Last night, Hollywood rolled out the purple carpet for a dazzling celebration of Black excellence in film with the star-studded LA screening of Number One on the Call Sheet. Hosted at the legendary TCL Theatre, the event was a veritable Who’s Who of Black Hollywood, as some of the industry’s most talented and trailblazing stars gathered to honor the legacy, struggles, and triumphs of prominent black actors in leading roles.
The two-part Apple TV+ documentary takes a deep dive into the journeys of cultural icons who have reached the top, examining both the victories and the barriers still in place. The evening’s screening was structured much like the documentary itself, beginning with clips featuring interviews with prominent leading men from Denzel Washington to Will Smith. The segment set the stage for a compelling panel discussion moderated by Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier, featuring the powerhouse voices of director Reginald Hudlin, Jamie Foxx, Morris Chestnut, and John Boyega.
Their conversation was nothing short of captivating. They spoke candidly about the highs and lows of success, the critical role of mentorship (or, in many cases, the lack thereof), and the importance of acknowledging the pioneers who paved the way for them. Their stories—sometimes humorous, sometimes deeply moving—highlighted the perseverance required to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a leading man in Hollywood.
The second half of the evening shifted focus to black women in film. Following another set of gripping documentary clips of interviews with the likes of Whoopi Goldberg and Taraji Henson, a panel featuring Shola Lynch, Jurnee Smollett, and Meagan Good took the stage. Their discussion tackled subjects ranging from the pressures of beauty standards to the challenges of sometimes being the sole black actress on a project, and the resilience required to carve out space in an industry that often marginalizes their voices. Each woman spoke with raw honesty, shedding light on the unique struggles they’ve faced while also celebrating the collective strength and artistry that define black women in Hollywood.
At its core, Number One on the Call Sheet is a powerful testament to the dedication, craft, and undeniable talent that fuel excellence in the entertainment industry. It is as insightful as it is entertaining, balancing moments of triumph with hard truths about the road to success.
With an all-star lineup both in front of the camera and behind it, the documentary promises to be an essential watch when it premieres on Apple TV+ on March 28th. If last night’s screening was any indication, Number One on the Call Sheet is set to spark conversations, inspire the next generation, and solidify its place as a must-watch celebration of Black Hollywood’s brightest stars.
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