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2016 Writers Guild Awards Winners Announced for LA and NY

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LOS ANGELES (FNN NEWS) - 2016 Writers Guild Awards Winners Announced For LA and NY. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK (FNN NEWS) – The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) tonight announced the winners of the 2016 Writers Guild Awards for outstanding achievement in writing for film, television, new media, video games, news, radio, promotional, and graphic animation categories at concurrent ceremonies at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles and the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

FILM WINNERS

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Spotlight, Written by Josh Singer & Tom McCarthy; Open Road Films

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

The Big Short, Screenplay by Charles Randolph and Adam McKay; Based on the Book by Michael Lewis; Paramount Pictures

DOCUMENTARY SCREENPLAY

Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, Written by Alex Gibney; HBO Documentary Films

TELEVISION AND NEW MEDIA WINNERS

DRAMA SERIES

Mad Men, Written by Lisa Albert, Semi Chellas, Jonathan Igla, Janet Leahy, Erin Levy, Tom Smuts, Robert Towne, Matthew Weiner, Carly Wray; AMC

COMEDY SERIES

Veep, Written by Simon Blackwell, Jon Brown, Kevin Cecil, Roger Drew, Peter Fellows, Neil Gibbons, Rob Gibbons, Sean Gray, Callie Hersheway, Armando Iannucci, Sean Love, Ian Martin, Georgia Pritchett, David Quantick, Andy Riley, Tony Roche, Will Smith; HBO

NEW SERIES

Mr. Robot, Written by Kyle Bradstreet, Kate Erickson, Sam Esmail, David Iserson, Randolph Leon, Adam Penn, Matt Pyken; USA

ORIGINAL LONG FORM

Saints & Strangers, Written by Seth Fisher, Walon Green, Chip Johannessen, Eric Overmyer; National Geographic Channel

ADAPTED LONG FORM

Fargo, Written by Steve Blackman, Bob DeLaurentis, Noah Hawley, Ben Nedivi, Matt Wolpert, Based on the film Fargo; FX

ORIGINAL SHORT FORM NEW MEDIA

“Back to Reality” (Weight), Written by Daryn Strauss; weighttheseries.com

ADAPTED SHORT FORM NEW MEDIA

“Chapter Two: Phoebe” (Heroes Reborn: Dark Matters), Written by Zach Craley; nbc.com

ANIMATION

“Housetrap” (Bob’s Burgers), Written by Dan Fybel; Fox

EPISODIC DRAMA

“Uno” (Better Call Saul), Written by Vince Gilligan & Peter Gould; AMC

EPISODIC COMEDY

“Sand Hill Shuffle” (Silicon Valley), Written by Clay Tarver; HBO

COMEDY / VARIETY TALK SERIES

Real Time with Bill Maher, Writers: Scott Carter, Adam Felber, Matt Gunn, Brian Jacobsmeyer, Jay Jaroch, Chris Kelly, Bill Maher, Billy Martin, Danny Vermont; HBO

COMEDY / VARIETY SKETCH SERIES

Inside Amy Schumer, Head Writer: Jessi Klein Writers: Hallie Cantor, Kim Caramele, Kyle Dunnigan, Jon Glaser, Kurt Metzger, Christine Nangle, Dan Powell, Tami Sagher, Amy Schumer; Comedy Central

COMEDY / VARIETY SPECIALS

Jimmy Kimmel Live: 10th Annual After The Oscars Special, Written by Jack Allison, Tony Barbieri, Jonathan Bines, Joelle Boucai, Greg Dorris, Gary Greenberg, Josh Halloway, Sal Iacono, Eric Immerman, Jimmy Kimmel, Bess Kalb, Jeff Loveness, Molly McNearney, Danny Ricker, Joe Strazzullo, Bridger Winegar; ABC

QUIZ AND AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

Hollywood Game Night, Head Writer: Grant Taylor; Writers: Michael Agbabian, Alex Chauvin, Ann Slichter, Dwight D. Smith; NBC

DAYTIME DRAMA

General Hospital, Writers: Ron Carlivati, Anna Theresa Cascio, Andrea Archer Compton, Suzanne Flynn, Kate Hall, Elizabeth Korte, Daniel James O’Connor, Elizabeth Page, Jean Passanante, Katherine Schock, Scott Sickles, Chris Van Etten; ABC

CHILDREN’S EPISODIC

“Gortimer, Ranger and Mel vs. The Endless Night” (Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street), Written by Gretchen Enders & Aminta Goyel; Amazon Studios

CHILDREN’S LONG FORM SPECIAL

Descendants, Written by Josann McGibbon & Sara Parriott; Disney Channel

DOCUMENTARY SCRIPT – CURRENT EVENTS

“American Terrorist” (Frontline), Written by Thomas Jennings; PBS

DOCUMENTARY SCRIPT – OTHER THAN CURRENT EVENTS

“The Great Math Mystery” (Nova), Written by Daniel McCabe; PBS

TV NEWS SCRIPT – REGULARLY SCHEDULED, BULLETIN, OR BREAKING REPORT

“Cuba” (60 Minutes), Written by Scott Pelley, Nicole Young, Oriana Zill de Granados, Andy Court and Robert Anderson; CBS News

TV NEWS SCRIPT – ANALYSIS, FEATURE, OR COMMENTARY

“The Storm After the Storm” (60 Minutes), Written by Sharyn Alfonsi, Michael Rey and Oriana Zill de Granados; CBS News

RADIO WINNERS

RADIO DOCUMENTARY

“Marking the End of Vietnam: 40 Years Later,” Written by Andrew Evans; ABC News Radio

RADIO NEWS SCRIPT – REGULARLY SCHEDULED, BULLETIN, OR BREAKING REPORT

“Remembering New York Icons,” Written by Thomas A. Sabella; CBS Radio News

RADIO NEWS SCRIPT – ANALYSIS, FEATURE, OR COMMENTARY

“Passages,” Written by Gail Lee; CBS Radio News

PROMOTIONAL WRITING WINNER

ON-AIR PROMOTION (TELEVISION, NEW MEDIA OR RADIO)

“The McCarthys and Under the Dome Promos,” Written by Erial Tompkins; CBS

VIDEOGAME WINNER

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN VIDEOGAME WRITING

Rise of the Tomb Raider, Lead Narrative Designer John Stafford; Narrative Designer Cameron Suey; Lead Writer Rhianna Pratchett; Additional Writer Philip Gelatt; Microsoft

*There were no nominees in the Television Graphic Art and Animation category this year.

The Writers Guild Awards honor outstanding writing in film, television, new media, videogames, news, radio, promotional, and graphic animation categories. The awards were presented jointly in competitive categories during concurrent ceremonies on Saturday, February 13, 2016, in Los Angeles at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza and in New York City at the Edison Ballroom.

Actor-writer-comedian Patton Oswalt (Veep, Justified), hosted the WGAW’s West Coast ceremony, which was executive produced by Hugh Fink. Presenters who appeared at the L.A. show included: Academy Award-winning actress Geena Davis; Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated Better Call Saul/Emmy-winning writer Bob Odenkirk, Dr. Ken and The Hangover star Ken Jeong, Golden Globe-winning Crazy Ex-Girlfriend star Rachel Bloom, Golden Globe and Emmy-winning Transparent star Jeffrey Tambor, Emmy and WGA-nominated Key & Peele co-star/writer Keegan-Michael Key, The Last Man on Earth co-star and Annie Award-winning actress Kristen Schaal (Gravity Falls), The Carmichael Show co-creator/star Jerrod Carmichael, Silicon Valley co-stars Kumail Nanjiani and Thomas Middleditch, Emmy-nominated actor Fred Savage (The Grinder), Idiotsitter Creators/co-stars Jillian Bell & Charlotte Newhouse, actor David Koechner (The Goldbergs), Veep co-star Matt Walsh, and Talking Dead host Chris Hardwick.

The Writers Guild of America, West presented several special honors during its ceremony: Friends co-stars Matt LeBlanc (Episodes) and Courteney Cox (Cougar Town) presented the WGAW’s Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement to Friends Co-Creators Marta Kauffman (Grace and Frankie) & David Crane (Episodes); Emmy-winning Lost Co-Creator/WGA-nominated The Leftovers Co-Creator Damon Lindelof presented the Guild’s Valentine Davies Award to screenwriter John August (Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) for his humanitarian efforts and civic service; Jaws screenwriter/Emmy-winning TV writer Carl Gottlieb presented the WGAW’s Morgan Cox Award to Emmy-nominated writer Arthur Sellers (Meet the Raisins!) for his Guild service; Oscar and WGA-winning screenwriter Robert Towne (Chinatown, Mad Men) presented the WGAW’s Screen Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement to Academy Award-nominated and WGA-winning screenwriter-director-actress Elaine May (Primary Colors, Heaven Can Wait); and Academy Award-nominated actress and Trumbo co-star Diane Lane presented the WGAW’s Paul Selvin Award to screenwriter John McNamara for his screenplay, Trumbo, which chronicles the turbulent life and career of Blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, embodying the spirit of constitutional rights and civil liberties.

Attendees at the WGAW’s awards ceremony also included actresses Amanda Peet and Dana Delany, comic-host Howie Mandel, writer-producer Phil Rosenthal, Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), and L.A. City Councilmember Paul Koretz.

The WGAE’s East Coast Ceremony was hosted by actor-writer-comedian Michael Ian Black (The Jim Gaffigan Show, Wet Hot American Summer). Presenters who appeared at the New York show included: Bob Balaban (Show Me A Hero), Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair (High Maintenance), Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot), Terry George (Hotel Rwanda), Jordan Klepper (The Daily Show with Trevor Noah), Brian Koppelman and David Levien (Billions), Margo Martindale (The Good Wife), Michael McKean (Better Call Saul), Annette O’Toole (Halt and Catch Fire), Dascha Polanco (Orange Is the New Black, Joy), Emmy Rossum (Shameless) and John Slattery (Mad Men, Spotlight).

The Writers Guild of America, East presented honorary awards throughout the ceremony. Senator Al Franken was presented with the Evelyn F. Burkey Award, which celebrates a person who has brought honor and dignity to writers, by fellow original Saturday Night Live writer Alan Zweibel. Tony Goldwyn (Scandal) presented Richard LaGravenese with the Ian McClellan Hunter Award for Career Achievement, celebrating a body of work that includes The Fisher King, Behind the Candelabra and P.S. I Love You. Four-time Writers Guild Award winner Melissa Salmons was presented with the Richard B. Jablow Award for her devoted service to the Guild by last year’s award recipient Jeremy Pikser (Bulworth).

Attendees at the WGAE’s awards ceremony also included Tom McCarthy (Spotlight), Alex Gibney (Going Clear), Beau Willimon (House of Cards), Adepero Oduye (The Big Short), Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton), Adam Rapp (Flesh & Bone), David Simon (Show Me A Hero), Fred Armisen (Portlandia), Taylor Hackford (Ray), John Markus (The Cosby Show), Marin Ireland (The Slap), Gina Gionfriddo (Becky Shaw), The Black List’s Franklin Leonard and the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Julie Menin.

Production credits for the WGAW’s show included: Executive Producer Hugh Fink, Producers Tara Power and Joselyn Allen, Co-producers Kelly Brock, Director Nick Murray, Head Writer Joe O’Brien and writers Hugh Fink, Ed Lee, Beth Armogida, Matt Oswalt, and Gerry Duggan, as well as Creative Consultant Shelly Goldstein, Line Producer Tina Pavlides, and Production Designer Chris Giammalvo.

Production credits for the WGAE’s show included Executive Producer/Head Writer John Marshall, Producer Bonnie Datt, Associate Producers Ann B. Cohen, Lily-Hayes Kaufman and Shannon Walker, Line Producer LB Audio, Video & Scenic Solutions, and writers Bruce Cherry, Ann B. Cohen, David Steven Cohen, Frank Conniff, Timothy Cooper, Bonnie Datt, Leah Krinksy. Nick Nadel, Leslie Schapira and Craig Shemin.

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Ananda Lewis: A Legacy of Empowerment and Advocacy

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Source: People.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Ananda Lewis, the charismatic MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news, sharing that Ananda passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home.

Born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California, Lewis rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a VJ on MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her engaging personality and insightful interviews made her a beloved figure among viewers, and she earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award for her work on BET’s Teen Summit.

Beyond her television career, Lewis was a passionate advocate for social issues. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, addressing topics like domestic violence and breast cancer, aiming to provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Her commitment to authenticity and social impact resonated with many, and she continued to use her platform to inspire and educate.

In 2020, Lewis publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and later revealed that it had progressed to stage 4. Despite medical advice recommending a double mastectomy, she chose alternative treatments, later expressing some regret about that decision. Throughout her illness, Lewis remained vocal about cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their health and live authentically.

Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace authenticity and advocate for positive change.

Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in entertainment who also became a voice for health advocacy. Her legacy includes a strong commitment to authenticity and social impact, and her estimated financial worth was around $8 million.

Ananda Lewis’s impact on television and her dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of many.

____________________________________________

Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

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Val Kilmer, Iconic ‘Top Gun’ Star, Dies at 65

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.

A Career Full of Iconic Roles

Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.

Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.

A Life Beyond the Screen

Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.

The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.

A Legacy That Will Live On

Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.

Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.

__________________________________________________________

Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

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LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge

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Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.

Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)

Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.

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