omingo Earns Second Consecutive Best Actor Nod, Following in Denzel Washington’s Footsteps

Colman Domingo, nominated for Best Actor at the 97th Academy Awards for his role in Sing Sing, continues to make history with back-to-back Oscar nods. He is the first actor to achieve this milestone since Denzel Washington in 2018. (Photo: Courtesy of A24)

The 97th Academy Awards nominations have been announced, offering a glimpse into the year’s most celebrated achievements in film. From blockbuster spectacles to groundbreaking performances, the list reveals a dynamic field of contenders. The Oscars, set to air live on March 2, will once again take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, showcasing the best of global cinema.

This year’s nominations are particularly significant for Colman Domingo, who made history in 2024 as the first Afro-Latino to earn a Best Actor nomination for “Rustin.” Domingo has now secured his second consecutive nod, this time for his stirring performance in “Sing Sing,” a deeply moving film about the resilience and humanity of incarcerated individuals. He becomes the first actor to achieve back-to-back nominations in the category since Denzel Washington’s dual nods for “Fences” (2017) and “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” (2018).

Domingo’s nomination not only underscores his immense talent but also highlights a significant shift in Hollywood toward recognizing more diverse voices and stories. He joins a competitive Best Actor lineup that includes Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”), Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”), Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”), and Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”).

Spotlight on Black Excellence and Representation

The 2025 Oscars are a banner year for Black artists across multiple categories. Cynthia Erivo, celebrated for her powerhouse performances on both stage and screen, earned a nomination for Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Elphaba in “Wicked.” The film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical received widespread recognition, including a Best Picture nod and a Supporting Actress nomination for Ariana Grande.

Zoe Saldaña also shines among this year’s nominees, earning a Supporting Actress nod for her performance in “Emilia Pérez,” a genre-defying musical that has captivated audiences worldwide. The film, which blends themes of identity and artistry, earned multiple nominations, including for Best International Feature.

The Best Original Song category further amplifies Black artists’ contributions, with Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada’s “Like a Bird” from “Sing Sing” joining a competitive slate of nominees.

A Broader Field of Stories

While Black artists and narratives are receiving well-deserved recognition, the Oscars also celebrate diverse storytelling across genres. Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic “Dune: Part Two” leads the technical categories, earning nominations for Cinematography, Visual Effects, and Sound, among others. “Wicked” dazzled with its lush production, earning nods for Costume Design, Production Design, and Film Editing, while films like “Nosferatu” and “The Brutalist” showcased bold and inventive cinematic visions.

In the animated realm, “Inside Out 2” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” headline the Best Animated Feature category, reaffirming the Academy’s commitment to honoring creativity in all its forms. Documentary categories, meanwhile, spotlight urgent and compelling narratives, including “Black Box Diaries” and “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat.”

Domingo’s Legacy in the Making

As the Oscars near, Colman Domingo’s historic nomination continues to resonate. His back-to-back recognition not only cements his place in Hollywood history but also serves as a reminder of the power of representation on the industry’s biggest stage. Through performances that celebrate the complexity and depth of Black experiences, Domingo stands as a beacon of what Hollywood’s future can look like.

“I’ve always wanted to tell stories that matter,” Domingo said in a recent interview. “This recognition isn’t just for me—it’s for everyone who has ever been overlooked or underestimated.”

The 97th Academy Awards promises to be a night to remember, honoring groundbreaking achievements while pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

Click here for a complete list of the nominees. 

Diddy Drops $50M Bombshell Lawsuit Against Accuser and NewsNation

A stark contrast to today's news: Sean "Diddy" Combs presents a $1 million check to Howard University in 2023. The university revoked his honorary degree and returned the donation in June 2024, citing actions inconsistent with their values.

Sean “Diddy” Combs filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit Wednesday, against Courtney Burgess, his attorney Ariel Mitchell, and Nexstar Media Group, the parent company of NewsNation.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accuses Burgess and Mitchell of fabricating explosive claims that Combs possessed sex tapes involving celebrities and minors, allegations that NewsNation broadcast without verifying their authenticity.

Combs' criminal trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges is scheduled for May 2025. The lawsuit contends that these accusations have severely damaged Combs’ reputation and could hinder his ability to receive a fair trial, as the claims could prejudice potential jurors.

“These fabricated claims are a blatant attempt to exploit Mr. Combs’ success and fame for financial gain,” Combs’ legal team asserted in a statement. “We are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable for their reckless actions.”

The lawsuit alleges that Burgess and Mitchell knowingly spread these false claims, and NewsNation amplified them without conducting proper journalistic due diligence. Combs’ attorneys characterize the allegations as a calculated smear campaign aimed at destroying his personal and professional life. Combs is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for the lasting harm inflicted on his businesses and public image.

Burgess, who first accused Combs of criminal wrongdoing in late 2024, has not publicly addressed the defamation suit. NewsNation has declined to comment on the pending litigation.

The allegations aired by NewsNation have drawn widespread criticism for their lack of evidence. Combs’ legal team argues that the network's decision to broadcast the story without thoroughly investigating the claims constitutes journalistic negligence, with serious consequences for their client.

As one of the most influential figures in hip-hop and the founder of Bad Boy Records, Combs has cultivated a decades-long career as a Grammy-winning artist, entrepreneur, and cultural icon. However, recent legal troubles, including his September 2024 arrest on federal charges, have put him under intense media scrutiny. He has pleaded not guilty to the sex trafficking and racketeering charges and has been denied bail three times.

Legal analysts suggest this defamation lawsuit is part of a broader strategy to protect Combs' reputation amid growing controversy. The case raises important questions about media responsibility in an era of sensationalism. If Combs prevails, the lawsuit could set new precedents for how media outlets handle high-profile allegations.

While the Southern District of New York has yet to schedule a date for initial hearings in the defamation case, Combs remains in federal custody awaiting trial on the separate sex trafficking and racketeering charges.

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Trombone Shorty’s Mockly Partnership Highlights Alcohol-Free Trend in Music Scene

Trombone Shorty performs at the White House in 2024, showcasing his signature blend of jazz, funk, and soul during a celebration of American music. The Grammy-nominated artist continues to honor his New Orleans roots through music and community initiatives.

Trombone Shorty, the Grammy-nominated musician synonymous with New Orleans’ vibrant music scene,
has announced a partnership with Mockly, a locally founded premium mocktail brand. The collaboration bridges his personal lifestyle with a growing cultural shift toward inclusive, alcohol-free social options while paying homage to the city that shaped his sound.

Troy Andrews, known professionally as Trombone Shorty, has built an international reputation for his genre-defying music that fuses jazz, funk, soul, R&B and rock. A child prodigy from New Orleans’ Tremé neighborhood, he earned his nickname as a young boy when his trombone dwarfed his frame. Today, he’s one of the city’s most celebrated cultural ambassadors, headlining events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and hosting the annual Treme Threauxdown concert.

Trombone Shorty enjoys a Mockly mocktail, part of his new partnership with the New Orleans-based beverage brand. 

The partnership with Mockly aligns with Andrews’ personal choices — he has never consumed alcohol, once noting that the craziest thing he has ever done was getting a panther tattooed on his left shoulder at 18 — and his commitment to representing New Orleans’ rich cultural legacy. Mockly, launched in 2020, has gained attention for its handcrafted, non-alcoholic beverages like Love Bite (pomegranate ginger tonic) and Baron von Blue (blueberry rose spritz), offering a fresh way to enjoy the city’s festive spirit.

“This is about celebrating the culture I grew up with and making it accessible to everyone,” Andrews said. “Mockly is something I enjoy and believe in — it’s part of what makes New Orleans special.”

The collaboration comes as demand for alcohol-free beverages surges, driven by a new generation seeking flavorful alternatives without compromising the social experience. Mockly’s co-founder, Aimee Sedky, emphasized how seamlessly Andrews embodies the brand’s mission. “Trombone Shorty represents the joy and inclusivity of New Orleans, which is exactly what Mockly stands for,” Sedky said.

Andrews’ influence extends beyond music. Through the Trombone Shorty Foundation, he has worked to nurture the next generation of New Orleans musicians, ensuring the city’s rich traditions remain vibrant. This dedication to cultural preservation mirrors Mockly’s mission to reflect New Orleans’ unique flavor and spirit.