Carmen Ejogo Steals The Show in Sparkle!

British-Nigerian actress Carmen Ejogo completely stole the show in the 1976 remake of Sparkle. From her brilliant acting performance to her overall “A Star is Born” swagger, Carmen definitely won me over with her portrayal of Sister Anderson. What I also enjoy about Carmen’s Sparkle gig was her voice! This woman CAN sing! A favorite scene of mine from Sparkle was the emotional interaction Sister had with her mom Emma over her man, Satin. There was not a dry eye in the theater. Carmen also did a great job playing the sultry vixen who wanted more out of her life than a $96 paycheck from her department store job! She wanted her own piece of paradise at any cost which I think was a true lesson that the film wanted to illustrated. Going to see Sparkle during opening weekend definitely made it worthwhile because the theater I went to was filled with die-hard Whitney Houston fans. When Whitney made her on camera debut you could hear a pin dropped. Everyone was eager to see Whitney. When Whitney sang “His Eye is On The Sparrow”, the audience stood up and clapped! (It felt like I attended a church service with the positive feedback Whitney’s performance received!) The audience and I also embrace Carmen for her electrifying performances of “Hooked On Your Love” and “Yes I Do.”

Hooked On Your Love

Yes I Do

Did you also know that Carmen’s married to actor Jeffery Wright and that they have two children?! If Sparkle doesn’t re-get Hollywood signing her onto major starring roles, I don’t know what to say. Carmen Ejogo is definitely one actress to watch in the future. On that note, CulturalToast.com proudly presents a new feature called Cultural Cinema. This feature is focused on all things Carmen Ejogo on and off the red carpet promoting Sparkle.

Carmen Ejogo at the NY premiere of Sparkle

Carmen at the LA premiere of Sparkle

Carmen on the September 2012 cover of Ebony with Jordin Sparks & Tika Sumpter

Next up for Carmen is the Tyler Perry thriller, Alex Cross and the TV show, Zero Hour. Sparkle will hopefully get film directors to recognize Carmen’s star power. Onwards and upwards for Carmen! I’ll leave you all with this great clip of Carmen talking about Sister Anderson and how she prepared for the role. If this feature didn’t convinced to see Sparkle, go see it! It’s a great feel good film. 

Carmen Ejogo Online: Wikipedia//Twitter//IMDB

image credits – getty images x ebony magazine

Cultural Cinema showcases influential Africans directing, producing, and acting in Hollywood, Nollywood and on the global market!

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