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Exclusive: How My Versatility as an Actor Allows for Endless Characters- Oreoluwa AFOLABI

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Oreoluwa Afolabi is a fast actor actor who envisions herself as a versatile performer. She possesses a natural talent for acting and has honed her skills through rigorous training and experience.

Nollywood Actress Oreoluwa Afolabi

With her dedication and passion for the craft, Oreoluwa is poised to become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Her ability to embody a wide range of characters and emotions is a testament to her versatility as an actor. As she continues to pursue her dreams, Oreoluwa is sure to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances.

In an exclusive interview with Ranks Screen Correspondent Oreoluwa have this to say, read below.

 

What led you to pursue a career in acting?

Initially, I never envisioned myself pursuing a career in acting. As a child, my dream was to become a doctor. However, as I grew older, I discovered a newfound passion for the performing arts and decided to pursue it wholeheartedly.

What are your favorite role to play and why?

As an actor, I strive to bring any character I am given to life, and I do not have a particular favorite role. I fully immerse myself in the character and become one with them. My versatility as an actor allows me to play any character with ease and authenticity.

 

What do you think sets acting apart from other performing arts disciplines?

In my opinion, what distinguishes acting from other forms of performance is the ability to fully embody a character and effectively use one’s facial expressions and body language to convey the role. To be a successful actor, one must thoroughly understand the character they are portraying, study their mannerisms and behaviors, and deliver a convincing performance.

Acting is the art of bringing realism to storytelling. It allows us to explore different personalities, settings, and life experiences. Through acting, we can gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the complexities of the world around us.

What do you think are the benefits of pursuing a career in acting?

There are numerous benefits to pursuing a career in acting that I find personally fulfilling. One of the most exciting aspects is the opportunity to transform into a completely different character with each new project. It’s a thrilling experience to inhabit someone else’s persona and bring their story to life on screen.

Additionally, working in the acting industry provides ample opportunities to meet and collaborate with a diverse range of individuals. These connections can lead to new opportunities and help expand my professional network.

How has your experience as an actor changed since you first started out?

How has your experience as an actor evolved since you first began your career?

Over the course of my acting journey, I have undergone a significant transformation. My initial acting job was not up to par with my current standards.

However, with each subsequent role, I have gained invaluable knowledge and experience. I have learned to embrace diverse roles, which has helped me to hone my craft and become a better actor. I am constantly striving to learn and grow, and I am eager to continue expanding my knowledge and skills in the field of acting.

 

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the acting profession?

As someone who has experience in the acting profession, I would like to offer some advice to those who are just starting out. Firstly, it is important to understand your purpose for choosing this career path. Is it for fame or do you have a genuine passion for acting? Once you have defined your purpose, work towards it with determination and focus. Remember, actions speak louder than words. It is not enough to simply talk about your dreams, you must take steps to make them a reality.

Patience is key in the acting profession. It can take time to be noticed and to land your first role. However, it is important to never lose hope and to keep pushing forward. There are many talented individuals out there waiting to be seen, but it is the patient ones who ultimately succeed.

In addition, I highly recommend attending auditions and taking acting classes. These experiences will not only improve your skills, but also provide valuable networking opportunities. Remember, the more you put yourself out there, the greater your chances of success.

In summary, the acting profession can be challenging, but with determination, patience, and hard work, you can achieve your goals. Define your purpose, take action, and never give up on your dreams.

Do you have any thoughts on the current state of the acting industry?

In my opinion, the acting industry is experiencing a positive shift. Unlike in the past, where the same faces dominated the screen, directors and producers are now embracing new talent. However, this has also led to stereotyping, where certain actors are typecast into specific roles. For instance, Patience Ozokwu is often cast as the wicked wife, while Jim Iyke is portrayed as a musician who defies his wealthy father’s wishes.

Despite this, the industry is vast, and many aspiring actors are now getting the recognition they deserve. The current state of the industry provides a platform for actors to showcase their talents, with some even producing solo acts and short films.

Moreover, the industry is now partnering with foreign brands, leading to increased recognition and exposure. A significant milestone is the recent Netflix deal, which has brought our movies to a global audience. Additionally, blockbuster movies are now making a significant impact in cinemas, creating a buzz like never before.

Overall, the acting industry is evolving, and I am excited to see what the future holds.

 

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing actors today?

One of the most significant obstacles that actors face in today’s industry is the intense competition and scarcity of job opportunities. With countless individuals vying for a single role, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd and secure a coveted position.

 

Each actor possesses their own distinct set of skills and talents, making the selection process even more daunting for casting directors and producers. As a result, actors must continually hone their craft and develop their abilities to remain competitive in this cutthroat industry.

 

Do you have any advice for aspiring actors who want to make it big in the industry?

 

If you’re looking to succeed in the entertainment industry, it’s crucial to make the most of the time between jobs and auditions. One way to do this is by setting aside a specific time for acting practice and using it to improve your skill set.

 

Networking is also key. Reach out to others in the industry and connect with people who may be able to offer guidance or opportunities. Collaborating with like-minded individuals can also be incredibly beneficial.

 

Don’t forget to take classes to enhance your abilities and attend auditions whenever possible. Additionally, practicing in front of a camera or mirror can help you refine your craft.

 

Lastly, it’s worth noting that diversifying your talents can be advantageous. For example, I am not only an actor but also a model. By expanding your skill set, you may open up new doors and opportunities.

 

Remember, success in the entertainment industry requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to continuously improve. Keep pushing forward and never give up on your dreams.

 

 

Exclusive: Acting Unleashe My Imagination and Elevates My Life- Ma CheunCheun

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Nollywood actress Seun Awonusi is making waves in the movie industry, having featured in several movies and the popular sitcom currently trending on Africa Magic Yoruba ‘Irora Iya’. 

Nollywood Actress Seun Awonusi

Seun Awonusi is a rising star in the Nollywood industry, and her talent and dedication are undeniable. Her performances have touched the hearts of many, and she continues to inspire and motivate viewers with her roles. She is a true professional, and her passion for her craft is evident in every performance.

 

In an interview with Ranks Screen Correspondent she has this to say, read below.

 

What led you to pursue a career in acting?

Being on screen gives people viewing me a glimpse of hope and most of my roles are intended to do just that. After all in real life, people are going through similar situations, and it helps to show them that there is always a way out.

What do you think sets acting apart from other performing arts disciplines?

I enjoy taking on parts that represent various emotions, whether they are love related, situation or moral complication related, etc.

What are your favorite roles to play and why?

Acting can let your imagination run wild and people will be able to relate to it. You can choose to sing about a particular emotion and most listeners might not even really understand the lyrics, but they would understand seeing people act, for this reason even in music, they still need to make a video to back the music and occasionally the video will convince you to like the music. This in my opinion sets acting apart from other performing arts

What do you think are the benefits of pursuing a career in acting?

I get to impact lives and that’s like the greatest satisfaction for me, when I’m out and about and someone tells me that the part I played in this particular movie was really insightful and all

How has your experience as an actor changed since you first started out?

When I first started, I actually thought it would be a walk in the park, but I realized it takes a lot of work. You have to be emotionally intelligent, you have to have the ability to work with others and have an open mind towards things because sometimes the things you already know may not even be how they’re supposed to be. As a result, I learned how to adapt to the change and all that.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the acting profession?

Well… I’d like tell them to proceed cautiously and to always keep an open mind because aside from all the fun and all, there is always a lesson to be learned from each set and something to discover about people including themselves.

Do you have any thoughts on the current state of the acting industry?

I believe we need a lot of improvements and I know that if we work together, we can achieve them.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing actors today?

Being dishonest and unwilling to give new acts an opportunity. Of course you’ll want a lot of seasoned actors in your films but don’t you think it’s time to see some of the other up and coming actors who might even surprise you more that the stars you are accustomed to? So I believe we must have confidence in our abilities.

 

Accept old Naira notes, Oyebanji urges Ekiti banks.

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Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to residents to continue to accept the old and new naira notes as means of transactions in line with the Supreme Court judgment which extended the validity of the N500, and N1000 old notes till December 2023.

The governor appealed to all businesses operating in Ekiti State to remain law abiding and accept the old naira notes.

He also urged banks “to make the naira notes available in all their branches and pay points and to all traders, business owners, service providers, okada riders, drivers, filling stations, gas plants, supermarkets, schools, hospitals, POS operators, to start accepting the old notes forthwith.

“To do otherwise would amount to defying the ruling of the highest court in the country and thwarting government efforts at reducing the hardship of the people,” he said.

The governor, in a statement on Saturday, by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, titled, “Oyebanji urges Ekiti residents to accept old naira notes’, said it was unlawful for any business owner or service provider to reject the old notes, adding that the “government will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute business owners found rejecting the old naira notes”.

While expressing concern over complaints that many business concerns in the state refused to accept the old naira notes as means of transaction, Oyebanji said, “This is an appeal to all residents of Ekiti State to abide by the ruling of the Supreme Court which provides a reprieve for the people by extending the validity date of the old naira notes till December 31.

“The state government had joined other states to seek the intervention of the Supreme Court in reversing the new naira policy which the states averred had inflicted excruciating pain and hardship on the people in addition to crippling economic activities.”
He enjoined that as honourable people, what is expected of them is to abide by the ruling of the apex court and continue to accept the old naira notes as means of transactions and not to inflict further hardship on one another by rejecting it.

He pledged that his government will continue to explore avenues to make life more meaningful for our people as we continue to build a more prosperous state.

Baba Bintin of Fresh FM died on his way to the office in Ibadan.

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Popular radio host Baba Bintin of the Ibadan-based private station Fresh FM Nigeria has reportedly passed away after collapsing on the way to the station for his Saturday morning show.

On Saturday, March 11, 2023, the legendary radio twins Komolafe Olaiya and Olalomi Amole, Oyin Ado, announced Baba Bintin’s passing during a radio broadcast.

The presenters announced at the end of the Saturday morning program that the presenter had passed away while walking from Amuloko to Fresh FM at Challenge in the hopes of finding a Point Of Sale, POS agent to get cash. Earlier in the program, the presenters had discussed the presenter’s unusually late arrival at the studio.

In a recorded statement heard on the radio, a man claimed that after being discovered slumped on his way to the workplace, authorities hurried him to the University College Hospital, or UCH, but he passed away there.

Baba Bintin was a comedic presenter on the Oyin Ado program on Saturdays on the Radio Station to provide updates on markets in the state. Baba Bintin typically speaks Ijesha dialect and is frequently addressed as “Boda Olu” and “Uncle” by Komolafe.

Lagos Staff bus driver in train collision Lagos asks for forgiveness

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Oluwaseun Osinbajo, the driver of the Lagos staff bus involved in last Thursday’s collision with a train that left six persons dead and several injured has begged victims for forgiveness.

Passengers in the bus that survived the collision blamed the 44-year-old for the incident, alleging he ignored warnings not to cross the train line before the incident.

They said he had his earpiece on while driving and ignored the directive of the Flag Officers at the rail line.

But Osinbajo blamed the incident on a mechanical fault in the bus.

The driver, who works with the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, has been transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence Department SCID after escaping the collision unhurt.

According to Vanguard, he was heard telling his relations: “It was not my fault. How could I have ignored warning signs? The bus had a mechanical fault.

It is a pity this has happened. I beg everyone affected to please forgive me in the name of God.”

 

How my marriage fell apart despite marrying as a virgin at 19.” — Sarah Martins

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Popular Nollywood actress Sarah Martins, who was embroiled in a rift between her co-star Judy Austin and superstar actor Yul Edochi’s wife, Sarah Martins, has revealed how their marriage fell apart despite the fact that they got married at the age of 19.

In a recent interview when she was asked to what extent she could go for love, the stunning actress hinted that she was once married.

“I used to believe so much in love until I got played by my ex husband who I married at the age of 19 as a virgin. Ever since then, my happiness and peace of mind comes first before considering any man’s heart and emotions,” she responded.

Sarah Martins, who recently expressed her displeasure over the rate of infidelity in marriages, said what attracts her to a man is the man’s kind heart and giving nature.

“ A giver, be a giver, continue to be a giver and never stop being a giver. Every giver has a very special place in my heart and every giver is specially created by God,” she said.

While the actress declined further comment on her crashed marriage, it is pertinent to note that she has no misgivings about polygamy as she succinctly declared in a previous interview with another medium.

According to Sarah Martins, it is never a taboo for an African man to have many wives.

She declares, “Back in the days, our fathers and forefathers used to be married to many wives and they all lived in peace and harmony. Yes, I support polygamy, especially when the man does his fatherly roles to the children from both parties. To be honest, Nigerians are petty. They know the truth but they chose to dwell in a pity party. When has it been a taboo for an African man to marry more than one wife?”

I’m keeping myself for the right man’ – Cynthia Salawu

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As for Cynthia Salawu, an aspiring skit creator and social media influencer, she is currently single and hopes to meet the man of her dreams soon.

In an interview with the Saturday Sun, the Edo-based artist added that she is more focused on her career but wants a man who will pamper her and make her happy.

“I’m not into any relationship for now because I’m just focused on my acting for now.

I am just keeping my self till the right man comes.

God will direct me to the man of my dreams. He has to be a God fearing man with potentials.

I mean he has to be hard working like me.

I am patiently waiting for him to come my way.

The man that is coming has two roles to play; a father role and husband role.

I feel that’s how God wants it because I lost my dad before I was born. So, I deserve to be pampered and happy,” she said.

Recalling how her journey into the entertainment industry kicked off four years ago, Cynthia Salawu revealed how her boss’ sexual assault brought her to limelight.

“In 2019 during covid, after I resigned from my job and didn’t want to be idle, I chatted Sydney Talker up, I told him I would love to work with him because I love his creativity. He accepted and featured me as a sugar mummy in one of his skits, it went viral and boom I started getting DMs from other skit makers who want to work with me.

My mom in particular wasn’t happy that I left my job. But I had to leave because my boss wanted to have an affair with me.  I’m not into such life, so I left I had to quit. I have always had passion for acting since I was 20. It has been awesome working with big celebrities and doing what have always wanted. It’s a dream come true for me.”

Asian Hollywood stars celebrate ‘long-awaited’ Oscar win

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From Oscars favourites “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “RRR” to an unprecedented four acting nominations, Asian representation in Hollywood has finally achieved a remarkable and overdue breakthrough this year, industry insiders say.

Among many records tumbling this awards season, Malaysian “Everything Everywhere” star Michelle Yeoh is only the second Asian best actress nominee in 95 years of Oscars history, with a strong chance of becoming the first winner Sunday.

Only four Asian actors have ever won Oscars. That is the same number nominated this year alone, including Yeoh’s co-stars Ke Huy Quan and Stephanie Hsu, and Hong Chau of “The Whale.”

Then there is India’s all-singing, all-dancing “RRR,” heavily tipped to win best original song, and Nobel literature laureate Kazuo Ishiguro’s nominated screenplay for “Living.”

Behind the camera, best picture frontrunner “Everything Everywhere” — a $100 million box office hit with 11 Oscar nominations — has an Asian co-director, Daniel Kwan, and an Asian producer, Jonathan Wang.

“There’s something really beautiful about being able to show that if you put people in these roles, people will go see it,” Wang told AFP.

“Why is it only white characters who go on the fun adventures, but Asian and Black characters and Latino characters have to experience the suffering?

“It’s time to flip that on its head. And people are going to run to the box office.”

It is all a far cry from Hollywood’s past.

At the recent Screen Actors Guild awards, James Hong, the 94-year-old veteran who appears in “Everything Everywhere,” reflected on how white actors with “their eyes taped up” once played leading Asian roles because producers thought “the Asians are not good enough and they are not box office.”

“But look at us now,” he said, to a huge ovation.

– ‘Long overdue’ –

Back in 1965, Hong co-founded the East West Players, a Los Angeles theatre group created to boost the visibility of Asian American actors and issues.

The company has welcomed this year’s diverse Oscar nominations, which artistic director Snehal Desai says are “much appreciated and long overdue.”

“These are artists who have been doing this work for decades. We are glad for the visibility and recognition, but it really should not have taken this long,” he said.

Vietnam-born Quan, a major child star in the 1980s with “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “The Goonies,” all but abandoned acting for decades due to a lack of roles.

“Quan’s story of his prolonged absence from the industry in particular strikes a resonant chord for our community, as we continue to fight for more opportunities and quality representation,” the group said in a statement.

Kristina Wong, an actor and comedian currently appearing in a one-woman show co-produced by East West Players, said she had been driven to write her own productions because it was the only way to see “weird” immigrant stories told.

“It is either this, or sit around and audition for bubble gum commercials,” she told AFP.

“I’ve done that life. And it sucks. It’s not fulfilling creatively.”

There is still “a lack of opportunities in general,” said Wong.

But with her “Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord” a Pulitzer drama finalist, and “Everything Everywhere” racking up awards and box office receipts, “I think we’re ready” for new stories, she said.

“We’ve been seeing the same tired old stories about… this white guy action hero, going ‘I’m going to fix this with a gun.’”

“It’s made me excited, thinking maybe there’s an audience ready to be challenged.”

– ‘Pull the ladder’ –

Still, Asian success at the Oscars has remained limited to a tiny group.

Just 23 Asian actors’ performances have ever been nominated, representing a mere 1.2 percent of all nominations, according to a New York Times study.

Only Ben Kingsley, whose father was Indian, has been nominated more than once. And there has never been a year in which more than one Asian actor won.

Could this be the year representation goes beyond a few, specific individuals?

South Korea-born Joel Kim Booster, who wrote and starred in gay rom com “Fire Island,” said having his work championed by two Asian executives at Disney-owned Searchlight had “really pushed this project through and made sure that it was going to get made.”

For a long time, there was this pull-the-ladder-up-behind-me mentality” among many minorities who found success in Hollywood, he told AFP.

“There was a scarcity… a mentality of ‘there’s only room for one of us at the table and that’s going to be me.’

“I think that has dissipated in a big way.”

AFP

Best Picture Oscar Winners of the Past 20 Years

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The following is a list of the best picture Oscar winners from the last 20 years, ahead of Sunday’s 95th Academy Awards in Hollywood.

This year, 10 films are in contention for the top prize: “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Elvis,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Fabelmans,” “Tar,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Triangle of Sadness” and “Women Talking.”

2022 – “CODA”

2021 – “Nomadland”

2020 – “Parasite”

2019 – “Green Book”

2018 – “The Shape of Water”

2017 – “Moonlight”

2016 – “Spotlight”

2015 – “Birdman”

2014 – “12 Years A Slave”

2013 – “Argo”

2012 – “The Artist”

2011 – “The King’s Speech”

2010 – “The Hurt Locker”

2009 – “Slumdog Millionaire”

2008 – “No Country for Old Men”

2007 – “The Departed”

2006 – “Crash”

2005 – “Million Dollar Baby”

2004 – “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”

2003 – “Chicago”

AFP

5 things to look out for at the Oscars

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The 95th Academy Awards take place Sunday, with wacky multiverse movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once” leading the nominations with 11.

Late-night funnyman Jimmy Kimmel returns to host the Oscars for a third time. His first stint ended with the infamous mix-up that saw “La La Land” accidentally named best picture in 2017.

Assuming the correct envelopes are handed out this year, here are five other things to watch out for on Hollywood’s biggest night:

– Rihanna and ‘RRR’ but no Gaga –

All five best song nominees are invited to perform live at the Oscars.

That means pop superstar Rihanna will grace the stage, just weeks after her long-awaited Super Bowl halftime show, at which she revealed she is pregnant.

She will sing “Lift Me Up” from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” while Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and “Everything Everywhere” star Stephanie Hsu will perform “This Is A Life.”

Perhaps the biggest spectacle will be “Naatu Naatu,” the infectious showstopper from India’s “RRR,” which has recently had audiences dancing in their seats in Hollywood movie theatres.

Sadly, there will be no Lady Gaga. Nominated for “Hold My Hand” from “Top Gun: Maverick,” she is unavailable as she is “in the middle of shooting a movie,” Oscars producers say.

Lenny Kravitz will bring further stardust to the gala, performing music to accompany the annual “In Memoriam” tribute.

– Best actress history? –

This closely fought category is likely to buck tradition and break records.

If Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere”) beats Cate Blanchett (“Tar”), she will become the first Asian woman to claim the best actress prize.

Should Blanchett win, she will become just the eighth actor in history to win three Oscars.

Meanwhile, Andrea Riseborough would surely be the most unlikely ever winner, having earned her nomination for obscure indie film “To Leslie” thanks to a controversial campaign by celebrity pals of the film’s cast and crew.

Finally, there is the question of who presents the award.

Traditionally, it is the previous year’s best actor winner.

Given Will Smith is serving a decade-long Oscar ban (see below), that doesn’t seem very likely.

– Slap chat –

Just as it is impossible to write an Oscars preview this year without mentioning “The Slap,” expect the ceremony to address the incident.

For those living under a rock, Will Smith assaulted Chris Rock on stage during last year’s Oscars for cracking a joke about his wife.

Rock himself got the ball rolling last weekend, joking in a live Netflix special that he recently rooted for the slave master who beats Smith’s character in his latest movie “Emancipation.”

Oscars organisers say the plan is to “acknowledge it” — presumably in Kimmel’s opening monologue — and then swiftly “move on.”

But will the various presenters and winners be able to keep Smith’s name out of their mouths?

– Marvellous Bassett –

Will Angela Bassett “do the thing?”

Before she became the subject of a viral meme — courtesy of Ariana DeBose’s cringeworthy rap lyrics at the BAFTAs — Bassett was best known for her enviable acting CV.

With acclaimed films like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Boyz n the Hood,” to name a few, it is surprising she has never won an Oscar.

It would be even more surprising if her first win came for a superhero movie.

But that appears a likely outcome, after her role as Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” earned the first-ever Oscar acting nomination for a Marvel film.

She will have to see off Jamie Lee Curtis (“Everything Everywhere”) and Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin”) to pull off the win.

– ‘All Quiet’ makes noise –

Karl Marx said history repeats itself — the first time as tragedy, the second as farce.

He probably wasn’t talking about the Oscars, but if “All Quiet on the Western Front” wins best picture, it will be the first film to essentially win Hollywood’s biggest prize twice.

The original, English-language screen adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s anti-war novel won top honors way back in 1930, at just the third-ever Oscars.

Should this year’s German-language version win, it will be Netflix’s first best picture win — just a year after Apple pipped it to become the first streamer to collect Hollywood’s biggest prize.

If there is any film that can stop the “Everything Everywhere” juggernaut on Sunday, it’s probably this one.