Fact: Director Ava DuVernay and her Selma leading man David Oyelowo have been appointed ambassadors for the 2016 Urbanworld Film Festival. The event, which will feature movies, short films, and live readings of screenplays, will take place in New York City from 21 to 25 September (16).
Fact: SELMA director Ava DuVernay and comedian Dave Chappelle were feted for their charity work as guests of honour at rap mogul Russell Simmons' annual Art for Life benefit in the Hamptons, New York on Saturday (18Jul15). Previous honourees include Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and Edward Norton.
Fact: Oprah Winfrey is re-teaming with her Selma director Ava DuVernay to make a drama series called Queen Sugar for the media mogul's Own Tv network. Winfrey will have a recurring role in the show.
Quote: "We're in Toronto, it's snowing outside, I'm with one of my best friends in the whole world, David Oyelowo. We're very, very thrilled that the film was recognised, what a morning!" Selma director Ava DuVernay shared the excitement of the film's four Golden Globe Awards nominations with her leading man, David Oyelowo, who portrays late civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr. onscreen.