Apple TV+

The African American Film Critics Association has chosen to present Mariah Carey with a special achievement award. CEO and President Gil Robertson told Variety why, and the reasons include offering the kind of positivity projected in her Apple TV+ Christmas special.

Though the multitalented superstar had a big year with the release of her memoir “The Meaning of Mariah Carey” and her “Magical Christmas Special” on Apple TV Plus, Robertson says it was the songstress’ mix of positivity and longevity that led to the the special recognition. “Given a career of her magnitude, we really could have done it anytime. At this point, she’s more than earned the right to be recognized at some point,” he explains. “When members spoke about the impact of her videos and how much they meant to them, we thought ‘Let’s recognize her because she’s always projected a lot of positive energy, which we definitely need now during the pandemic and coming out of the last four years.’” “She’s also presented opportunities behind the camera for a lot of Black technicians and creatives; it’s all about being able to open the door for others and she’s certainly done that and provided job opportunities to Black crews and other Black creators,” he says.

Sarayu Blue is joining the Apple TV+ show The Shrink Next Door, reported Deadline. The I Feel Bad actor will be alongside Paul Rudd in the show, which is based on the hit podcast by Wondery and Bloomberg Media.

The series hails from director Michael Showalter (The Big Sick, The Lovebirds), writer Georgia Pritchett (Succession, Veep), Civic Center Media and MRC Television. Inspired by true events, The Shrink Next Door details the bizarre relationship between psychiatrist to the stars Dr. Isaac “Ike” Herschkopf (Rudd) and his longtime patient Martin “Marty” Markowitz (Ferrell). Blue will play Miriam, a patient of Ike’s.

Over the weekend, the movie CODA was purchased to stream on Apple TV+. On Tuesday night, it won the grand jury prize, the directing prize, the audience award and a special jury prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition category at the Sundance Film Festival. Variety reported that this is the first time a movie has won all three top prizes in that category, underlining why Apple Studio was prepared to splash so much cash on it.

“I hope that this opens the door to people getting that audiences want to see these kinds of stories,” director Siân Heder said while accepting the audience award. “And I hope that this means that more stories that center deaf characters and characters with disabilities get put front and center because clearly people want to respond to that.” “CODA” already broke records at Sundance when Apple Studios picked it up for $25 million after a fierce bidding war following the film’s debut on the festival’s opening night