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July 2009
Faces of Tomorrow: Ones to Watch 2009

Faces of Tomorrow: Ones to Watch 2009
By the writers of Blackfilm.com



July 17, 2009




While last year’s list include Tristan Wilds, who had a great role in ‘The Secret Life of Bees,’ and Craig Robinson, who was featured in ‘Pineapple Express,’ the 2009 list includes a few who have lead roles in some independent and studio films. The people listed below are not all new faces--some have gained recognition through other mediums including music, theater and television. However, when it comes to the silver screen, we predict that many will become marquee faves and possibly household names. This year's nominees represent formidable talents whose collective body of work is not only impressive but indicative of their future star potential. Blackfilm.com presents, in no particular ranking, the 2009 faces of tomorrow whom we predict will be on The 'Wood's radar for years to come:


Nicole Beharie
 
One of the early breakout stars of 2009 was given by this West Palm Beach, Florida native and recent grad of the illustrious Juilliard School in the independent film ‘American Violet.’ Not only was she able to land a coveted lead role for her second film, but she held her own along such veteran actors that included Alfre Woodard, Charles S. Dutton, Michael O’Keefe and Tim Blake Nelson, and gave in a powerful performance that should attract many producers for future films.


Naturi Naughton
 
Featured in the 2008 Ones to Watch list as part of the ensemble that starred in the Biggie Smalls film, ‘Notorious,’ Naughton’s performance as rapper Lil' Kim was listed as one of the standouts from the film. Naughton, who many remember from her as one-third of the Pop/R&B trio 3LW or when she was in the Broadway production of ‘Hairspray,’ is taking her musical skills to another film as she’s set to play a pianist named Denise in the upcoming remake of the 1980 movie and TV show musical ‘Fame.’


Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe
 
Early word from those who attended the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and saw the upcoming Lee Daniels film, ‘Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire,’ is that Sidibe knocks it out of the park with her debut film and may even garner numerous awards by the end of the year. The Brooklyn, New York native plays an overweight teen who’s been impregnated twice by her father. The cast of that film also stars Mo’Nique, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton and Lenny Kravitz.


Ken Rance
 
As a veteran production assistant who has worked for over ten years on numerous television shows such as ‘Laurel Avenue’ and ‘Roc,’ Rance stepped into new territory as he became one of the few African American screenwriters whose feature debut, ‘New in Town,’ was lead and features an all-white cast. There aren't that many African American screenwriters who do Hollywood films, so Rance is among the breakouts who made that list.


Edi Gathegi
 
Previously known for his role as Dr. Jeffrey Cole in the television series ‘House,’ Gathegi’s fame went beyond his imagination when he was cast as Laurent in the 2008 film ‘Twilight,’ which is based of the book by Stephenie Meyer. Earlier this year, the Nairobi, Kenya native had a role in ‘My Bloody Valentine 3D,’ a 2009 remake of the 1981 slasher film of the same name, and will be reprising his role as Laurent in Twilight sequel ‘New Moon.’


Barry Jenkins
 
With the lack of independent Black films being brought to the big screen these days, Jenkins was a happy camper when his film, ‘Medicine for Melancholy,’ which he wrote and directed in two weeks, was picked up for distribution by IFC Films after garnering lots of good reviews from the many festival circuits the film was shown at. The film is a love story of bikes and one-night stands told through two African-American twenty-somethings dealing with the conundrum of being a minority in a rapidly gentrifying San Francisco.


Harvey Mason Jr.
 
Known as a notable songwriter, and record producer, Mason Jr. is venturing into the film industry when his film production of ‘More Than A Game,’ an inspirational documentary featuring NBA superstar, LeBron James, comes out this Fall. According to his wikipedia page, the Los Angeles native has written and produced songs for some of the biggest legends in the music industry including Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross as well as today’s superstars like Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson and Justin Timberlake. He also produced the soundtrack for the hit film, ‘Dreamgirls.’


Kali Hawk
 
Hawk is set to star opposite Faizon Love, Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Tasha Smith, and Kristen Bell in the comedy film, ‘Couples Retreat.’ Hawk made her film debut the Lion's Gate thriller 'Holla', and later had a supporting role in the Spike Lee comedy 'Lovers & Haters.’ At 5’10, Hawk had previously done modeling gigs that landed her in plenty of magazines and commercials.


Hope Olaide’ Wilson
 
Hope Olaide' Wilson has landed a lead role in Tyler Perry’s Lionsgate pic ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself,’ where she’ll play a teen who struggles to care for her young siblings. The film also stars Taraji P. Henson, Mary J. Blige, and Brian J. White. Her previous film credits include the independent film, ‘Life is Hot in Cracktown,’ opposite Evan Ross and Kerry Washington.


Bobb’e J. Thompson
 
In recent years, we have seen this gifted young actor in numerous roles on TV shows such as the hit comedy series ’30 Rock’ and ‘That’s So Raven,’ but Bobb’e J. Thompson really had your attention when he starred opposite Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott in the hilarious film, ‘Role Models.’ Coupled with an appearance in this year’s ‘Land of the Lost’ with Will Ferrell and ‘Imagine That’ with Eddie Murphy, it seems that Thompson is certainly learning from some best comedians/ actors in the game. Thompson’s next film, ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,’ will have him opposite Tracy Morgan and Neil Patrick Harris.


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