From Trauma to Triumph: Soldiers’ Inspiring Comeback

Resilience Redefined: Triumph Over Trauma

Injuries slam into lives like unexpected storms—chaotic and devastating. Yet, in the wake of such turmoil, emerges a remarkable journey of resilience and recovery. The human spirit gears up to reclaim lost ground, proving that even life’s harshest blows can’t extinguish our inner strength.

Picture this: A battlefield where bravery wears prosthetics, not just warfaces. Ukrainian soldiers, wounded in the relentless conflict, are returning to front lines—an epitome of indomitable will. Their stories echo a universal truth: When life knocks you down, it’s the get-up that matters.

Beyond the Physical

Reconstructing life after severe injury is no mere physical feat—it’s a complete metamorphosis. The injured transform their bodies and, more significantly, their minds. Imagine being thrust into a world where everyday tasks turn into daunting challenges. It’s here that mental toughness takes the reins, shifting the focus from what was lost to what can be regained.

These soldiers don prosthetics—hooks in place of fingers, limbs replaced by intricate devices—each step a testament to innovation and human ingenuity. But beyond the nuts and bolts lies a more profound rehabilitation, a psychological renaissance. “Every day is a step,” they say, infusing each moment with purpose and passion.

The Role of Fitness: A Soldier’s True Ally

Physical fitness isn’t just about toned muscles—it’s the backbone of recovery. It’s about gearing up the body and mind to face new realities with vigor. Rehab centers transform into gyms of grit, fostering a culture where progress is measured in both sweat and spirit.

These warriors embody the transformative power of fitness. It’s the burn in the muscles, the sharpness of routine—that’s the real battlefield. They’ve turned to this discipline, not as an obligation but as a lifeline—an unyielding force pushing them towards wholeness.

Psychological Fortitude: The Unsung Hero

Beneath the scars lies a deeper story—a narrative of battling unseen demons. Phantom pains might haunt, but it’s the courage to confront them that truly sets these soldiers apart. The battlefield shifts inward, where resilience is forged in the crucible of mental fortitude.

Support networks, psychological care, and self-belief build a sturdy framework, allowing these warriors to stride forward. “You came back, proved you could still do something,” their stories remind us of an unwavering resolve to redefine limitations.

From Survival to Success

Life after trauma is not just survival—it’s about thriving with renewed purpose. These soldiers, once bound to hospital beds, now march forward, stronger and more determined. Their stories are a clarion call to all of us facing life’s challenges—resilience isn’t just bouncing back; it’s leaping forward.

In every step, in every determined gaze, lies a testament to human endurance—the stunning ability to rise, adapt, and prosper. When life deals a harsh blow, let these stories remind us: It’s not the fall that defines us, but the triumphant rise.

Stay Safe: Guard Against Zoonotic Diseases

Emerging Threats: The Rise of Zoonotic Diseases and What You Can Do

As the world gears up to face new health challenges, zoonotic diseases—illnesses that leap from animals to humans—are increasingly put under the microscope. The recent detection of bird flu in California rats serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of these threats and their capacity to disrupt our lives.

Imagine a world where the lines between species blur, where viruses jump between creatures, each leap a potential new chapter in an ongoing saga. These zoonotic diseases have already taken the reins, with outbreaks impacting everything from poultry farms to urban dwellings. The H5N1 virus, a familiar antagonist, now embarks on unexpected paths, leaving scientists scrambling to decode its next move.

Despite the growing list of infected species, the risk to humans remains low—yet vigilance is key. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize containment and prevention as our best defense. Using meticulous monitoring and swift action, agricultural and health officials work tirelessly to stay one step ahead of these microscopic invaders.

But what can you, the everyday person, do to safeguard against this invisible foe? Start by implementing biosecurity measures akin to a fortress around your own life. Wash hands frequently, especially after handling animals—whether pets or farm creatures. Avoid contact with wild animals and report sick animals to local authorities.

Furthermore, with flu season in full swing, immunizations are crucial. Vaccination doesn’t just protect you—it forms a barrier, a bulwark that helps impede the virus’s path through the population. Like a well-oiled machine, when each part plays its role, potential outbreaks can be contained or even prevented.

The surge of zoonotic diseases might feel like a plot twist in a thriller—but we aren’t mere spectators. With informed actions and collective effort, we can direct the narrative towards safety and resilience. So, arm yourself with knowledge, take proactive steps, and remain vigilant. Together, we can transform the story of zoonotic diseases into one of victory against adversity.

Remember, it’s not just about surviving the threat—it’s about thriving beyond it.

Urban Gardens: Seeds of Change and Empowerment

In neighborhoods where grocery stores are few and far between, a quiet revolution is taking root—one garden bed at a time. The revival of home gardening in underserved communities is not just about growing food; it’s about sowing seeds of empowerment and resilience.

Communities once sidelined by systemic barriers are turning the soil of opportunity, transforming patches of earth into lush landscapes of sustenance. Fueled by the need for fresh produce and a desire for self-sufficiency, these urban gardeners are cultivating more than just crops—they’re nurturing a movement.

Take Rooted East Knoxville, for example, a beacon of determination and community spirit. Founded on the principle that knowledge is power, this nonprofit doesn’t just hand out free seeds and garden beds; it equips residents with the skills to reclaim their food autonomy. With each sprouting seed, participants are learning the art of self-reliance, finding therapeutic solace in the rhythm of the earth.

For many, this isn’t merely a hobby—it’s a lifeline. In neighborhoods where access to fresh produce requires a two-hour bus journey, the ability to grow one’s own food is transformative. Families are filling their plates with pesticide-free, home-grown vegetables, a stark contrast to the processed options available in convenience stores.

But the fruits of their labor extend beyond the dinner table. Gardening classes double as community gatherings, forging bonds and fostering a sense of belonging. The garden becomes a classroom, a place where generations come together to learn and teach, sowing intergenerational knowledge alongside their seeds.

Yet, challenges persist. These green warriors face obstacles like limited space and resources, but innovation thrives where necessity breeds creativity. Balcony gardens spring up in urban apartments, while community plots expand to accommodate shared harvests. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and tenacity of those determined to rewrite their food narrative.

As these communities continue to grow—both literally and figuratively—the implications are profound. This resurgence of home gardening is not just about feeding families; it’s about fortifying futures. With every garden bed, with every communal effort, they’re crafting a new story—one of resilience, health, and hope.

The garden, an emblem of possibility, stands as a reminder: the power to change lies in the hands of those who dare to plant the seeds of their own destiny. And as these urban gardens flourish, so too does the promise of a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.

Oscar Favorite ‘Anora’ Wins Best Film, Director And Actor At The Independent Spirit Awards

Sean Baker’s “Anora” won best film, best director and best actor for Mikey Madison at the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday.

Sean Baker’s “Anora” won best film, best director and best actor for Mikey Madison at the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday in what could be a preview of next Sunday’s Oscars: The film about a Brooklyn sex worker and her whirlwind affair with a Russian oligarch’s son has emerged in recent weeks as an awards season front-runner.

The Spirit Awards, held in a beachside tent in Santa Monica, California, is the shaggier, more irreverent sister to the Academy Awards, celebrating the best in independent film and television.

Host Aidy Bryant called it “Hollywood’s third or fourth biggest night.”

In accepting the directing prize, Baker spoke passionately about the difficulty of making independent films in an industry that is no longer able to fund riskier films. He said indies are in danger of becoming calling card films — movies made only as a means to get hired for bigger projects.

“The system has to change because this is simply unsustainable,” Baker said to enthusiastic applause. “We shouldn’t be barely getting by.”

“Anora’s” best film competition included Jane Schoenbrun’s psychological horror “I Saw the TV Glow,” RaMell Ross’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s “Nickel Boys,” Greg Kwedar’s incarceration drama “Sing Sing” and Coralie Fargeat’s body horror “The Substance.”

This year had several other possible Oscar winners celebrating. Kieran Culkin, considered an Oscar favorite, won the supporting performance award for “A Real Pain.” His director, co-star and writer Jesse Eisenberg won best screenplay for the film about two cousins embarking on a Holocaust tour in Poland.

Culkin was not there to accept — he also missed his BAFTA win last weekend to tend to a family member — but other Oscar nominees like Madison and Demi Moore were.

Madison won the top acting prize over Moore at the BAFTAs last weekend, as well, and stopped Saturday to pet Moore’s dog Pilaf on the way to the stage. Acting categories for the Spirit Awards are gender neutral and include 10 spots each, meaning Madison and Moore were up against Oscar nominees like Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”) and Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”).

The documentary prize went to “No Other Land,” the lauded film by a Palestinian-Israeli collective about the destruction of a village in the West Bank which doesn’t have distribution. It’s also a strong Oscar contender in a competitive category. The filmmakers were not in attendance to accept the award.

“Flow,” the wordless animated Latvian cat film, won best international film. At the Oscars, it’s competing in the international film category and animation.

While the Spirit Award winners don’t always sync up with the academy, they can often reflect a growing consensus as in the “Everything Everywhere All At Once” year. The awards limit eligibility to productions with budgets of $30 million or less, meaning more expensive Oscar nominees like “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two” were not in the running.

Sean Wang accepted best first feature and best first screenplay prizes for “Dìdi.” He said it was special to be sharing the stage with one of his stars, Joan Chen, who was also nominated for the same award 25 years ago for “Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl.”

The Netflix phenomenon “Baby Reindeer” also picked up several prizes, for actors Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning and Nava Mau.

Mau, who is trans, spoke about the importance of actors sticking together “as we move into this next chapter.”

“We don’t know what is going to happen, but we do know our power,” Mau said. “We are the people and our labor is everything.”

Other television winners included “Shōgun,” for best new scripted series, and “How to Die Alone,” for best ensemble.

“How to Die Alone” creator and star Natasha Rothwell was emotional while accepting the ensemble prize. The show was recently canceled after its first season.

Rothwell said it was “a show about the need to feel seen, to be valued just as you are.”

“For Black stories, visibility isn’t a privilege: It is a necessity,” Rothwell said. “We deserve to take up space, to be complex, to be hilarious and to be fully human.”

The generally lighthearted show took a moment to acknowledge the impact of the wildfires on Los Angeles. Bryant made a plea to anyone watching the show, in the audience or on the YouTube livestream, to help rebuild L.A. She pointed to a QR code that appeared on the livestream to make donations to the Film Independent Emergency Filmmaker Relief Fund, providing grants to alumni impacted by the wildfires.

The show also paid tribute to longtime Film Independent president Josh Welsh, who died earlier this year at age 62. Welsh had colon cancer.

Bryant said in her opening that it had been a “great year for film and a bad year for human life.” The “Saturday Night Live” alum kicked off the event ribbing some of the nominees, like Emma Stone.

“Emma was a producer on four nominated projects tonight,” Bryant said. “But even more importantly, her hair is short now.”

Stone also featured prominently in Eisenberg’s speech, when he picked up the best screenplay prize for “A Real Pain.” Since they met on the set of “Zombieland” in 2009, he said, she’s been supportive of his writing despite being “the most famous person I know” and produced both of his films.

“I think of her not as my producer, but as a fairy godmother, like I’m riding the coattails for her goodwill,” Eisenberg said.

The camera cut to Stone, teary and moved, in the audience. She and her husband Dave McCary’s production company Fruit Tree also produced Julio Torres’ “Problemista” and “Fantasmas” and Schoenbrun’s “I Saw the TV Glow.”

“I Saw the TV Glow” went into the show tied with “Anora” with six nominations. It left with only one, for producer Sarah Winshall.

Blake Lively criticizes ‘offensive’ magazine cover showing her and Justin Baldoni at war

Blake Lively has recently spoken about a recent cover of The Hollywood Reporter that showcased an image of her and Justin Baldoni amid their ongoing legal battle.

The magazine’s cover showed Lively loading a phone with a slingshot aimed at Baldoni while he is holding onto a copy of It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. A spokesperson for the Gossip Girl actor has since given her opinion of the cover in a statement given to The Daily Mail.

“The Hollywood Reporter should be ashamed of itself,” a spokesperson for Lively told the publication on Friday.

“The framing in this picture is outrageously insulting as it plays into every sexist trope about women who dare file a workplace complaint, turning them into the aggressor, and suggesting they deserve the retaliation that comes their way.”

The statement continued: “In addition, the story is extremely offensive as it incredibly seems to explain away documented examples of sexual harassment and retaliation by calling them ‘cultural misunderstandings.’”

The Independent has reached out to both representatives for Lively and The Hollywood Reporter for comment.

The publication’s illustration was meant to showcase the biblical story of David and Goliath in which a little boy is able to overcome a giant with just a slingshot.

Rumors of a feud between Baldoni and Lively on the set of It Ends with Us — based on the Colleen Hoover book of the same name — started percolating online last year, as they appeared to avoid each other during the film’s promotional tour. At the time, Lively was called out for a “tone-deaf” approach to the movie, with fans claiming she failed to treat its heavy subject matter with the appropriate solemnity.

In the lawsuit against Baldoni, filed in December, Lively alleged that the backlash she received was part of a carefully orchestrated effort by Baldoni’s PR team.

The Jane the Virgin alum is suing The New York Times for $250 million, and he is counter-suing Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for $400 million. The lawsuit against the couple alleges that they’re attempting to “destroy” Baldoni’s reputation and career.

In January, a New York federal judge informed both parties to prepare for a trial in March 2026. After this, Lively and Reynolds’ attorneys filed a notice stating that they would seek to dismiss Baldoni’s counter-lawsuit

On Thursday, Lively’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, asked to be removed from Baldoni’s lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, with Sloane’s lawyer Sigrid McCawley filing a motion in New York federal court. McCawley also asked for her firm, Vision PR, to be removed from the countersuit.

In court documents, Sloane’s lawyer alleged that the publicist was “dragged” into a “smoke and mirrors exercise” by Baldoni’s team “to distract from their own sexual harassment and systematic retaliation.” The filing also alleges that there is no “basis” for the claims that they supposedly launched a “smear campaign” against Baldoni or planting “malicious” stories about the actor.

Most recently, Lively and Reynolds have submitted a letter to a judge in New York asking for a stronger protective order (PO) than the court’s “model” one. This came after both Lively and Baldoni agreed to a PO order, as the Gossip Girl alum is suing her former colleague for sexual harassment and accusing him of orchestrating a campaign to “destroy” her reputation. These are claims Baldoni has since denied in a countersuit.

“As detailed in Ms. Lively’s Amended Complaint, Ms. Lively, her family, other members of the cast, various fact witnesses, and individuals that have spoken out publicly in support of Ms. Lively have received violent, profane, sexist, and threatening communications,” the new letter, which was obtained by E! News, stated.

In addition, the actor’s team asked for certain material to be categorized as “an Attorney’s Eyes Only,” which would make those legal documents highly confidential.

Rihanna opens up about sons RZA and Riot’s VERY opposite personalities

Rihanna opened up about being mother to her little boys RZA, two, and Riot, one, as she dished on the stark contrast in their personalities for Harper’s Bazaar Legacy Issue.

The Diamonds songstress – who recently celebrated her 37th birthday this week – discussed a number of topics for the outlet’s March 2025 cover story, such as her relationship with A$AP Rocky and new music.

Rihanna shares her sons with the Everyday rapper – whom she was first romantically linked to in 2020.

In regards to her eldest child, the Fenty Beauty founder expressed, ‘RZA is just an empath. He’s so magical. He loves music. He loves melody. He loves books. He loves water. Bath time, swimming, pool, beach, anything.

‘And Riot, he’s just hilarious. When he wakes up, he starts to squeal, scream. Not in a crying way. He just wants to sing. And I’m like, “Okay, here we go!”‘

She humorously added, ‘He’s my alarm in the morning! He’s not taking no for an answer from anyone. I don’t know where he came from, dude.’

Rihanna, 37, opened up about being mother to her little boys RZA, two, and Riot, one, as she dished on the stark contrast in their personalities for Harper’s Bazaar Legacy Issue

The Diamonds songstress shares her sons with the Everyday rapper – whom she was first romantically linked to in 2020

The star also revealed that RZA had a hard time adjusting to having a little brother in the house, ‘like all [new] siblings do.

‘And at first Riot was understanding that his role was being the little brother. Now he knows he’s in charge.’

Read More Rihanna ‘is tipped to headline Glastonbury for the first time ever as she plans London residency’

Rihanna explained that fellow music artist Pharrell Williams inspired the name of her youngest son. The Happy hitmaker and Rocky notably collaborated on the track titled Riot back in 2023.

‘He gave us this name thinking it was going to be a girl, because he had seen something online. Pharrell is very deep. He’s not surface,’ she expressed.

‘He will never say anything and just leave it there with a full stop. He will have the entire history: the energy, the time, the month that it is.’

The songstress also gushed about her partner Rocky and his close bond with their children.

Earlier this week, the rapper was found not guilty on all counts of his shooting felony trial in Los Angeles.

When the not guilty verdict was revealed, Rihanna – who had been sitting inside the courtroom – erupted into tears as cheers echoed around.

In regards to her eldest child, the Fenty Beauty founder expressed, ‘RZA is just an empath. He’s so magical. He loves music. He loves melody. He loves books. He loves water’

‘And Riot, he’s just hilarious. When he wakes up, he starts to squeal, scream. Not in a crying way. He just wants to sing. And I’m like, “Okay, here we go!”‘ she added

She expressed that watching him be a father is the ‘greatest thing’ and further elaborated with, ‘His pureness. His charm. I’m annoyed because my sons sometimes just live for him more than they live for me.’

‘And I’m like, “Did you know who cooked you? Do you know who pushed you out?” And they love him, but when I see it, oh, it’s the best.’

The couple also tend to stray from Hollywood and enjoy keeping it lowkey on outings in New York – which is Rocky’s home state.

‘We like to eat with people. We like to shop with people. We like to walk the streets with people. I don’t like a private room. I don’t have them shut down stores. I don’t like the Rapunzel life.’

She expressed, ‘It’s very isolating. It’s very lonely. And what am I protecting myself from? I’m actually allowing people to dictate the robbery of the life that I could actually be living.’

While Rihanna is focused on motherhood, the star also gave an update on a possible new album and told Harper’s Bazaar that ‘music is my freedom.’

She released her last LP Anti nearly 10 years earlier in 2016, which she listens ‘from top to bottom with no shame.

‘I used to always have shame. I actually don’t like listening to my music, but Anti – I can listen to the album…’

Rihanna explained that fellow music artist Pharrell Williams inspired the name of her youngest son. The Happy hitmaker and Rocky notably collaborated on the track titled Riot back in 2023

She expressed that watching him be a father is the ‘greatest thing’ and further elaborated with, ‘His pureness. His charm. I’m annoyed because my sons sometimes just live for him more than they live for me’

The couple also tend to stray from Hollywood and enjoy keeping it lowkey on outings in New York – which is Rocky’s home state

Reflecting on her past music has also helped inspire the songstress where she wants to take a new album creatively. ‘I think music is my freedom. I just came to that realization.

‘I just cracked the code on what I really want to do for my next body of work. I am actually feeling really good about this. I know I kept saying this over the years.’

She also responded to speculation that she was working on a reggae album and told the outlet, ‘Way off! There’s no genre now. That’s why I waited.

‘Every time, I was just like, “No, it’s not me. It’s not right. It’s not matching my growth. It’s not matching my evolution. I can’t do this. I can’t stand by this. I can’t perform this for a year on tour.”‘

She added that, ‘After a while, I looked at it, and I was like, this much time away from music needs to count for the next thing everyone hears. It has to count. It has to matter.

‘I have to show them the worth in the wait. I cannot put up anything mediocre. After waiting eight years, you might as well just wait some more.’

Rihanna expressed that the current trajectory of her album ‘feels right’ and revealed that for eight years she has ‘been in the studio.’

She then teased that ‘it’s not going to be anything that anybody expects. And it’s not going to be commercial or radio digestible. It’s going to be where my artistry deserves to be right now. I feel like I’ve finally cracked it, girl.’

Earlier this week on Thursday, Rihanna and her partner A$AP Rocky had the chance to celebrate her 37th birthday during a night out in Los Angeles.

Reflecting on her past music has also helped inspire the songstress where she wants to take a new album creatively. ‘I think music is my freedom. I just came to that realization’

Rihanna expressed that the current trajectory of her album ‘feels right’ and revealed that for eight years she has ‘been in the studio’

The couple were spotted grabbing a bite to eat at The Nice Guy Italian restaurant in West Hollywood.

‘Getting old is s**t, but it’s also a blessing,’ the Love On The Brain hitmaker said while switching to the topic of aging and the kind of legacy she wants to leave behind.

‘My legacy is right now. That’s all I have the most control over. My legacy is what I do with my time at this moment.’

She added, ‘How am I present with the people around me? How am I grateful? How am I making this a happy moment? How am I making a memory?

‘I’m even in the space of not even spending my money on things, but I’ll spend my money on an experience. That’s something no one can take from me.’

The star also expressed that, ‘Somebody could rob me right now of everything I have, [but] they will never take a memory, an experience, a feeling, a scent that reminded me of that moment. There’s just things that mean more when you grow up.’

‘Getting old is s**t, but it’s also a blessing,’ the Love On The Brain hitmaker said while switching to the topic of aging and the kind of legacy she wants to leave behind

Rihanna has been keeping busy and recently posed up a storm as she modeled lingerie for her Savage x Fenty brand earlier this month

Rihanna has been keeping busy and recently posed up a storm as she modeled lingerie for her Savage x Fenty brand earlier this month.

She has also landed a new deal with Dior to become the face of the luxurious brand’s J’adore perfume.

The singer explained that the scent is linked to a special memory – and shared that her own mother ‘used to sell perfume at a duty-free store.

‘She would come home with the testers when they were down to the end and they have to put out a new tester. J’adore was one of those ones that were always there. And that’s where my love for J’adore started.’

NAACP Image Awards will honor Kamala Harris and the Wayans Family. Here’s how to watch the show

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The 56th NAACP Image Awards will celebrate the achievements of trailblazing entertainers, athletes and writers of color, recognizing their impact on culture and beyond.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will be honored Saturday evening during the ceremony in Pasadena, California, where she will receive the prestigious Chairman’s Award. The Wayans family will be inducted into the NAACP Awards Hall of Fame.

Here is what you need to know about the awards show, including how to watch or stream live, entertainer of the year nominees and more details on featured honorees.

The Image Awards have a couple of agendas: Paying tribute to Black excellence in entertainment and culture while honoring Altadena residents impacted by the recent Los Angeles wildfires.

The ceremony begins at 8 p.m. Eastern, 5 p.m. Pacific at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, where several awards and performances will be handed out during the livestreamed show.

Comedian-actor Deon Cole will host the ceremony, which will be telecast on BET and simulcast on CBS. The show will also be available live on BET Her, VH1, MTV, MTV2, Pop, TV Land, Logo, Comedy Central, Smithsonian.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is to receive the NAACP ‘s Chairman’s Award.

Harris, defeated by Donald Trump in last year’s presidential election, was the first woman and the first person of color to serve as vice president. She had previously been a U.S. senator from California and the state’s attorney general.

In a statement, Harris was called a “force of change” by Leon W. Russell, chair of the NAACP’s national board of directors. He said the show will celebrate her “relentless dedication to justice, equality, and the betterment of our society.”

Other winners of the Chairman’s prize have included former President Barack Obama, the late Rep. John Lewis and the late actor Ruby Dee.

The Wayans family, whose impact on film, TV, sketch and stand-up comedy has shaped Hollywood on and off screen, will be inducted in the NAACP Awards Hall of Fame.

Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans Sr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. will each be recognized.

Some of the Wayans’ credits include the sketch comedy series “In Living Color,” created by Keenan Ivory Wayans in 1990 and Damon Wayans starred in the 1995 comedy “Major Payne.”

Keenan Ivory Wayans also directed the 2000 slasher spoof “Scary Movie,” written by Marlon and Shawn Wayans, who also wrote and starred in “White Chicks” in 2004. Father-son duo Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. currently co-star in the CBS sitcom “Poppa’s House.”

Damon Wayans Jr. has acted in two of the most critically acclaimed comedies in recent years: “Happy Endings” and “New Girl.” Kim Wayans, a comedian, actor and director, also received praise for her work in the 2011 drama “Pariah.”

“Poppa’s House” is nominated for an NAACP Award, as are Damon Wayons and Damon Wayons Jr. for their acting on the show. Marlon Wayans’ guest appearance on Peacock’s “Bel-Air” is also up for an award.

The top nominees for the coveted entertainer of the year honor includes Kendrick Lamar, Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kevin Hart and Shannon Sharpe.

Lamar won over the masses for his rap battle with Drake, leading to chart-topping diss tracks including “Not Like Us,” which won him five Grammys. He headlined the Super Bowl halftime show earlier this month.

Erivo made her presence felt in her Oscar-nominated performance in “Wicked.” She’ll be the host of the upcoming Tony Awards.

Sharpe, an NFL Hall of Famer, became an influential voice in media with his podcast “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap” with Chad Ochocinco Johnson.

Hart showed off his comedic talents during “The Roast of Tom Brady” and starred in “Lift and Borderlands.”

Palmer starred in the buddy comedy “One of Them Days,” which debuted No. 1 at the box office last month. She won an Emmy for her hosting efforts on NBC’s “Password.”

Dave Chappelle will be honored with the president’s award for his “thought-provoking humor,” according to Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO.

Chappelle will be the first comedian to receive the honor. Past recipients include Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Usher, Rihanna and John Legend.

DJ D-Nice will honor music legend the late Quincy Jones, and Grammy winner Ledisi will perform alongside the Adam Blackstone Band.

The Independent Spirit Awards Are Today. Here’s Everything You Need to Know

US actress Mikey Madison poses with the award for Best leading actress for “Anora” during the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, in London, on February 16, 2025. (AFP)

Oscar nominees like Mikey Madison, Demi Moore and Sebastian Stan will be making a stop by the beach Saturday for the Film Independent Spirit Awards. The annual awards ceremony is the shaggier, more irreverent sister to the Academy Awards, celebrating the best in independent film and television.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What are the Independent Spirit Awards? The Film Independent Spirit Awards (sometimes casually referred to as the Indie Spirits) have been celebrating the best in independent film for 40 years. For many years, the show, put on by the nonprofit organization Film Independent, took place the day before the Oscars but it’s recently shifted timing away from that busy weekend.

Awards are voted on by Film Independent Members, a group that includes filmmakers, industry leaders and passionate fans. The awards limit eligibility to productions with budgets of $30 million or less, meaning more expensive productions like “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two” are not in the running. Television categories were added in 2021.

When and where are the Spirit Awards? The Spirit Awards will be held on Saturday in Santa Monica, California, in a tent next to the beach. The show begins at 5 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on IMDb and Film Independent’s YouTube channels. “Saturday Night Live” alum Aidy Bryant is returning to host for the second year.

Who are the top nominees? Oscar front-runner “Anora” is one of the most nominated films of the night, as is Jane Schoenbrun’s psychological horror “I Saw the TV Glow.” Both got six nominations, including best feature and best director.

Also nominated for best feature film were RaMell Ross’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s “Nickel Boys,” Greg Kwedar’s incarceration drama “Sing Sing” and Coralie Fargeat’s body horror “The Substance.”

Acting categories include 10 spots each.

Lead actor nominees are: Amy Adams (“Nightbitch”); Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”); Mikey Madison (“Anora”); Demi Moore (“The Substance”); Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”); June Squibb (“Thelma”); Hunter Schafer (“Cuckoo”); Keith Kupferer (“Ghostlight”); Ryan Destiny (“The Fire Inside”); and Justice Smith (“I Saw the TV Glow”).

Supporting acting nominees are: Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”); Carol Kane (“Between the Temples”); Clarence Maclin (“Sing Sing”); Adam Pearson (“A Different Man”); Joan Chen (“Dìdi”); Danielle Deadwyler (“The Piano Lesson”); Jack Haven (“I Saw the TV Glow”); Kani Kusruti (“Girls Will Be Girls”); Yura Borisov (“Anora”); and Karren Karagulian (“Anora”).

The Spirit Awards also recognize new fiction and nonfiction television series, where nominees include the Netflix phenomenon “Baby Reindeer,” “Shōgun” and “Ren Fair.”

How will it impact the Oscars? The winners will not have any impact on the Oscars, as the voting window closed earlier this week. Some years, the Spirit Awards significantly overlap with eventual Oscar winners, as in the year of “Everything Everywhere All At Once.”

Other times, it doesn’t. Last year’s big awards season champion “Oppenheimer” was too expensive to qualify, and the top Spirit Awards winners were “Past Lives” and “American Fiction.”

What Jennifer Lopez did after being declared legally single

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributors

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck settled their divorce in court on Monday, January 6. However, the two weren’t declared legally single until Friday, February 21, per court documents obtained by People magazine.

On the same day that the court documents were filed, Lopez, 55, performed a sold out show in Abu Dhabi. The Waiting for Tonight singer took the stage to perform some of her hit songs and, at one point during the concert, she got emotional.

In a video shared by Lopez’s official fan club On the JLo, the entertainer was clearly taken aback by the ongoing cheers from the crowd. She lowered her microphone and put her hand over her heart as she mouthed the words “I love you very much” to her fans.

The comments section of the post quickly filled with love and support from fans.

“Good for her. She deserves all that love,” one person wrote. “Take in all that love baby!!! You deserve it,” another comment read.

Meanwhile, on her own Instagram account, Lopez shared a video of her performance of Louboutins from the show. “LIVE in 2025,” she captioned the post. Fans loved seeing a sneak peek of the show, with many showing Lopez love in the comments section of the post.

The show marked Lopez’s first show since becoming legally single. She and Affleck, who dated in the early 2000s, rekindled their romance in 2021 and ended up getting married the following year. However, just shy of what would have been their second wedding anniversary, things went awry.

Lopez quietly filed for divorce in August 2024. She listed the date of separation as April 26, and cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the divorce filing, per People.

“You have to be good on your own. I thought I learned that, but I didn’t. And then, this summer, I had to be like, ‘I need to go off and be on my own. I want to prove to myself that I can do that,’” Lopez told Interview magazine in an article published in October 2024.

“Being in a relationship doesn’t define me. I can’t be looking for happiness in other people. I have to have happiness within myself,” she continued, adding that she has no regrets over how her love life with Affleck played out.

The Independent Spirit Awards are today. Here’s everything you need to know

Oscar nominees like Mikey Madison, Demi Moore and Sebastian Stan will be making a stop by the beach for the Film Independent Spirit Awards where all are up for acting awards

Oscar nominees like Mikey Madison, Demi Moore and Sebastian Stan will be making a stop the by beach Saturday for the Film Independent Spirit Awards. The annual awards ceremony is the shaggier, more irreverent sister to the Academy Awards, celebrating the best in independent film and television.

Here’s everything you need to know.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards (sometimes casually referred to as the Indie Spirits) have been celebrating the best in independent film for 40 years. For many years, the show, put on by the nonprofit organization Film Independent, took place the day before the Oscars but it’s recently shifted timing away from that busy weekend.

Awards are voted on by Film Independent Members, a group that includes filmmakers, industry leaders and passionate fans. The awards limit eligibility to productions with budgets of $30 million or less, meaning more expensive productions like “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two” are not in the running. Television categories were added in 2021.

The Spirit Awards will be held on Saturday in Santa Monica, California, in a tent next to the beach. The show begins at 5 p.m. ET.

The Spirit Awards will be streamed live on IMDb and Film Independent’s YouTube channels.

“Saturday Night Live” alum Aidy Bryant is returning to host for the second year. Last year she referred to the show as the “bisexual Oscars.”

Oscar front-runner “Anora” is one of the most nominated films of the night, as is Jane Schoenbrun’s psychological horror “I Saw the TV Glow.” Both got six nominations, including best feature and best director.

Also nominated for best feature film were RaMell Ross’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s “Nickel Boys,” Greg Kwedar’s incarceration drama “Sing Sing” and Coralie Fargeat’s body horror “The Substance.”

Acting categories for the Spirit Awards are gender neutral and include 10 spots each.

Lead actor nominees are: Amy Adams (“Nightbitch”); Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”); Mikey Madison (“Anora”); Demi Moore (“The Substance”); Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”); June Squibb (“Thelma”); Hunter Schafer (“Cuckoo”); Keith Kupferer (“Ghostlight”); Ryan Destiny (“The Fire Inside”); and Justice Smith (“I Saw the TV Glow”).

Supporting acting nominees are: Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”); Carol Kane (“Between the Temples”); Clarence Maclin (“Sing Sing”); Adam Pearson (“A Different Man”); Joan Chen (“Dìdi”); Danielle Deadwyler (“The Piano Lesson”); Jack Haven (“I Saw the TV Glow”); Kani Kusruti (“Girls Will Be Girls”); Yura Borisov (“Anora”); and Karren Karagulian (“Anora”).

The Spirit Awards also recognize new fiction and nonfiction television series, where nominees include the Netflix phenomenon “Baby Reindeer,” “Shōgun” and “Ren Fair.”

The winners will not have any impact on the Oscars, as the voting window closed earlier this week. Some years, the Spirit Awards significantly overlap with eventual Oscar winners, as in the year of “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” Other times, it doesn’t. Last year’s big awards season champion “Oppenheimer” was too expensive to qualify, and the top Spirit Awards winners were “Past Lives” and “American Fiction.”