Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia is a 2021 American biographical musical drama television film directed by Kenny Leon, written by Bettina Gilois and Todd Kreidler, and executive-produced by Robin Roberts.[1] It stars Danielle Brooks as gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Jason Dirden, Olivia Washington, Rob Demery and Joaquina Kalukango also round out the cast. The film premiered on Lifetime on April 3, 2021.
| Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Written by |
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| Directed by | Kenny Leon |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Matthew Head |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Robin Roberts Linda Berman |
| Cinematography | Adam Sliwinski |
| Editor | Melissa Kent |
| Running time | 85 minutes |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Lifetime |
| Release | April 3, 2021 |
The film received positive reviews, especially for Brooks' performance, and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie.
Cast
edit- Danielle Brooks as Mahalia Jackson
- Olivia Washington as Estelle
- Joaquina Kalukango as Mildred Falls
- Jason Dirden as Russell
- Rob Demery as Martin Luther King
- Benjamin Charles Watson as John
- Jim Thorburn as Studs
- Marci T. House as Aunt Duke
- Kenny Leon as Professor Kendricks
- Kerry Sandomirsky as Bess Berman
Reception
editFilm critic Melanie McFarland from Salon wrote in her review: "thanks to Brooks' resolute performance and Kenny Leon's sturdy directing style, "Mahalia" successfully argues for our attention. In the same way that Cynthia Erivo stellar work easily buys forgiveness of the many flaws in "Genius," Brooks reaches beyond the screen and grabs you every time she breaks into song, doubling that power to meet the grandeur of bigger stages. A lesser director would struggle to adequate frame that mighty power, but Leon rises to her level by matching her artistry with visual artfulness."[2] Carla Renata from The Curvy Film Critic also give the film positive review and praised Brooks' performance and the film writing: "Of all the Lifetime movies I have screened over the years, this is the best. The attention to detail from hair, makeup, costume and production design all the way down to the screenplay by Todd Kriedler and Bettina Gilois are exceptional."[3]
Accolades
editSee also
edit- Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (2022) — another biographical musical drama film about Mahalia Jackson
References
edit- ^ "Watch Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia". Lifetime.
- ^ McFarland, Melanie (April 3, 2021). "In Lifetime's joyful "Mahalia," Danielle Brooks' song and fury triumphs over a tepid script". Salon.
- ^ Renata, Carla (April 6, 2021). "Danielle Brooks Transforms Into Legendary Gospel Star Mahalia Jackson". thecurvyfilmcritic.com.
- ^ "THE WIN AWARDS 23 Winners". The WIN Awards.
- ^ "Outstanding Made For Television Movie Nominees / Winners 2021". Television Academy.
- ^ Fuster, Jeremy (December 1, 2021). "Power of the Dog, Belfast Lead Nominations for IPA Satellite Awards".
- ^ Sheehan, Paul (January 11, 2022). "2022 Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards nominations: Oscar hopefuls 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye,' 'House of Gucci' …".
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (December 6, 2021). "Critics Choice TV Nominations: 'Succession' Leads Field As HBO Edges Netflix".
- ^ Haring, Bruce (February 24, 2022). "Producers Guild Of America Innovation Award Nominees Set".
- ^ Lewis, Hilary (January 18, 2022). "NAACP Image Awards: 'Harder They Fall,' 'Insecure' Lead Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ "2022 LEO AWARDS, Nominees & Winners by Name". www.leoawards.com.