ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 2008 YEAR IN REVIEW
Celebrity Weddings…Breakups…New Babies
Beyonce and Jay-Z
It took six months before singer Beyonce and hip-hop mogul Jay-Z acknowledged their union. “We always knew it would happen,” Beyonce told Essence of their April 4 top-secret wedding ceremony in New York.
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon
Few knew they were dating, but after a whirlwind two-month courtship Carey, the five-time Grammy winner and Cannon, a rapper-actor, tied the knot at an April 30 ceremony on the beach at Carey’s estate in the Bahamas. Said Carey: ““We really do feel we are soulmates,” Carey told People magazine. “ I never felt a love like this was in the cards for me.”
Star Jones Splits
After only three years and a lavish wedding, former View host Star Jones said good-bye to banker Al Reynolds.
Rihanna and Chris Brown - This year R&B prince Chris Brown and Pop Princess Rihanna have been sighted all over the world together – birthday bashes, award shows, poolside – but neither of them have yet to confirm their nonmusical relationship as more than friends.
Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga – Harvard Law School-educated attorney David Otunga proposed to Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson on Sept. 12, her 27th birthday, after dating for less than a year.
“He’s a very unique, different individual,” Hudson told Jet magazine. “I am happy. I have never been happier.”
Eva Marcille and Lance Ross – America’s Next Top Model winner Eva Marcill and Tyler Perry’s House of Payne star Lance Ross plan to tie the knot sometime in 2010. The couple, who met on the set of the CW sitcom in 2007, announced their engagement through Essence.com in December.
“I cried. It was totally unexpected. I’m still in shock,” Eva told Essence.
Tracey Edmonds and Eddie Murphy —Two weeks after marrying in a non-legally binding arrangement New Year’s Day Ceremony in Bora Bora, the decided to cut ties and “remain friends.” The ceremony reportedly cost of the ceremony was estimated to over $500,000 – not including the 13.69-carat yellow diamond engagement ring.
Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee – After 24 years of marriage, Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee split. The two had been separated since December. The Oscar winner made the announcement just hours after his involvement in a rollover car accident in August.
New Babies
Halle Berry & Gabriel Aubry
Nahla Ariela, born March 16
Laila Ali & Curtis Conway
Curtis Jr., born Aug. 26
Nicole Richie & Joel Madden
Harlow Winter Kate, born Jan. 11
Top Music Hits
Nas, “Untitled” – the title was supposed to be the N-word in this look at the state of Black America and race relations.
T.I., “Paper Trail” – the hip-hop crowd pleaser, scoring back-to-back No. 1 hits: “Whatever You Like” and “Live Your Life.”
Lil Wayne, “Lollipop” – the hippest hip-hopper had a string of Top 40 hits, landing a No. 1 single with “Lollipop.”
Rihanna, “Disturbia” – from a real “funky” diva
Kanye West, “Love Lockdown” – a breakup song from “the voice of this decade, the voice of a generation.”
iTunes Most Popular Songs
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Rihanna
“Disturbia”
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Rihanna
“Don’t Stop the Music”
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Lil Wayne & Static Major – “Lollipop”
Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown – “No Air”
Books
Top 10 Black Books of 2008
Top Box Office Champs
Will Smith - The highest-paid actor in Hollywood, according to Forbes, Smith pocketed $80 million between June 2007 and 2008. In Hancock, he delivered, ranking 4th at the box office in 2008.
The Family that Preys – Actor/producer Tyler Perry created a standout film this year with acting heavyweights Alfre Woodard and Kathy Bates. The film raked in over $37 million in 2008.
Miracle at St. Anna – Although mired in controversy due to director Spike Lee’s depiction of historical events, {Miracle at St. Anna}, a film about four Black soldiers trapped in a Tuscan village during World War II, still had a strong showing at box offices across the country, bringing in over $3 million in its first weekend.
Seven Pounds - Will Smith proved that lightning can strike twice in one year with his latest release {Seven Pounds.} The film follows Ben Thomas (Smith) as he sets out to change the lives of seven strangers.
Cadillac Records – African-American celebrities lit up the screen in {Cadillac Records,} a bio-pic exploring the historic Chicago-based Chess Records. Cedric the Entertainer, Mos Def, Beyonce Knowles and Jeffrey Wright starred in the film, with Beyonce’ earning a Satellite Award nomination for her portrayal of singer Etta James. {Cadillac Records} posted a solid $3.4 million in its opening weekend.
The Secret Life of Bees – Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, Queen Latifah and Jennifer Hudson wowed audiences as the Boatwright sisters. The touching film, which was produced by Will Smith and wife Jada, tells the story of Lily Owens, an abused child, and her interaction with the sisters. Nationwide, The Secret Life of Bees has earned over $37 million.