The Amazon Prime Video Heist Drama Series ‘Leverage: Redemption’ returns on April 17 with Season 3.
Photo Cred: Sam Lothridge/Prime Christian Kane, Gina Bellman, Noah Wyle, Aleyse Shannon
Awards Buzz had the pleasure of speaking with Aleyse Shannon and Beth Riesgraf about character dynamics, the comedic similarity of ‘Leverage: Redemption’ and ‘Scandal’, the series, qualities that Alyese and Beth both bring to the series, living in the same neighborhood, coffee dates and more.
Watch the video above for a behind-the-scenes look at Breanna and Parker in the hit series.
Photo Cred: Sam Lothridge/Prime (Gina Bellman, Beth Riesgraf, Christian Kane )
About ‘Leverage: Redemption’ Season 3
The rich and powerful take what they want, but the Leverage Crew is back to fight for the little guy. This season the team pits themselves against a power broker stealing the clean water under people’s feet and turning into dirty money, fight against a Mayor who’s literally the judge and jury of his small town, outrun a mark who’s finally caught up with them mid-con, outhustle a pool hustler with a side business in international extortion, and bring down an industrialist exploiting child labor. All this while dodging an intricate plan of vengeance from a Season One enemy and working through the fallout of their new personal relationships. But no matter what, when someone needs help, we provide … Leverage! The thriller series is executive produced by Dean Devlin, Marc Roskin, Rachel Olschan-Wilson, John Rogers, Chris Downey and created by Dean Devlin with starring cast Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf, Aleyse Shannon, Noah Wyle, Aldis Hodge. The Amazon Prime Video Heist Drama Series ‘Leverage: Redemption’ returns on April 17 with Season 3. Watch Trailer Here!
The Amazon Prime Video Heist Drama Series ‘Leverage: Redemption’ returns on April 17 with Season 3!
Photo Cred: Sam Lothridge/Prime (Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge)
Awards Buzz recently interviewed Gina Bellman and Christian Kane about their characters’ evolution, Sophie’s wardrobe, the behind-the-scenes choreography of Christian Kane’s fight moves and recovery, and much more.
Watch the video above for an in-depth look into Eliot and Sophie’s lives throughout the series.
Photo Cred: Sam Lothridge/Prime (Christian Kane)
About ‘Leverage: Redemption’ Season 3
The rich and powerful take what they want, but the Leverage Crew is back to fight for the little guy. This season the team pits themselves against a power broker stealing the clean water under people’s feet and turning into dirty money, fight against a Mayor who’s literally the judge and jury of his small town, outrun a mark who’s finally caught up with them mid-con, outhustle a pool hustler with a side business in international extortion, and bring down an industrialist exploiting child labor. All this while dodging an intricate plan of vengeance from a Season One enemy and working through the fallout of their new personal relationships. But no matter what, when someone needs help, we provide … Leverage! The thriller series is executive produced by Dean Devlin, Marc Roskin, Rachel Olschan-Wilson, John Rogers, Chris Downey and created by Dean Devlin with starring cast Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf, Aleyse Shannon, Noah Wyle, Aldis Hodge. The Amazon Prime Video Heist Drama Series ‘Leverage: Redemption’ returns on April 17 with Season 3. Watch Trailer Here!
Gina Bellman (SopPhoto Cred: Sam Lothridge/Prime (Gina Bellman, Beth Riesgraf, Christian Kane )
Exclusive Interview with Tracie Laymon “Bob Trevino Likes It“
“Bob Trevino Likes It” is a semi-autobiographical story written and directed by Tracie Laymon. The discussion focuses on the personal nature of the film, the importance of vulnerability and kindness, the casting of Barbie Ferreira, and the therapeutic and healing aspects of the filmmaking process for Laymon. The interview also touches on the film’s success at festivals, the potential for awards recognition, and Laymon’s relationship with her own father. “If he could have shed it, I believe that he would have, if he really could have. But we did have a very peaceful end, and I told him in person, I said, you did a good enough job that I’m not taking it with me.”
“Bob Trevino Likes It” premieres on March 21 in Los Angeles and New York and select theatres on March 28. Check out the Official Trailer
About “Bob Trevino Likes It“
“Bob Trevino Likes” It’ is inspired by the true friendship that writer/director Tracie Laymon found with a stranger when looking for her father online. Often playing the role of caretaker to people like her father who should be caring for her, Lily Trevino longs for a familial connection, having been abandoned by her mother as a child and then suddenly by her father in her twenties. Bob Trevino works long hours alone at a construction company to support his wife Jeanie’s scrapbooking habit. The couple has endured a lot in the past decade, and Bob has sought to put his wife first, to the point of ignoring his own feelings and need for friendship, meaning, and connection–that is, until he gets an unexpected Facebook message from a stranger. Lily and Bob’s blossoming friendship becomes a vital source of connection and healing in both their lives. Bob’s small acts of fatherly kindness fill a familial void in Lily’s life and hold the power to change her direction forever. In their own ways, these two must both learn they are worthy of extraordinary love exemplified through small acts of kindness.
Photo Cred: Roadside Pictures
About Tracie Laymon
Tracie Laymon is a filmmaker originally from Texas who spent part of her adolescence in Russia. After returning to the United States for college, she began directing short films and has since won numerous awards for her work, including a jury prize at SXSW and Best Director awards at several film festivals. As a member of the LGBTQIA community and a passionate advocate for disability representation, Laymon often explores themes of identity and belonging in her films. Her goal as a filmmaker is to amplify diverse perspectives through stories of unlikely heroes who overcome challenges in unexpected ways.
“F Marry Kill” is a comedy thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, laughing and guessing along with the hilarious rom-com.
Awards Buzz and Latasha’s Entertainment Scoop! interviewed director, Laura Murphy about her passion for the comedic, murder mystery niche and actress, Virginia Gardner about portraying the multifaceted character Kelly. Check out the lively video interview above!
When true-crime enthusiast Eva Vaugh (Lucy Hale) is pushed into the dating app world by her friends, she unexpectedly finds herself amidst a real murder case. As her favorite podcast reveals new details, she realizes one of her three dates could be the “Swipe Right Killer.” Eva and her friends must race to uncover which date is a potential husband, a jerk, or a killer in this sharp comedy-thriller.
Written by Ivan Diaz, Dan Scheinkman, and Meghan Brown, and directed by Laura Murphy, “F Marry Kill” features a talented cast including Lucy Hale, Virginia Gardner, and Brooke Nevin. The Lionsgate premiere is Friday, March 7, 2025 – get ready for a thrilling ride. Check out the “F Marry Kill” Official Trailer.
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate Studios is one of the world’s leading standalone, pure play, publicly-traded content companies. It brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a world-class portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a talent management and production powerhouse and a more than 20,000-title film and television library, all driven by Lionsgate’s bold and entrepreneurial culture.
Alta Global Media hosted a star-studded OSCARS viewing party at the Los Angeles Athletic Club for the 97th annual Academy Awards
Photo Cred: Anyuta Aslanian
On Sunday, March 2nd Alta Global Media hosted its 2nd annual star-studded Oscars viewing party at the nostalgic Los Angeles Athletic Club located in Los Angeles, California. Sunday was certainly ‘Sunday – Funday’ in Hollywood celebrating this year’s biggest achievements in film. Alta Global Media intimate, invite only event, in conjunction with the HollyShorts Film Festival served fundraising purposes honoring local heroic first responders from recent Los Angeles wildfires. There were numerous celebrities, athletes, music artists, HollyShorts alumni, Los Angeles Athletic Club members and many more who gathered to celebrate Hollywood’s biggest night – the OSCARS and the final stretch of this year’s awards season. The 97th annual Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theatre located in Los Angeles, California and Conan O’Brien hosted the extravagant event which ran for which ran for 3 hours and 47 minutes on ABC and Hulu.
As for the biggest winners, “Anora,” landed five of the six awards it was up for in Best Picture, Director, Actress, Editing and Original Screenplay categories. “Emilia Pérez,” was this year’s most nominated film scoring an amazing 13 nominations with two of which resulting into Oscars wins in the Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song categories. “The Brutalist” won three Academy Awards and both “Wicked” and “Dune: Part Two” scored two wins each. The 2025 Oscars ceremony went out with a bang!
Photo Cred: Anyuta Aslanian
As for the Alta Global Media’s red carpet, Latasha M. Ford shared space with many of your favorite television stars, Theo Dumont “Alta Global Media” founding partner, producer “RISE,” “Thirst,” “Die Like a Man,” co-founder of the HollyShorts Film Festival and Steven Adams “Alta Global Media” founding partner and producer “RISE,” “Rodney King,” “Heart of the Hunter,” “A Huey P Newton Story” and more.
Theo Dumont has a tremendous amount of entertainment publicity experience. He is the co-founder and co-director of the Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival, Hollywood Comedy Festival and co-founder of the Mammoth Film Festival. At Alta Global Media, Dumont spearheads media relations, publicity and strategic marketing communications campaigns for entertainment industry clients.
Dumont’s clients include Spike Lee, The Netflix Original Series She’s Gotta Have It, BlacKkKlansman for Focus Features, Actor/Director Roger Guenveur Smith (Rodney King), Stefon Bristol and his Spirit Award-Nominated film See You Yesterday, Writer Kerry Williamson, (Netflix’s What Happened to Monday), Buffalo 8 Productions (Rodney King), Bondit Media Capital, Bronwen Hughes (Netflix’s The Journey Is the Destination) Show runner Adi Hasak and his Adi TV Studios production company (NBC’s Shades of Blue and USA’s Eyewitness), Netflix’s Delhi Crime, Stan Lee’s Kids Universe, Producer Tanner Beard (Terrence Malik’s Voyage of Time, Knight of Cups, Song To Song), Oscar nominated animator Bill Plympton, 1821 Entertainment, Klasky Csupo, Strong Eagle Media (The Hornet’s Nest, Citizen Soldier, Apache Warrior) among others.
Steven Adamsis an award-winning producer. He is the founding partner at Alta Global Media where he represents international media companies and talent.
Adams is a producer on the Netflix Original adaptation of Roger Guenveur Smith’s solo performance piece Rodney King and the Peabody Award winning “A Huey P Newton Story” for Starz, both directed by Academy Award winner Spike Lee. Adams recently collaborated on the marketing of 2 seasons Spike Lee’s hit series Netflix “She’s Gotta Have It” and the Academy Award winning “BLACKKKLANSMAN.” Adams served for 4 years as a VFX executive producer with Paris-based VFX house BUF. His credits also include Academy Award winners such as James Cameron’s “Avatar,” Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi,” “Thor” for Marvel Studios, as well as “Green Lantern,” “Green Hornet,” Stephen Sommers’ “Odd Thomas” and Tim Burton’s “Dark Shadows”.
The iconic ‘BE@RBRICK’ collectible figures from MEDICOM TOY, the all-new series premieres Friday, March 21.
Produced and animated by DreamWorks Animation and Dentsu Inc., the new series features original music from four-time Grammy award-winning producer Timbaland. With its focus on the power of music, ‘BE@RBRICK’ aims to empower kids and families to embrace their true selves through the universal language of music.
Photo Cred: Apple TV+
ABOUT “BE@RBRICK”
‘BE@RBRICK’ follows Jasmine Finch and her bandmates as they pursue their dreams and inspire others to do the same. But it won’t be easy to do when living in a world where everyone’s role is chosen for them and where the painted-on look you receive when you graduate from high school determines who you’ll be for the rest of your life. Jasmine realizes that in order for her world to change, she and her friends will have to make it happen themselves.
The music-driven series, told through CG animation, is developed by Daytime Emmy Award nominee Meghan McCarthy (“My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic,” “Centaurworld”), who also serves as showrunner, executive producer, and writer. Alex Almaguer (“TrollsTopia”) is the supervising producer, with Taylor Orci (“Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts”) as story editor, and Athena Hofmann (“Amateur”) as line producer. The voice cast brings the characters to life with Brianna Bryan as Jasmine, Skyla I’Lece as Holly, Isaiah Crews as Nick, Alison Jaye as Ada, and Noah Bentley as Klaus.
Photo Cred: Apple TV+
In addition to its vibrant storytelling, the series is enhanced by the musical talents of four-time Grammy Award-winning producer Timbaland, who serves as executive music producer, with an original score by Jina Hyojin An (“XO, Kitty”) and Shirley Song (“Exploding Kittens”).
‘BE@RBRICK’ blends colorful animated storytelling with catchy original songs, humor, and characters who aren’t just toys—they’re real heroes facing life’s biggest challenges.
About Apple TV+
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 your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 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 recognition faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 537 wins and 2,530 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
The 29th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards ceremony was held on February 15, 2025, in Los Angeles, California at the InterContinental Hotel. The venue was filled with brilliance and some of the best behind-the-scenes experts in cinema. Latasha M. Ford, of course graced the red carpet to chat with nominees, honorees and many more. The energy on the carpet was electric, to say the least.
Check out some of the red-carpet interviews below:
Actress and Comedian, Rachael Harris hosted last night’s ceremony, with presenters including Garret Dillahunt, Peter Facinelli, Ron Funches, Eve Harlow, Samantha Hanratty, Vella Lovell, Al Madrigal, Joe Manganiello, Skye P. Marshall, Lamorne Morris, Jason Ritter, Devon Sawa, Kurtwood Smith, Michael Urie and Jessica Williams. A portion of the proceeds from the awards will be donated to disaster relief efforts benefiting behind-the-camera workers in the entertainment industry whom were impacted by the recent wildfires. The Art Directors Guild Awards was proud to be sponsored by Presenting Level: Sweetwater / NEP Live Events; Premier Level: Astek Wallcoverings, CushLight, Dazian; Diamond Level: Goodnight & Co.; Platinum Level: Interior Design Solutions (Belbien), Worldwide Production Agency (WPA); Gold Level: Epic Games | Unreal Engine.
Photo Cred: Focus Features
The Full Winners List
Wicked won for Fantasy Feature Film, Nosferatu won for Period Feature Film, Conclave won for Contemporary Feature Film and The Wild Robot won for Animated Feature Film and TV winners included Shōgun, The Penguin, Fallout, Squid Game, SNL, Frasier and What We Do in the Shadows. Below is the complete list of winners:
FANTASY FEATURE FILM
Wicked Production Designer: Nathan Crowley
ONE-HOUR FANTASY SINGLE-CAMERA TV SERIES Fallout: “The End” Production Designer: Howard Cummings
TV LIMITED SERIES The Penguin Production Designer: Kalina Ivanov
PERIOD FEATURE FILM Nosferatu Production Designer: Craig Lathrop
ONE-HOUR PERIOD SINGLE-CAMERA TV SERIES Shōgun: “Anjin” Production Designer: Helen Jarvis
VARIETY SPECIAL Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic Production Designers: James Yarnell, Steve Morden
VARIETY OR REALITY TV SERIES Saturday Night Live: “Host: Ariana Grande, Musical Guest: Stevie Nicks” Production Designers: Akira Yoshimura, Keith Ian Raywood, N. Joseph De Tullio
HALF HOUR SINGLE-CAMERA TV SERIES What We Do in the Shadows: “Headhunting” Production Designer: Shayne Fox
MULTI-CAMERA TV SERIES Frasier: “All About Eve” Production Designer: Glenda Rovello
TELEVISION MOVIE Unfrosted Production Designer: Clayton Hartley
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM The Wild Robot Production Designer: Raymond Zibach
COMMERCIALS Apple Pay: “Plates” Production Designer: François Audouy
MUSIC VIDEOS Kendrick Lamar: “Not Like Us” Production Designer: Freyja Bardell
CONTEMPORARY FEATURE FILM Conclave Production Designer: Suzie Davies
ONE-HOUR CONTEMPORARY SINGLE-CAMERA TV SERIES Squid Game: “Six Legs,” “O X” Production Designer: Chae Kyoung-sun
Photo Cred: Getty Images
2025 ‘Lifetime of Achievement’ and Cinematic Imagery Award Recipients
The Art Directors Guild acknowledged the astounding work of four art department icons: J. Dennis Washington, Production Designer; Dan Sweetman, Storyboard Artist; Barbara Mesney, Set Designer; Lisa Frazza, Scenic Artist. The industry veterans received Lifetime of Achievement Awards, and the Oscar award-winning Carl Jules Weyl was inducted into the Art Directors Guild Hall of Fame. Jason Reitman ‘Saturday Night’ director was honored with the 2025 Cinematic Imagery Award at the 29th Annual awards ceremony.
“Between script and screen, a director must navigate twenty crafts and art forms. My movies stand on the shoulders of brilliant artists including the production designers Jess Gonchor, Francois Audouy, Kevin Thompson, and Steve Saklad,” says Reitman. “Without these designers, art directors, set decorators and teams of craftspeople who work endless hours, my dreams would never be realized. I’m beyond honored to receive this award from the ADG, and I am eternally grateful to its members.”
In Memoriam Segment
This year’s In Memoriam segment paid great tribute to the Alber Obieson, Stella “Elle” Boyd, Hubert “Hub” Braden, Raymond Chan, Aric J. Lasher, Dahl Delu, Michael Epstein, Nicholas Murphy, Coulter McAuslanfd, Richard Owen and William “Bill” Waxler.
What is ‘Deli Boys’ bringing to the big screen in March? Well, after their deli-tycoon father suddenly dies, Raj and Mir Dar, a pair of spoiled Pakistani American brothers, lose everything and find out that their Baba was more drug lord than corporate magnate. The freaked-out boys are ushered kicking and screaming (literally) into the underworld by their Lucky Auntie and her nemesis Ahmad Uncle. As Raj and Mir fumble from one ridiculous catastrophe to the next, every move they make is life or death. Because when your trust fund is gone, so is the luxury of screwing up.
Check out the official trailer for Hulu’s upcoming half-hour comedy series, “Deli Boys” here: TRAILER
Cast, Showrunner, Producers and more!
As for the casts line-up Asif Ali as “Mir”, Saagar Shaikh as “Raj”, Poorna Jagannathan as “Lucky”, Alfie Fuller as “Prairie”, Brian George as “Ahmad” will bring the action in each of the half-hour episodes.The 10-episode series was created by Abdullah Saeed and developed by Jenni Konner and Nora Silver under Jenni Konner Productions. Michelle Nader, who also serves as showrunner, is an executive producer alongside Saeed, Konner and Silver. Nisha Ganatra is executive producer and director on the pilot, with Vali Chandrasekaran as a non-writing executive producer on the pilot. The series hails from Onyx Collective and is produced by 20th Television.
About Onyx Collective
Onyx Collective is a premium content brand under Disney Entertainment Television, with programming exclusively available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally. Onyx Collective curates globally entertaining stories by creators of color and underrepresented voices, all with a culturally specific point of view.
For More:
*stay tuned for more Hulu and ONYX Collective related coverage*
Amy Schumer has received the key to open the festival with an exclusive stand-up special event
Photo Cred: John Russo
SeriesFest: All You Need To Know
SeriesFest, the annual international TV festival that celebrates emerging talent, breakout series, and fresh voices in the television industry, will kick off its 11th season with a one-night-only performance by comedian Amy Schumer at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The stand-up special event on Tuesday, April 29 will also feature additional performers to be announced at a later date, and launch the six-day gathering of artists, storytellers, and industry professionals in Denver, Colorado.
About SeriesFest
SeriesFest is a non-profit organization that champions and empowers artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling by providing year-round opportunities for creators and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and share stories, which inspire and impact global audiences.
Each spring, SeriesFest culminates in a highly curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival includes in-competition independent pilot screenings, panels, workshops, live reads, parties, network television premieres, an additional wide array of programs including scripted, unscripted and late-night pilot competitions, exclusive screenings and galas, such as the SeriesFest Soiree.
About Amy Schumer
Amy Schumer is a Golden Globe, Tony and Grammy nominated standup comedian, actress, writer, producer, activist, and director. Her most recent projects include critically acclaimed series from Hulu’s Life & Beth Season 2 which Schumer stars in, created, wrote, and directed and the Golden Globe nominated Netflix comedy special, AMY SCHUMER: EMERGENCY CONTACT.
Among her many projects, Schumer is also the creator, star, writer and executive producer of the award-winning INSIDE AMY SCHUMER the popular Comedy Central television series, which premiered in April 2013 to the network’s highest season premiere ratings of that year. INSIDE AMY SCHUMER won the 2015 Writers Guild Award for Best Comedy/Variety Sketch series. In 2015, the show was honored with the first-ever Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sketch Variety Series. Schumer was also nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. Schumer received honors for Individual Achievement in Comedy and Outstanding Achievement in Comedy from the Television Critics Association in 2015. Additionally, she was awarded the 2015 Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. Among the show’s many accolades, it also received the prestigious Peabody Award in 2014.
What’s the latest with Amy Schumer?
Schumer will be starring in the Netflix Comedy ‘Kinda Pregnant’ alongside Will Forte and Jillian Bell with more in the works.
Photo Cred: Netflix
SeriesFest Sponsors and Support
Canva, Once Upon A Time Productions, Liberty Global, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Denver Film, Caz Matthews, Xfinity, and United Airlines, along with generous support from the SCFD.
Latasha's Entertainment Scoop 