ROB KIM/GETTY IMAGES |
I had a great time with the cast of HBO Films’ biopic “Bessie” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York yesterday. The evening’s red carpet premiere marked the end of the 22-year struggle for Queen Latifah to bring the story of legendary blues singer Bessie Smith to the screen. The project went through a number of studios and was for quite some time in development until HBO films took this project in and embraced it.
Queen Latifah shared with me that she enjoyed playing the role of "Bessie Smith" very much. One of my favorites on the red carpet was Mo'nique with her irresistible smile, positive attitude and humble personality she was a pleasure to speak to. She shared that this was her second time working with Queen Latifah and that she was proud to have seen her development in this field from her beginning stages. When I asked her what message she had for curvy women who because of the way their look have faced challenges breaking barriers in this industry she stated, Bessie was a curvy woman, Ma Rainey was a curvy woman, curvy women were in then and are in now you just have to take care of those curves."
Other cast members and invited guests at the red carpet event were Tika Sumpter, Tory Kittles, Bryan Greenberg, Mary J Blige, Amanda Warren and more.
Bessie movie premieres on HBO May 16th at 8pm ET. For more information go to: http://www.hbo.com/movies/bessie#/
Bryan Greenberg Karina Robledo Photography |
Tory Kittles Karina Robledo Photography |
Amanda Warren Karina Robledo Photography |
Mary J Blige Karina Robledo Photography |
Mo'nique and Senior Producer of ELE Jessica Medina Karina Robledo Photography |
Tika Sumpter Karina Robledo Photography |
Queen Latifah Karina Robledo Photography |