the black academy
#SPOTTED: 2023 THE LEGACY AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS
Originating in 2020, The Legacy Awards returned again at History in Toronto’s East End, celebrating excellence in the Black Canadian community in Entertainment. Brought to us by The Black Academy, co-founded by Actors and Brothers Stephan James and Shamier Anderson, the gala brought out leaders in the community in a fashionable affair to celebrate the cause.
Honourees this year included:
JULLY BLACK – Icon Award
TONYA WILLIAMS – Visionary Award
X – Trailblazer Award
LU KALA – Emerging Artist Award
KIA NURSE – Legacy Athlete Award
Williams made a poignant statement when accepting her award about the importance of celebrating storytellers from under-represented communities. “Stories about the trauma of Black people, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian people of colour are the stories that win awards, and whoever tells those stories are more likely to win those awards…. You know what happens to those who win those awards? Doors open for them.”.
Several stars and notables walked the Red Carpet prior to the event, including the likes of Stephan James, Shamier Anderson, Cameron Bailey, Maxine Bailey, Jully Black, Donovan Bailey, Lu Kala, Tonya Lee-Williams, X, Tracey Moore. Marci Ien, Dr. Jill Andrew, Saukratres, Tynomi Banks, Kimora Amour, Lamorne Morris and more. Keshia Chanté carried hosting duties for the night.
See a reel of highlights below:
The Awards aired on CBC and are available to stream on CBC Gem.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: KEANU REEVES, SHAMIER ANDERSON AND CHAD STAHELSKI AT THE CANADIAN PREMIERE OF “JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4”
Toronto got a huge surprise tonight as international megastar Keanu Reeves made an appearance at the Canadian Premiere of JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4. This latest Film in the celebrated Franchise, got the Red Carpet treatment and then some as The Black Academy, presented the affair at Scotiabank Theatre. The organization aims to empower, elevate and promote equality among the Black community and one of its founders, Scarborough’s very own Shamier Anderson, also happens to star in the Film as Tracker. Director Chad Stahelski also joined Anderson and Reeves for an introduction of the Screening.
While there was originally a Red Carpet set to take place at the Premiere, the unexpected passing of star Lance Reddick, who stars as Charon, had altered plans for this, out of respect. Stahelski took a moment to remember Reddick when introducing the Film to the audience.
This latest chapter in the John Wick franchise has already received much praise, with Critics calling it the best film yet out of the four films. Toronto-raised Reeves also surprised the audience at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin last week.
See highlights below:
Though bittersweet, this was such an incredible night, and a special energy could be felt throughout the theatre as everyone was processing both excitement and grief at once.
Lionsgate and Cineplex Pictures release JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 March 24, 2023.
(Photo/video credit: George Pimentel/Mr. Will Wong)
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