Source: Steve Granitz / Getty
Regina King‘s excellence spans more than three decades, but only recently has the industry started to give the icon her flowers.
Glamour magazine named the actress 2020 Woman of the Year, for example, alongside civil rights leader Sherrilyn Ifill, Atlanta’s Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and other astounding ladies. Magnifying King’s accomplishments and influence in what became a viral moment, the publication also released its own Women of the Year film, in which Gabrielle Union, Holly Robinson Peete, and more praised the Watchmen star.
“She can do anything,” Union proclaimed back in October. “She’s not pigeonholed by genre, or character type, or generation, or time period. She moves effortlessly through all of it.”
King, who’d also just won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, was taken aback by the kind words of her peers. She hit Twitter to thank them, saying “OMG! This made my heart smile so bright. I absolutely LOVE these women. Can’t imagine the journey without them! Thank you @hollyrpeete @CharlizeAfrica & @itsgabrielleu for always being there, for always being real, for always being phenomenal. Thank you @glamourmag.”
Since that honor, King has continued to wow the industry and we’re not surprised — wowing is what she does best. Most recently, she’s announced her feature film directorial debut, One Night In Miami. The highly-anticipated flick will follow the friendship of a young Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, Malcolm X, and Jim Brown. Here’s the official synopsis:
“Set on the night of February 25, 1964, the story follows a young Cassius Clay (before he became Muhammad Ali) as he emerges from the Miami Beach Convention Center the new World Heavyweight Boxing Champion. Against all odds, he defeated Sonny Liston and shocked the sports world. While crowds of people swarm Miami Beach to celebrate the match, Clay – unable to stay on the island because of Jim Crow-era segregation laws – instead spends the night at the Hampton House Motel in one of Miami’s historically black neighborhoods celebrating with three of his closest friends: activist Malcolm X, singer Sam Cooke and football star Jim Brown. The next morning, the four men emerge determined to define a new world for themselves and their people.”
Join us in celebrating the queen for her 50th birthday today with more of her most regal and beautiful photos below. She deserves.
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