The Chinese Theater is one of the greatest movie palaces in America. Giant screen, fantastic sound…we actually did the final sound check for BOOMERANG there. I saw so many classic films, from THE MATRIX to STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE here. So many movie premieres have been here, plus the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the hand and footprints in front…it’s a landmark in every way. So yeah, I was really happy to have NUMBER ONE ON THE CALL SHEET do an event there!
The sky was cloudy and moody, with intermittent rain, but it that didn’t dampen my mood at all. It looked cool!
Almost there!
I’m with Shola Lynch, who directed the “Leading Ladies” half of the film, producer Datari Turner, star Ruth Negga, and star and producer Jamie Foxx.
Tommy Davidson is incredibly funny but has always been so welcoming to me since I visited the set of IN LIVING COLOR. So glad to see him!
I’m with comedian Kym Whitley and head of Apple TV Jamie Erlicht.
Chrisette and I in our seats.
My mom Helen Hudlin with Annette May, who was our neighbor back in East St. Louis, but now that they both live in LA, they roll out to all the cool events.
My son Alexander with his godmother Terri Ewing.
After the screening of several clips from the film, we had a panel discussion with me, the producers and stars of the movie.
As we are leaving the theater for the afterparty, my mom stops for a picture with Mario Van Peebles and his son Mandela.
Bill Bellamy gathers me, his son Barron, and Byron for a quick picture.
Alexander and Barron have been friends their whole lives!At the afterparty with Chrisette’s besties Terri, Shelly Sumpter-Gillyard and her daughter Ryan and Bella Spencer, daughter of Chris and Vanessa. My brother Christopher on the scene with our mom and Annette.+ Permalink
Reggie Hudlin with Shola Lynch, Jurnee Smollett and Taraji P Henson.
Reggie’s speech during the luncheon.Reggie Hudlin with Cynthia Erivo, Jurnee Smollett, Taye Diggs and Shola Lynch.Reggie with Aldis Hodge, Rita Cooper Lee of Apple TV plus and George Wallace.
Reggie with two of the Real Housewives of the Potomac, Ashley Darby and Gizelle Bryant.
The first public screening of NUMBER ONE ON THE CALL SHEET was in New York at the Crosby Hotel. We showed part one LEADING MEN IN HOLLYWOOD on Monday night, and LEADING WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD, directed by Shola Lynch, on the second night.
Producers Datari Turner (who came up with the idea) and Producer Kevin Hart (who makes a powerful appearance in the film) joined us at the premiere. Reginald Hudlin, Kevin Hart and Datari Turner on stage with Kelly Carter, who moderated the post screening conversation.The Red Carpet was popping with plenty of special guests and press.John Boyega and Aldis Hodge in the building!Reggie and Shola flank Alfre Woodard!
The night before, I had dinner with my college classmate Jim Johnson, whose long and impressive resume is too much to summarize. But I will say he is one of the best human beings I know.
Also in the house was Christina Reid, who is the eldest daughter of Chris “Kid” Reid! I immediately gave her niece status.
So great to see old friends Bill Stephney and his wife Tanya. Bill, a Def Jam exec during their glory years and a founding member in all but name of Public Enemy, did music supervision on several of my films. Also in the house is the legendary Nelson George, one of the great cultural voices of our generation. A great friend and collaborator in many projects.+ Permalink
This school year, my son started an organization at his school called the Art & Business Club. He organizes events that feature artists and executives who work with artists. His first two guests were world renowned multimedia artist Arthur Jafa, then co-chairman of Walt Disney Studios Dana Walden.
He just hosted comedy legend Chris Rock. It was an hour interview where they covered a wide range of topics. I was very proud of my son as I watched him manage the logistics, put together a great looking poster and promote the event all over his sprawling school campus. He got faculty and administration involved, and in three days got so many students signing up that they had to move the event to the biggest theater on campus, and there still wasn’t enough seats!
Chris Rock had the room completely locked in, hanging on to his every word. Teachers were impressed a) how full the room was, and b) how you could hear a pin drop. They shushed any kid who was talking during the interview. That said, the room exploded with laughter, but you could also feel when Chris’ deep observations landed in their heads. Even faculty wanted to write down the gems Chris was dropping.
Chris Rock is one of the smartest people I know, and Alexander really brought his school a gift. I’m very grateful to my friend and proud of my son.
Here’s a highlight reel of this year’s NAACP Image Awards! We had so much fun celebrating special honorees Dave Chappelle, Kamala Harris, and the Wayans family, as well as the amazing actors and storytellers nominated for their wonderful work. Thank you Deon Cole for being an exceptional host, as well as the NAACP, BET and CBS.
