Awkwafina

AWKWAFINA: NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE

CBS is mulling over its options now that The Late Late Show host James Corden is leaving at the end of this season. While we’ve heard a lot about possible replacements, including a multi-host format, nothing has been decided. The powers that be are quietly meeting with potential replacements and the latest on their wish list is comedian Awkwafina. (a welcome surprise!) A network insider reveals that CBS hosted numerous focus groups and one general consensus is that the gig should go to a younger minority female. The feeling was that there are ENOUGH shows hosted by middle-aged men  (yay!)  and the network needs to appeal to a different demographic, especially at that late hour.

Photo Credit: BACKGRID-USA

AWKWAFINA IS OFFICIALLY A CRAZY RICH ASIAN

Comedian Awkwafina (born Nora Lum) paid her dues for years on the stand-up comedy circuit. Little did she suspect at the time, that she would ultimately find her success as a movie actress. Ocean’s 8 and Crazy Rich Asians started the ball rolling and this year she won a Golden Globe for The Farewell. Last year her Comedy Central series Awkwafina is Nora from Queens was a hit and renewed for a second season. How did she celebrate? Awkwafina did what smart girls do- she invested in real estate. She traded in the West Hollywood condo she bought in 2019 for a 3.5 million dollar streamline-moderne inspired home in Bel Air. The 3500 plus sq ft house has all the frills, but it’s on the top of a gated hill with a gorgeous views. We wonder if it’s too isolated for a sociable girl.

Photo: Anthony Barcelo

CATE BLANCHETT: LEADER OF THE OCEANS 8 RAT PACK?

We never paid much attention to George Clooney’s Oceans Eleven series of movies – just the same old stuff – self-indulgent and unoriginal. Now the same people are filming Oceans 8 with an all-female cast and we’re puzzled. It’s kinda sad that women have to remake roles written for men because there are so few original parts for women. Of course it’s better than NOTHING – but don’t blame the women if the worn-out casino heist concept seems tired. The cast is stellar- Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Mindy Kaling, and Asian American rapper Awkwafina (Nora Lum.) That’s a powerful and varied group. Hopefully, the script was written by women. Cate Blanchett started filming scenes in New York and she looks formidable in her green velvet suit. The movie isn’t coming out until 2018, however.

Photo Credit: AKM-GSI