Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated Angela Bassett shares, “‘Number One on the Call Sheet’ celebrates the grit, strength and brilliance of those who came before us, while uplifting the next generation. It’s an honor to pay homage to the legends, and shine a light on the limitless possibilities ahead for Black and brown talent.”
Reginald Hudlin directs Black Leading Men in Hollywood, which is the title of one half of the documentary, and Shola Lynch directs Black Leading Women in Hollywood, which is the other half. Both films are produced by Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner and Dan Cogan.
Academy Award-winnning director Reginald Hudlin says of “Black Leading Men in Hollywood,” “‘Number One on the Call Sheet’ is the honest testimony of successful people who overcame all types of obstacles to make their dreams come true. It doesn’t matter what business you’re in, learning about their mindset, their grit, their unique definitions of success will be inspirational to every viewer. I can’t wait for the world to see it.”
NAACP Image Award-winning director Shola Lynch of “Black Leading Women in Hollywood” adds, “It’s an honor to direct this story that captures a singular generation of Black leading actresses. We don’t have this kind of collective testimonial from any period of film history. It made me determined to create a vision that is bigger than the sum of the parts to honor and reflect their individual journeys and a collective truth. I want the audience to experience what it was like to be in the room and in conversation with unvarnished ambition, excellence and beauty and to feel their awe, joy, frustration, love and triumph. I have truly been surprised how much their stories transcend celebrity and have meaning for us mere mortals. I can only hope the audience feels the same.”
Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood and Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood offer an in-depth look at some of Hollywood’s biggest actors as they reveal their journeys to groundbreaking leading roles.
In addition to Foxx (pictured) and Bassett, who lend their voices to the documentary, contributors include John Boyega, Don Cheadle, Morris Chestnut, Ice Cube, Taye Diggs, Idris Elba, Laurence Fishburne, Morgan Freeman, Dwayne Johnson, Michael B. Jordan, Cynthia Erivo, Vivica A. Fox, Meagan Good, Tiffany Haddish, Taraji P. Henson, Nia Long, Ruth Negga, Gabourey Sidibe, Jurnee Smollett, Octavia Spencer, Tessa Thompson, Gabrielle Union, Alfre Woodard, Daniel Kaluuya, Martin Lawrence, Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Smith, Denzel Washington and Marlon Wayans.
These screen titans discuss historic firsts, the true role of a leading man, the art of sustained success, and dominating the global box office. Other insights are shared by industry insiders Reuben Cannon, Nina Shaw, Matthew Johnson, Robi Reed, and Quentin Tarantino.
Number One on the Call Sheet premieres Friday, March 28 on Apple TV+. Watch the trailer below.
