Page 14 - aruba-today-20220216

a14 people & arts
Wednesday 16 February 2022
Quinta Brunson breaks down A+ grade for 'Abbott Elementary'

GARY GERARD HAMILTON up crying and stuff. She
New York (AP) — When "Ab- told me she was retiring this
bott Elementary" recently year and this was just in-
trended on Twitter daily credible to see. The funny
for nearly a week, Quinta thing was she didn't even
Brunson was speechless. realize I had named the
"I was looking at it myself show after her. And I'm like,
like 'What is going on?'" said "Yeah? Where do you think
Brunson, the creator and "Abbott" came from?"
writer of the first semester- AP: Many people know you
sitcom and a former viral from your early days of vi-
video star herself. "Here's ral videos like the "He Got
a new one that kind of fits Money" skits. What does
the same feel and vibe of it mean to you when fans
the shows that we binge realize that viral star is the
a lot, like 'Parks (and Rec- "Abbott" creator?
reation)' or 'The Office' or Brunson: For the people
'Friends' and all these oth- who go, "Oh my God, that
er shows. So, I think that was her?" That's kind of my
people are enjoying hav- favorite because I think,
ing something new. ... I've to me, it kind of shows the
seen multiple people say, 'I pride that people say that
turn off "Euphoria" and then with or tweet that with —
watch "Abbott" for a pal- feels special. Like, look, we
ate cleanse.'" can do anything. We can
The hilarious mockumenta- come from anywhere. ..
ry became ABC's first com- This image released by ABC shows Quinta Brunson in a scene from "Abbott Elementary." There are no bounds to
edy to quadruple its ratings Associated Press what can be done unless
since its premiere. "Abbott you put them on yourself.
Elementary'' follows the brevity and clarity. some fun, too. in resources? Because the AP: Black women have es-
staff at a struggling, un- __ AP: Does "Abbott Elemen- goal was to have heart, a sentially been overlooked
derfunded Philadelphia AP: Teachers seem to really tary" have a message? lot of the time, inherently, in Hollywood since its in-
school. Brunson, a Philly connect with "Abbott." Did Brunson: The job first and you get a message be- ception and not given a
native whose mother was you realize it would create foremost was to make a cause we couldn't avoid seat at the table. But what's
an educator, named the a discussion among edu- comedy, make a funny what's going on in public it like now for creators like
sitcom after her sixth grade cators? show…And then I just like schools if we wanted to. you and Issa Rae who've
teacher. Brunson: A lot of friends of my comedies to have heart We would be making an in- used the Internet to create
The former "A Black Lady mine who are educators in them. Those are my two sincere show. your own opportunities?
Sketch Show" star spoke will send me screenshots goals: heart and humor. I AP: Have you been able to Brunson: I think it's exciting. I
with The Associated Press from their educator groups think when you put both of talk to your former teacher? think we're at a really good
about the buzz surrounding on Facebook…I think it's those things in a school, an Brunson: I called Ms. Ab- point right now because of
the show, her rise from viral amazing that now we have elementary school — sorry, bott or she called me — I all of the work that people
internet star to prime-time this opportunity for a group a public, underfunded ele- can't remember — and we before us have put in. There
sitcom creator, and Black that hasn't been shown mentary school — natural- had just the best conversa- have been countless Black
women creating their own too much— a group of ly, it uncovers some of the tion. She was so over the women who have been
Hollywood opportunities Black educators — to be larger issues at play, right? moon and said she had unfortunately mistreat-
via the internet. Answers on screen, and not only be Why isn't the support there? been following my career ed, blackballed, looked
may have been edited for on screen, but then have ... What are they lacking for a while, and we wound over.q
Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes to host Oscars

Tuesday. awards shows. In addition and Academy CEO Dawn
"This year's show is all about to bringing back starry hosts Hudson in a statement.
uniting movie lovers," Pack- and bumping the best pic- It's the first time hosting for
er said in a statement. "It's ture nominees to a set ten, all three women and the
apropos that we've lined the Academy is also hop- first time in 35 years there
up three of the most dy- ing to spike interest through has been this many hosts
namic, hilarious women social media voting for a for one broadcast.
with very different comedic "fan favorite" movie that will Craig Erwich, president,
styles." be announced during the Hulu Originals and ABC En-
Packer has worked with show, as well as a chance tertainment, added that
Hall several times as the to win a trip to Los Angeles they are "Thrilled to have
This combination of photos shows Regina Hall, from left, Amy
Schumer and Wanda Sykes, who are in final talks to host the producer of films like "Girls for the ceremony. them at the helm to de-
94th Academy Awards. Trip," "Think Like a Man" and "We're invigorated by Will's liver an incredible show full
Associated Press "Little." vision for this year's Oscars: of unforgettable moments
The show is hoping to re- celebrating movie lovers and laughter."
By The Associated Press for this year's awards: Amy bound from the dismal alongside moviemakers The 94th Oscars will be held
LOS ANGELES (AP) — After Schumer, Regina Hall and viewership of last year's and spotlighting fan favor- on March 27 at the Dolby
three years without a host, Wanda Sykes are set to host broadcast, which was both ites that prove how cinema Theatre in Los Angeles and
the Oscars are making up the 94th Academy Awards, an all-time low and the can unite us all," said Acad- broadcast live on ABC
for lost time with three hosts producer Will Packer said norm for pandemic-era emy President David Rubin starting at 8 p.m. ET.q