Female Film Critics 24/375
One Night in Miami… is an electrifying philosophical fantasia that imagines that the towering figures of Malcolm X, boxer Cassius Clay, NFL star Jim Brown, and singer and songwriter Sam Cooke all got together for an evening of arguing over the best way to navigate racist America as Black men. Does that sound grim? Well, it isn’t.
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The first woman ever to win an award from the American Society of Cinematographers, Tami Reiker has been forging her own path as a cinematographer since her college days, making art with directors like Lisa Cholodenko and Gina Prince-Bythewood. Fascinated by people and their stories, her work has taken her to destinations that range from well-trafficked to hidden corners. She has many tales to tell and loves to do so — most often with a camera in hand.
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One Night in Miami dramatizes four Black men’s extraordinary interaction
Imagine February 25, 1964, and four extraordinary Black men coming together for an evening of camaraderie. Then imagine these amazing men are Sam Cooke, Jim Brown, Cassius Clay, and Malcolm X. This is exactly what director Regina King’s One Night in Miami spectacularly presents as this remarkable foursome talks, laughs, argues, and probes the most significant issues of Black America.
Oscar-and-Emmy-winning actress-turned-director Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk, Watchmen) is determined to tell powerful stories that haven’t been heard – like this fictionalized meeting of Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, NFL star James Brown and singer Sam Cooke in 1964.
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Anyone who thinks female directors should stick to telling women’s stories is a) sexist and b) in for a surprise when they watch Regina King’s powerful directorial feature film debut One Night in Miami. Based on Kemp Powers’ same-named 2013 play, it imagines the fascinating conversation that might have happened between activist Malcolm X, boxer Cassius Clay, singer Sam Cooke, and NFL star Jim Brown had they all found themselves in the same place on the night of February 25, 1964.
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Regina King is such a brilliant actor that it’s not surprising she works wonders with the stellar male ensemble in her directing debut, One Night in Miami. Adapted by Kemp Powers from his 2013 speculative stage play, the action is set in just a single night —Feb. 25, 1964, the night that Cassius Clay (Eli Goree) won the world heavyweight championship at age 22 by defeating Sonny Liston in a title bout at the Miami Beach Convention Center. It unfolds largely in single hotel room where Clay celebrates with friends Malcolm X (Kinglsey Ben-Adir); football legend Jim Brown Aldis Hodge; and singer Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.).
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It has been clear for a while that Regina King was headed for feature film direction, and she found a great and compelling subject in the historic night in 1964 when Cassius Clay (soon to be Mohammad Ali), Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown spent the evening together after Clay defeated Sonny Liston at the Miami Convention Hall. Screenwriter and playwright Kemp Powers adapted his award-winning play and King populated her film with a powerhouse cast that shines both individually and as an ensemble.
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Regina King seems to have the Midas touch whenever awards season comes around. She has amassed quite a load of gold in the form of an Oscar, four Emmys, a Golden Globe and a SAG ensemble honor in her career. But this year, she might just win gold with her debut behind the camera, One Night in Miami. King has been in training to be a director for a while by helming TV episodes of This Is Us, Insecure and Scandal.
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Regina King has built a career on authenticity and staying true to herself professionally and personally. She’s reached the actors A list with a many faceted filmography that represents Black women with depth and meaning. She has expanded her reach to producing and directing, showing herself to be a talent with vision in both spheres. She is also someone who raises those around her, both in her own industry and beyond. For that reason, she deserves not only this SPOTLIGHT, but our continued fascination.
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Amazon Studios has set a release date for Oscar and Emmy winner Regina King’s feature directorial debut, One Night in Miami, which has already earned widespread acclaim and Oscar buzz on the festival circuit. The celebrated film will open in select theaters on Dec. 25, followed by a global launch on Jan. 15, exclusively on Prime Video.
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