by the Queen of Soul and produced Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Andre 3000, among others. [HuffingtonPost]
If you’ve ever seen a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, then you’ve seen Jay Pharoah taking his turn at musical impressions. After playing Jay Z, Kanye and Lil Wayne, Pharoah has now turned to making music under his own name. Pharoah has released an eight-song EP titled, Resurrection, to show off his rap skills. Check it out and let us know what you think. [TheSource]
12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen will be honored by the European Film Academy. The U.K. director will be awarded for Europoean Achievement in World Cinema at the ceremony in Latvia on December 13. [HollywoodReporter]
Comedian Michael Che made his debut on Saturday Night Live‘s hosting newsy skit, “The Weekend Update” this Saturday. Although he may have stumbled a few times, he still got laughs from the fans on topics like Derek Jeter’s final game to an update on the Ebola outbreak. [TheGrio]
Check out our favorite clip from the night and let us know how you think he’s doing so far: