Apple TV+ celebrates the two-part documentary film event “Number One on the Call Sheet” at Los Angeles premiere with Jamie Foxx, John Boyega, Jurnee Smollett, Meagan Good, Morris Chestnut, Ruth Negga and more
Foxx, Boyega, Smollett, Good, Chestnut and Negga, with award-winning directors Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch, producers Datari Turner and Dan Cogan, and executive producers Byron Phillips, Candice Wilson Cherry and Mishka Brown, hold an electric conversation about the films at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood
Ahead of the 28 March global premiere of “Number One on the Call Sheet,” the timely and star-studded two-part documentary film event, Apple TV+ hosted the red carpet premiere at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. Speaking to a packed audience, Jamie Foxx, John Boyega, Jurnee Smollett, Meagan Good, Morris Chestnut and Ruth Negga, along with award-winning directors Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch, and producers Datari Turner and Dan Cogan, paid homage to some of Hollywood’s biggest icons through an exclusive clips and conversation showcase, moderated by Emmy Award-winning television host Kevin Frazier, about the films’ reflections on the journey of Black actors in Hollywood, the barriers they’ve overcome and their role in shaping the future of entertainment.
Producer Jamie Foxx was joined by fellow cast members John Boyega and Morris Chestnut, along with director Reginald Hudlin, producers Datari Turner and Dan Cogan, and executive producers Byron Phillips and Candice Wilson Cherry, as they discussed the exciting scenes from “Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood.” Frazier proclaimed that these special films shine a light on what it means to be “number one on the call sheet,” and emphasised the importance of the impactful cultural moments the film touches on. Chestnut noted that they have a “huge responsibility” as leading men, while Hudlin affirmed that “this is a dream come to life,” and Turner told the audience that “anyone who wants to be a winner” should “watch this movie to learn a winner’s mentality.” Foxx encouraged the audience, stating “we have the baton in our hand.”
During the presentation for “Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood,” cast members Jurnee Smollett and Meagan Good, director Shola Lynch, producers Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner and Dan Cogan, and executive producers Mishka Brown and Candice Wilson Cherry reflected on the moving moments in the film. Frazier introduced “Black Leading Women in Hollywood,” declaring that while the films are different in theme, they are equally important. Lynch acknowledged that “it’s a story of resilience and brilliance,” as we “stand on the shoulders of those who came before,” and discussed the myriad of challenges faced by Black women in the industry, as well as the lessons that audiences should take away from the film. Emphasising the importance of representation, Wilson Cherry praised these as stories that are “important to the culture globally” to “normalise Black love and Black lives.” Good cherished the special collaboration and sisterhood that allowed her to be “beautifully honest” and insisted that “we are here now” with a responsibility to “create that opportunity for the little boys and girls.” Smollett stated, “It’s our job to let our people see themselves on screen, to let them feel less alone,” and further declared “it’s a bigger calling, it’s not just about us.”
Frazier wrapped up the illuminating evening of conversation, announcing “we must support the people who are supporting us” and “make sure everybody tunes in.” The two-part documentary film event “Number One on the Call Sheet” premieres on Apple TV+ globally 28 March.
With unprecedented access and candid interviews, Apple TV+’s “Number One on the Call Sheet” takes us on an intimate journey with some of Hollywood’s most extraordinary leading Black men and women as they shine a light on the joys and challenges of being a Black actor, share breakthrough moments, discuss blueprints for success and honour legends, while recognising the next generation’s enormous potential. The two-part documentary film event “Number One on the Call Sheet” premieres on Apple TV+ globally 28 March.
“Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood” and “Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood” deliver an in-depth look at some of Hollywood’s biggest stars as they reveal their journeys to game-changing leading roles. The films are produced for Apple by Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner and Dan Cogan. Foxx produces through his Foxxhole Productions with Turner, Hart produces through Hartbeat and Cogan produces through Story Syndicate.
Executive producers for “Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood” include director Reginald Hudlin, Byron Phillips, Diana E. Williams, Bryan Smiley, Candice Wilson Cherry, Liz Garbus and Mala Chapple. With Foxx and Hart lending their voices to the documentary, contributors also include John Boyega, Don Cheadle, Morris Chestnut, Ice Cube, Taye Diggs, Idris Elba, Laurence Fishburne, Morgan Freeman, Dwayne Johnson, Michael B. Jordan, Daniel Kaluuya, Martin Lawrence, Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, Denzel Washington and Marlon Wayans. These titans of the screen open up about historic firsts, the true role of a lead actor, the art of sustained success and dominating the global box office. Additional insights are shared by industry insiders Reuben Cannon, Nina Shaw, Matthew Johnson, Robi Reed and Quentin Tarantino.
“Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood” is directed by Lynch, and executive producers include Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Hudlin, Mishka Brown, Nanette Nelms, Smiley, Wilson Cherry, Garbus, Chapple and Mark Monroe. With Bassett, Berry, Davis and Goldberg lending their voices to the documentary, additional contributors include Cynthia Erivo, Vivica A. Fox, Meagan Good, Tiffany Haddish, Taraji P. Henson, Nia Long, Ruth Negga, Gabourey Sidibe, Jurnee Smollett, Octavia Spencer, Tessa Thompson, Gabrielle Union, and Alfre Woodard. Cinematic legends discuss their big breaks, navigating Hollywood’s star system with grace and determination, and creating their own opportunities and seats at the table.
“Number One on the Call Sheet” joins the award-winning slate of Apple Original documentary films, including Hudlin’s Critics’ Choice Documentary Award and NAACP Image Award-winning “Sidney,” honouring the legendary Sidney Poitier and his legacy as an iconic actor, filmmaker and activist; Emmy and Critics’ Choice Documentary Award-winning “STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie,” recounting Fox’s extraordinary story in his own words; Emmy Award-nominated “Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me,” a uniquely raw and intimate documentary spanning her six-year journey into a new light; Emmy Award-nominated and PGA Award-winning “STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces,” featuring acclaimed writer, producer, director, actor and comedian Steve Martin; the Emmy Award-nominated “Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry”; and the recently announced untitled feature on rock icons Fleetwood Mac, among many others.
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favourite screens. After its launch on 1 November, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have been honoured with 553 wins and 2,562 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
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