By Jake Coyle, Film Writer
TORONTO (AP) --"Hidden Figures," a drama about an African-American mathematician at NASA in the early 1960s, isn't finished yet, but a sneak peak of about 30 minutes of footage was enough to move one of its stars, Taraji P. Henson, to tears.
Twentieth Century Fox previewed the film Saturday at the Toronto International Film Festival for press, before its producer and co-composer Pharrell Williams treated wet festival-goers to a brief outdoor concert. The film is about a trio of lesser-known NASA figures Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer), Katherine Johnson (Henson) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) who played an integral role in the program that put John Glenn into space.
As the three took the stage for a Q&A following the screening, Henson was fighting back tears, exclaiming "It's so important."
"If I had known about these women coming up, maybe I would have aspired to be a rocket scientist," the "Empire" star said. "Not to say that I have a bad journey. Let me clear that up. But nowadays, this is all that kids of color feel like they have: sports, rap, acting. And there's so much more work to be done."
Directed by Theodore Melfi ("St. Vincent") and based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, "Hidden Figures" is to open in theaters Jan. 13. But many expect the film — comic and crowd-pleasing from the looks of the footage — will first play in December in order to make a late awards push.
Williams said he and "my brother," co-composer Hans Zimmer, are working on score: "I dare say it's revolutionary," claimed Williams.
He and the cast, however, were certain that "Hidden Figures" will prove a timely movie and one that inspires many that they have the Right Stuff. "No women, not black or white, were mentioned in 'Apollo 13' or all of these other movies," said Spencer.
"I just see them as heroes," said Monae.
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More