Dallas, TX – April 23, 2023 – The 54th Annual USA Film Festival is set to close out this year’s festival with a special event paying tribute to the legendary actor Billy Dee Williams on Friday, April 26th. The evening will feature a special screening of the iconic film “Lady Sings the Blues” (1972), followed by an engaging discussion with Mr. Williams himself, moderated by esteemed journalist Clarice Tinsley.
Audience members attending the event will not only have the opportunity to experience the timeless magic of “Lady Sings the Blues” but will also be treated to insights into the film and Mr. Williams’ illustrious career. Additionally, attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Mr. Williams’ New York Times bestselling autobiography, “What Have We Here?” (while supplies last).
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, April 26th
- Showtime: 6:30 PM (Box office opens at 5:30 PM on April 26th)
- Venue: Angelika Film Center Dallas, 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane
- Ticket Price: $10 (Available at the Festival Box Office at the Angelika Film Center Dallas, DAY OF SHOW ONLY, beginning one hour before showtime).
About the Film “Lady Sings the Blues”
The essence of Billie Holiday, one of America’s most beloved and memorable jazz singers, is captured brilliantly in a tour-de-force debut performance by singer Diana Ross. Filled with the greatest songs of the incomparable “Lady Day,” director Sidney J. Furie’s stunning autobiographical drama also stars Billy Dee Williams as Louis McKay and Richard Pryor as Piano Man. The on-screen chemistry between Ross and Williams thrilled audiences, and the film received five Academy Award nominations, including Diana Ross for “Best Actress.”
About Billy Dee Williams
Billy Dee Williams grew up in the Harlem section of New York City in a family that nurtured artistic expression in all forms. At the age of 7, Billy Dee made his acting debut on Broadway in “Firebrand of Florence.” He attended public school, including the High School of Music and Art, and was awarded the prestigious Hallgarten Award Scholarship to attend the National Academy of Fine Arts and Design. In order to earn money to buy paint and canvas, Billy returned to acting and quickly distinguished himself in the performing arts. With over 100 film credits, Billy is recognized for his role as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars epics. “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Return of the Jedi,” and “Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.” He has received critical acclaim for his portrayal as the elegant romantic lead in “Lady Sings the Blues” and “Mahogany,” and has played pivotal roles in “Nighthawks,” “Batman,” and “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings.” Additional notable film credits include “Lady’s Man,” “The Visit,” “Hit!,” “Undercover Brother,” and the Emmy-nominated film “Brian’s Song.” On the small screen, Billy has acted in numerous series, including “Dynasty,” “The Jeffersons,” “Gideon’s Crossing,” “The Hughleys,” “Half and Half,” “Street Time,” “Scrubs,” and “That 70’s Show.” The effortlessly cool Billy became the spokesperson for Colt 45’s satirically entertaining commercials – making him well-known as the smooth ‘Colt 45 Guy.’ Off-screen, Billy is recognized for his outstanding performances on Broadway in “A Taste of Honey,” “Fences,” and as Martin Luther King in “I Have a Dream.” He has also acted in “The Exonerated,” “Maintenance Man,” and “If These Hips Could Talk.” While working on Broadway, Billy reconnected with the New York art environment – prompting him to embark upon a series of remarkable new paintings while keeping his love of painting an integral part of his life. Using acrylic on canvas, he conveys a unique expressionistic figurative style as an abstraction of reality to address universal themes derived from life. His art has received recognition from many national and international exhibitions, including the Smithsonian National Gallery, the Schomburg Center for Research and Black Culture, the African American Museum-New Orleans, the US Olympic Committee, and the Museum of Jazz-Kansas City. Billy also serves as an Honorary Chairman of the Thelonious Monk Institute, which supports jazz education. He has received many accolades, including the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award, Diversity Award for Lifetime Achievement, Image Award for Best Actor, LA Drama Critics Circle Award, NY Drama Critics Circle Award, NAACP Outstanding Supporting Actor award, and a Trumpet Award. According to Billy, “DO BE OP MOP BE BOP,” a jazz phrase taken directly from one of his paintings, represents “Praise for emotional and intellectual journeys into new frontiers.” Billy relentlessly continues to take those journeys himself and, in so doing, inspires us all.
For more details and to view the full schedule of programs, visit https://www.usafilmfestival.com/
