Entertainment
Showcasing Hollywoods Big Action Films
This summer is full of big action films, pricey sequels and 3-D extravaganzas. But one of the most buzzed-about films is a low-budget comedy called MacGruber. According to the Los Angeles Times, the film “brought down the house” when it was screened recently at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Tex.
MacGruber, starring Saturday Night Live cast member Will Forte, is based on an SNL sketch about a MacGyver-esque agent who tries (in vain) to defuse bombs using ordinary household items. Forte was able to make the film edgier than the sketches (including a villain named Dieter Von Cunth), earning MacGruber an R rating.
If the film is a box-office success when it comes Forte could be on his way to joining the pantheon of SNL members who have succeeded at the box office. Many have tried to make the leap, but only a few have become box-office heroes.
Topping our list is Eddie Murphy. The comedian performed on SNL during some of its strongest seasons from 1980 to 1984. From there he went on to star in successful movies like Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America and The Nutty Professor.
But it was his work in the animated Shrek series from DreamWorks Animation that has propelled him to No. 1 on our list. As the voice of Donkey, Murphy has become a key player in a franchise that has earned $2.2 billion at the box office so far. That total will jump later this month when the final film, Shrek Forever After, hits theaters in 3-D (opposite MacGruber, which will likely attract a more mature audience).
Over the last 10 years Murphy’s films have earned $3.6 billion at the box office. In addition to the Shrek films, he’s starred in box-office winners like Daddy Day Care and Dr. Dolittle 2. Lately Murphy’s box-office prowess has come into question, though, with a series of duds including Meet Dave and Imagine That, both of which failed to earn back their production budgets at the box office.
To compile our list we looked at SNL cast members’ film work over the last 10 years and added up global box-office earnings. Usually we don’t count animation roles in these sorts of lists because the audiences often don’t know or care who is voicing the characters. We made an exception this time because Murphy and Mike Myers are so inextricably linked with the Shrek movies that the series has become as much about the actors as about the characters (which is why Murphy, Myers and Cameron Diaz earn upwards of $10 million each for their work in each film).
The Shrek films helped land Myers, who voices the green ogre, in second place with $3 billion. Like Murphy, Myers has had a rough couple of years outside of the Shrek films, culminating with the 2008 box-office bomb The Love Guru. From Viacom studio Paramount Pictures, the comedy earned only $40 million at the global box office on an estimated budget of $60 million.
In third place is Adam Sandler. Few actors are as successful at the box office as Sandler. His films have earned $2.1 billion in the last 10 years without the help of a successful animated franchise like Shrek. His 2008 film Bedtime Stories earned $213 million at the global box office.
Robert Downey Jr. ranks fourth with $2 billion. The Iron Man actor was only a cast member for one year in 1985 when the show was in a ratings free fall. After his run on SNL he appeared in well-received movies like Less Than Zero and Chaplin, but struggles with drugs temporarily derailed his career. In the last few years Downey has enjoyed one of the greatest career resurgences Hollywood has seen with hits like Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes. Iron Man 2 last weekend had the fifth-highest opening of all time, taking in $134 million at the U.S. box office.
The only woman who makes our list is Tina Fey, whose films have earned $340 million at the box office, ranking her ninth. Her most recent movie, Date Night, is also her most successful, with $116 million at the box office so far.
Entertainment
Stephanie Linus, First Black Recipient Of Lennox K. Black Prize
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.
The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.
This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.
The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.
According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said
Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”
Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.
‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.
“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.
“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.
Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.
Entertainment
‘I’ll Continue To Ask For My Balance’ – Phyna reacts.
Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.
Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.
She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.
“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.
“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.
Entertainment
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