Doja Cat’s fourth album Scarlet is finally here. While the rollout for Scarlet has proven somewhat controversial, fans have shown their loyalty, especially as they’ve helped the single “Paint The Town Red” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. But some aren’t fans of the aesthetic Doja is going for in this era. Many have deemed this video, along with the video for “Demons” as “satanic.” On the album cut “Skull And Bones,” Doja seemingly addresses this controversy.
Over a trippy, ominous beat, Doja dismisses the idea that she sold her soul for fame.
“The only thing that I sold was a record / the only thing I folded under was pressure / Can I say I digress, you the aggressor / Now y’all say y’all impressed I’m the successor,” she raps on the song’s opening verse.
Elsewhere on the song, she more explicitly addresses the rumors, as well as her complicated relationship with her fans.
“Y’all been pushin satan this, and satan that / My fans is yellin ‘least she rich,’ you need that pact / Lookin like I got some things you hate I have / And trust me baby, God don’t play with hate like that / So you gon be real upset when he pick Cat,” she raps.
You can listen to “Skull And Bones” above.
Scarlet is out now via RCA. Find more information here.
Another lawsuit has reportedly been filed against Lizzo. According to Rolling Stone, Asra Daniels, who worked for Lizzo during her 2023 Special 2our as a wardrobe designer, filed a lawsuit against Lizzo, her wardrobe manager Amanda Nomura, and her tour manager Carlina Gugliotta today (September 21) in a Los Angeles court.
The suit reportedly accuses Lizzo and her team of “racial and sexual harassment, disability discrimination, illegal retaliatory termination, and assault.”
According to Rolling Stone, Nomura is at the center of the lawsuit, and Daniels has accused Nomura of making “racist and fatphobic comments” toward Lizzo’s dancers.
The suit also alleges that “Nomura would also refer to Black women on the tour as ‘dumb,’ ‘useless,’ and ‘fat.’”
In the suit, it is also noted that “Nomura expressed that she would ‘kill a b*tch if it came down to it’ if anyone threatened her job. Lizzo’s management was well aware of this pattern of behavior. Carlina Gugliotta, Lizzo’s Tour Manager even requested Plaintiff to record Nomura without her knowledge, which Plaintiff did not do as it was both unethical and possibly unlawful.”
Elsewhere in the suit are details of Lizzo’s management “sharing graphic and disturbing images of male genitalia” in a 30-person group text, as well as an incident in which Daniels describes Nomura rolling “a heavy clothing rack over Daniels’ foot, causing serious pain, but Nomura merely ignored it and pushed Daniels into the rack, causing a more severe injury.”
Daniels was reportedly fired abruptly from the tour, and claims to have suffered mental and physical health issues as a result of her time working with Lizzo and her team.
The news arrives as Lizzo is preparing to receive the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award presented by the Black Music Action Coalition.
Ahead of the awards ceremony, Ron Zambrano, who is representing Daniels and three of Lizzo’s former dancers, issued a statement, saying:
“The timing of this award’s announcement stinks of an architected PR stunt by Lizzo’s team aimed at trying to repair the damage done to her brand. It won’t work. With Lizzo’s attack on the other plaintiffs, we’ve heard from more than two dozen former Lizzo employees sharing similar stories of abuse and harassment who could be potential new plaintiffs. This is not going away. Lizzo is the boss so the buck stops with her. She has created a sexualized and racially charged environment on her tours that her management staff sees as condoning such behavior, and so it continues unchecked. Lizzo certainly knows what’s going on but chooses not to put an end to this disgusting and illegal conduct and participates herself.”
Stefan Friedman, a representative for Lizzo, has issued a statement to Rolling Stone has issued a statement coming to the singer’s defense, saying:
“As Lizzo receives a Humanitarian Award tonight from the Black Music Action Coalition for the incredible charitable work she has done to lift up all people, an ambulance-chasing lawyer tries to sully this honor by recruiting someone to file a bogus, absurd publicity-stunt lawsuit who, wait for it, never actually met or even spoke with Lizzo. We will pay this as much attention as it deserves. None.”
Lizzo is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Picking the right tequila as a base for a classic, flavorful Margarita might seem like a no-brainer. But it’s a little more complicated than simply staying away from the bottle shelf plastic handle. Do you want to go simple and pick a classic blanco, add an extra dimension with a cristalino, or evoke a smoother experience with a longer-matured reposado or añejo?
Beau Huizinga, bartender at CHICA in Las Vegas believes that blanco is the sweet spot when it comes to Margarita bases. “Blanco tequila is best for a margarita because it is a great example of an agave spirit. It is unaged so it shows how green, grassy, and earthy a tequila can be. With great citrus notes it helps the fresh pressed lime juice and agave play a part in a great and simple cocktail.”
Martin Guiterrez, bar manager at Joia Beach in Miami disagrees. “I prefer reposado tequila in my margarita because it is smoother,” he says. “To be reposado tequila, it needs to be aged for at least two months and up to twelve months in oak barrels. I usually lean toward spicy margaritas but prefer to stay away from anything sweet.”
Since there seems to be a debate about which style (and brand) of tequila is the best base for a margarita, we decided to turn to the professionals for help. We asked a few well-known bartenders to tell us their favorite tequilas to mix into Margaritas and why. Keep scrolling to see what they said.
El Mayor Cristalino tequila seamlessly blends the features of aged and unaged tequilas. While it undergoes aging like an añejo, it’s filtered to have the clear appearance of a blanco tequila.
Tasting Notes:
Its flavor profile encompasses the depth of an añejo, marked by notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla, while retaining the freshness of a blanco. This unique balance can give your margarita a distinct, richer flavor.
Margarita with El Tesoro Blanco Tequila is a must. When crafting the perfect margarita, we turn to the exceptional El Tesoro Blanco Tequila. You can count on El Tesoro to add a delightful twist to your classic Margarita.
Tasting Notes:
Its sweet and peppery notes, derived from fresh agave and white pepper, create a unique and outstanding flavor profile.
Real Del Valle Blanco
Real Del Valle
Alex Barbatsis, head bartender at The Whistler in Chicago
Our Margarita at The Whistler uses Real Del Valle Blanco. It’s made with 100% Blue Weber agave and has no additives. You get a full and pure tequila flavor, which is exactly what you want in a margarita.
Tasting Notes:
It has great notes of roasted agave and papaya, which really come through when combined with fresh lime and orange liqueur.
Casamigos Cristalino
Casamigos
Tsuru Goto, food and beverage manager at Society Cafe in New York City
We’ve been playing with Casamigos Cristalino in our Margaritas. Cristalino is aged, giving it a bit more depth in flavor, but since it has also been charcoal filtered it takes off the harsh edge that you often have in a tequila blanco.
Tasting Notes:
This means we can use a more delicate agave and less citrus in the cocktail, giving you a more delicate and sippable Margarita that is a little less punchy and harsh.
For me I’d have to say Real Azul Blanco. In the Blanco you’ll notice the slight taste of sweet, cooked agave, honey, and herb as the flavor evolves with a pleasant taste on the palate.
Tasting Notes:
When you balance it with a bit of fresh lime juice, a premium orange liqueur, and a touch of agave, it provides you with a perfectly balanced Margarita.
Teremana Blanco
Teremana
Resa Mueller, bartender at R&D Philly in Philadelphia
The most important thing to consider when choosing a tequila for a margarita is flavor profile. Ideally, you want clean and straightforward agave notes backed up by something that makes it a little interesting to play around with. I like to use Teremana Blanco.
Tasting Notes:
Teremana Blanco is crisp and citrusy with a hint of herbaceousness due to its small batch production methods that allow the character of the agave to really shine through. The resulting Margarita is one that will satisfy even the most stringent purist but has enough character to make it memorable.
Espolon Reposado
Espolon
Jared Bailey, bar manager at Soho Cigar Bar in New York City
At the current price, Espolon Reposado makes for a very refreshing Margarita that won’t break the bank account.
Tasting Notes:
Espolon has time and time again proven to be not only reliable, but extremely versatile with subtle notes of wood, vanilla, and amazing Blue Weber agave.
123 Certified Organic Tequila Reposado
123 Tequila
Alex Pisi, lead bartender at The Wells in Washington, DC
The best tequila for Margaritas is Tequila Numero 2 (123 tequila). Aged in white oak barrels for six months, it’s nuanced and complex enough to stand up well in a Margarita.
Tasting Notes:
It’s a reposado tequila with notes of vanilla and maple that allow you to hold back on the sugar without losing balance, adding complexity with deep earthy tones.
Siete Leguas Blanco
Siete Leguas
Dana Lachenmayer, head bartender at The Wesley in New York City
There are a lot of great tequilas for Margaritas out there, however, I am drawn to Siete Leguas Blanco. It is fuller-bodied with a complex flavor profile that highlights the zestier side of tequila.
Tasting Notes:
Notes of cooked agave, bell pepper, cracked black pepper, basil, and mint contrast the sweetness of orange liqueur or syrup, creating a balanced margarita.
La Gritona Reposado
La Gritona
Kyle Bobkowski, beverage manager at the Crossroads Hotel in Kansas City
La Gritona Reposado mixes a wonderful Margarita. This tequila ages in previously used barrels so that time is only spent mellowing and resting. La Gritona is female-owned and operated, uses fully matured agave plants, and produces their bottles from recycled glass. What’s not to love?
Tasting Notes:
What comes out after aging is a spirit with very light honey notes, a little bit of floral herbs, and a punch of agave flavor.
El Tequileño Platinum
El Tequileño
Steven Dinsmore-George, bartender at The Pembroke in Washington, DC
El Tequileño Platinum stands out as the ultimate choice for crafting the perfect margarita. Made from 100% Blue Weber Agave and without any additives, this tequila follows a process that is free of shortcuts from the cultivation of the agave to the distillation of the tequila. Additionally, the finished product avoids artificial sweetness. Its distinctive flavor profile makes it my preferred choice for Margaritas.
Tasting Notes:
It’s not too sweet, and its finish is clean and crisp, all while retaining a robust agave flavor. The subtle undercurrent of pepperiness further elevates its complexity, making for a more interesting tequila than some of the more prominent brands.
Blackpink is killing the game. Nearly a year after the release of their sophomore album Born Pink, they continue pulling in accolades, most recently at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, where they won the Group Of The Year award. Despite their buzz and popularity, there are rumors about a potential breakup circulating the internet, as their contract with YG Entertainment reportedly remains up in the air.
Will Blackpink renew its contract with YG Entertainment?
Korean outlet Sports Seoul is reporting that Blackpink is expected to “continue its activities ‘in the same way’.” The outlet also reports that only Rosé, one of the four members of the K-pop girl group, has opted to renew her contract. Meanwhile, members, Jennie, Jisoo, and Lisa are reportedly in “last minute discussions” of a “separately yet together” strategy to record, perform, and work as Blackpink for six months out of the year.
According to a report from NBC, shares of YG Entertainment have dropped 13.28% after reports of three of the women of Blackpink not renewing their contracts began to surface.
Reuters also reported this drop in shares, while also noting that talks between the ladies and the label are “still ongoing and nothing has been confirmed.”
Blackpink is killing the game. Nearly a year after the release of their sophomore album Born Pink, they continue pulling in accolades, most recently at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, where they won the Group Of The Year award. Despite their buzz and popularity, there are rumors about a potential breakup circulating the internet, as their contract with YG Entertainment reportedly remains up in the air.
Will Blackpink renew its contract with YG Entertainment?
Korean outlet Sports Seoul is reporting that Blackpink is expected to “continue its activities ‘in the same way’.” The outlet also reports that only Rosé, one of the four members of the K-pop girl group, has opted to renew her contract. Meanwhile, members, Jennie, Jisoo, and Lisa are reportedly in “last minute discussions” of a “separately yet together” strategy to record, perform, and work as Blackpink for six months out of the year.
According to a report from NBC, shares of YG Entertainment have dropped 13.28% after reports of three of the women of Blackpink not renewing their contracts began to surface.
Reuters also reported this drop in shares, while also noting that talks between the ladies and the label are “still ongoing and nothing has been confirmed.”
Stephen A. Smith has made a career out of critiquing the best athletes in the world, but on Thursday night it was his turn to get put under the microscope when he threw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium.
The ESPN talking head strode out to the mound confidently but was doomed from the start by his ego as he insisted on throwing his pitch from the top of the mound rather than in front of it. Over-confidence has claimed many a first pitch thrower, as throwing off of the mound is just a completely different feeling than throwing off of flat ground, and Smith was no different. He wound up and delivered a ball that barely made over the grass to the dirt, bouncing 10 feet in front of home plate in a rather pathetic effort that even he was disgusted by.
If you don’t pitch regularly, it will almost always lead you to dirting the ball and that’s exactly what happened to Stephen A. It also should come as no surprise that hubris was Smith’s downfall on the mound on Thursday evening. I’m sure Smith will have some fun with his effort tomorrow morning on First Take, but it really started with the decision to go to the top of the mound — and I hope they call Mad Dog in to roast him before he heads to Arizona to get “sauced.”
Stephen A. Smith has made a career out of critiquing the best athletes in the world, but on Thursday night it was his turn to get put under the microscope when he threw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium.
The ESPN talking head strode out to the mound confidently but was doomed from the start by his ego as he insisted on throwing his pitch from the top of the mound rather than in front of it. Over-confidence has claimed many a first pitch thrower, as throwing off of the mound is just a completely different feeling than throwing off of flat ground, and Smith was no different. He wound up and delivered a ball that barely made over the grass to the dirt, bouncing 10 feet in front of home plate in a rather pathetic effort that even he was disgusted by.
If you don’t pitch regularly, it will almost always lead you to dirting the ball and that’s exactly what happened to Stephen A. It also should come as no surprise that hubris was Smith’s downfall on the mound on Thursday evening. I’m sure Smith will have some fun with his effort tomorrow morning on First Take, but it really started with the decision to go to the top of the mound — and I hope they call Mad Dog in to roast him before he heads to Arizona to get “sauced.”
I’ve been on a personal quest for nearly a decade to visit all 63 major US National Parks. Currently, I’ve visited 59 – many multiple times and in various seasons. As you can imagine, I’m most often asked, “Do you have a favorite park?” I didn’t want to commit for a while, but I knew nearly a decade ago — the first time I visited Grand Teton National Park outside of Jackson, Wyoming — that I’d found “the one.”
There is something so magical about that first time the Teton Range comes into view – it’s as close to “overly emotional” as I get. And even with the increased crowds of the last few years, I still find myself returning multiple times yearly.
But, yes, the crowds. Jackson and Grand Teton are undoubtedly “hot spots” to travel. Of course, I understand why (see above), so I’m not going to try to gatekeep anyone with “other similar spots” or “less crowded alternatives” – because there is no alternative, in my opinion. Yes, you must be more organized and plan more in advance to pull off a seamless trip to Grand Teton and Jackson. But that can be part of the fun.
I used to think it was crazy to hear people talk about planning National Park trips up to a year in advance, but now I get it. So, while we are ending one high-traffic season, now is actually the time to start planning for the next (as in, next summer). Here are my recommendations:
WHERE TO EXPLORE:
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
Emily Hart
While I imagine there are people here and there who travel to Jackson and don’t visit Grand Teton National Park, I would not want to be friends with those people. Grand Teton is a crown jewel of the National Park system (and I would know), with jutting peaks, beautiful blue lakes, incredible wildlife, and opportunities for adventure around every corner. Just hoping on the park road for a drive will undoubtedly be one of the most awe-inspiring views of your life – it’s that magnificent. And it’s basically in Jackson, with the airport inside park boundaries.
One could spend a lifetime exploring this park and never get sick of it. But I recommend a few things to get you started.
EASY TO MODERATE HIKES:
TAGGART LAKE
Emily Hart
If you’re not used to elevation, mountain air, and hiking, I’d stick with easy-to-moderate hikes on your first visit. When a hike in the Teton Range is rated as difficult, it is – trust me. I always recommend the famous Taggart Lake Loop to visitors. At just under 4 miles out and back, it offers some of the best views of the Teton Range, with a slight elevation gain and an incredible lake to take a breather at before returning.
STRING LAKE LOOP
Emily Hart
Another fantastic moderate loop hike is String Lake Trail, at just 3.7 miles roundtrip and only 252 feet of elevation gain. It begins at one of my favorite spots in the park – String Lake and continues around with beautiful views of String and Leigh Lakes. You can also continue to Cascade Canyon from this trailhead, which is much more strenuous.
ACTIVITIES:
KAYAK AT JACKSON LAKE
Emily Hart
If you visit in the summer, you’ll want to get out (or in) Jackson Lake. Rent a kayak or canoe on the water at Colter Bay Marina for an hour or two with incredible unobstructed views of Mount Moran and the Teton Range. Kayaks start at just $35 per hour, and canoes just $30. You can also opt for a motorboat rental.
SWIM AT JACKSON OR STRING LAKE
Emily Hart
I love to spend time on the Jackson Lake Swim Beach with a snack and maybe a drink, dipping my toes or going entirely in the water, depending on the time of year. You’d be surprised how many people you’ll find swimming in this natural cold plunge. String Lake is another perfect swim option, with seemingly warmer water and — in my experience — fewer crowds.
JENNY LAKE BOAT TOUR
Emily Hart
If you visit during the summer and early fall season, be sure to book a trip on a boat tour of Jenny Lake. One of – if not the most popular spot in the park – Jenny Lake is classic Tetons. While you can shuttle across the lake to shave some miles off a hike, I recommend the scenic cruise learning from NAI Certified Interpretive Guides.
FLOAT THE SNAKE RIVER
Emily Hart
Something I love about the Tetons is the abundance of water. There is always a lake or a river nearby, including the legendary Snake. With headwaters just inside nearby Yellowstone National Park, the Snake is a major tributary of the Columbia River and the largest North American river emptying into the Pacific. The most famous photos of Grand Teton by Ansel Adams feature the Snake prominently, and it’s a bucket list experience to get out on. Many guiding companies run rafting trips down the Snake, which is more scenic than whitewater and offers a view you would never otherwise have of these majestic mountains.
WHERE TO STAY:
MOUNTAIN MODERN MOTEL
Emily Hart
Just two blocks from the iconic Jackson Square lies the revamped and renovated Mountain Modern Motel. Offering many different room types – I loved the one-bedroom suite – this isn’t your average motel. With a great sense of style that brings in elements of the surrounding mountains and thoughtful details for the adventurer among us, it perfectly toes the line between an adventure basecamp and a luxurious place to relax after a long day of exploring.
CAMPING AT COLTER BAY
Emily Hart
During the warmer summer months, I love to spend a couple of nights in the park camping – and I always choose Colter Bay Campground. It’s large, with easy access to the general store, grocery, restaurants, marina, and lake while feeling secluded amongst the trees. You’ll have to reserve your site in advance (like all campgrounds in the park) on recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
WHERE TO DRINK:
MILLION DOLLAR COWBOY BAR
Emily Hart
You can’t visit Jackson without a stop at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. A Wyoming staple, the bar – established in 1937 – has long been the go-to venue for drinks, Western dancing, and music. I always love walking in for a glass of wine and sitting at a table to people-watch.
JACKSON HOLE WINERY
Emily Hart
I always aim to find a local winery on my travels, even though many local wineries are… not exceptional, we’ll say. But Jackson Hole Winery is one I keep coming back to. The setting outside town is so idyllic you might feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set, and the wine is just as impressive. There are only tastings available at the Winery location (glasses available at the downtown tasting room), but that is what I recommend anyway.
Make an advanced reservation and come ready to enjoy the libations and the view. The Rendezvous Red is a favorite.
THE ROOFTOP AT THE CLOUDVEIL
Emily Hart
For the most stunning view on the square, head up to The Rooftop at The Cloudveil. The newly opened luxury hotel is perfectly appointed with rustic chic furnishings that complement the mountain vibes. I enjoyed a glass of wine (or two) on the rooftop, admiring the view of the mountains and square below before heading downstairs for dinner.
WHERE TO EAT:
THE BISTRO AT THE CLOUDVEIL
Emily Hart
On the main floor of The Cloudveil, you’ll find The Bistro, a Parisian brasserie-style restaurant with outdoor café dining, a zinc bar, a fresh oyster bar, inventive cocktails, and seasonally prepared dishes. I started with Panisse Chickpea “Fries” with Greek yogurt that was surprising in all the right ways, and followed it with Grilled Trout accompanied by charred corn, fava beans, asparagus, vierge sauce, and spring onion.
The service was exceptional, and I only regret not returning for more the next night.
DORNANS CHUCKWAGON
Emily Hart
A Grand Teton classic, Dornan’s Chuckwagon (open seasonally) has served hefty portions to travelers since 1948. Just outside the park gates, you’ll be gobsmacked by the Teton view as you enjoy your meal. I generally opt for a burger (when at a chuckwagon, right?) and a beer or glass of wine. The atmosphere is casual and absolutely stunning.
LEEKS MARINA PIZZERIA
Emily Hart
Grand Teton is somewhat unique in National Parks in that there are several dining options within the park itself. One of my favorites after a long hike is always Leeks Pizzeria. Located on the park’s North side (a perfect stop between Yellowstone and Grand Teton), Leeks serves up pizzas, calzones, and local brews in a casual atmosphere with incredible views. Like many other offerings in the park, it is open seasonally, but you can never plan too soon – especially when pizza is involved.
JACKSON LAKE LODGE — BLUE HERON LOUNGE
Emily Hart
For something slightly more upscale (but National Park upscale is still decidedly casual), check out Blue Heron Lounge within Jackson Lake Lodge. I love to stop in National Park lodges on my travels as they generally have incredible architecture, history, and views – add a cocktail, and I’m in heaven. I recommend sitting outside at Blue Heron and enjoying the panoramic Teton views with a drink and a casual bite.
It’s been ten years since the world lost Roger Ebert to cancer, and his voice is sorely missed. Ebert had a pure love of cinema, and even though he was a film critic in a sweater with a Pulitzer Prize, he wrote and spoke in a way accessible to every man.
He didn’t care if a film was a Hollywood blockbuster or art-house fare; what mattered was whether it deserved his highly-coveted “thumbs up.”
Ebert was an extremely gifted communicator whose interests went far beyond film. In his later years, he often mused about music, politics, and American cultural events with the same eloquence, thoughtfulness and wit.
A great example of Ebert’s passion for film and artistic expression is his rebuke of a heckler at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival after a screening of “Better Luck Tomorrow.” The film, directed by Justin Lin, who went on to direct multiple films in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, is about a group of Asian American teens who are perfect students in class but do morally reprehensible things for money in the shadows.
The heckler lashed out at the filmmakers for showing Asian Americans in a negative light.
“Why, with the talent up there and yourself, make a film so empty and amoral for Asian Americans and for Americans?” the heckler yelled.
As the filmmakers gathered their thoughts, Ebert stood up to defend their rights to artistic expression. He also passionately spoke up for an artist’s right to depict people however they like, regardless of their race.
“What I find very offensive and condescending about your statement,” Ebert lashed out, “is nobody would say to a bunch of white filmmakers, ‘How could you do this to your people?’ This film has the right to be about these people, and Asian American characters have the right to be whoever the hell they want to be. They do not have to ‘represent’ their people.”
The crowd broke out to thunderous applause as Ebert passionately supported the young filmmakers. Sadly, Ebert would lose his voice to thyroid cancer just four years later.
Ebert’s response was also a bold statement about civil rights. Even though, twenty years ago, Asian Americans were severely underrepresented in American cinema, that shouldn’t limit a Taiwanese American filmmaker from portraying them how he saw fit, even if the portrait was unflattering. What gives the heckler the right to tell Lin how he should depict Asian Americans on the big screen?
Ebert further supported “Better Luck Tomorrow” by giving it a glowing 4-star review and naming it one of his top films of 2003.
“‘Better Luck Tomorrow’ is a coming-of-age film for Asian-Americans in American cinema. Like African-American films that take race for granted and get on with the characters and the story, Lin is making a movie where race is not the point but simply the given. … Lin, who directed, co-wrote and co-produced, here reveals himself as a skilled and sure director, a rising star. … His film is uncompromising and doesn’t chicken out with a U-turn ending.”
It’s been ten years since the world lost Roger Ebert to cancer, and his voice is sorely missed. Ebert had a pure love of cinema, and even though he was a film critic in a sweater with a Pulitzer Prize, he wrote and spoke in a way accessible to every man.
He didn’t care if a film was a Hollywood blockbuster or art-house fare; what mattered was whether it deserved his highly-coveted “thumbs up.”
Ebert was an extremely gifted communicator whose interests went far beyond film. In his later years, he often mused about music, politics, and American cultural events with the same eloquence, thoughtfulness and wit.
A great example of Ebert’s passion for film and artistic expression is his rebuke of a heckler at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival after a screening of “Better Luck Tomorrow.” The film, directed by Justin Lin, who went on to direct multiple films in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, is about a group of Asian American teens who are perfect students in class but do morally reprehensible things for money in the shadows.
The heckler lashed out at the filmmakers for showing Asian Americans in a negative light.
“Why, with the talent up there and yourself, make a film so empty and amoral for Asian Americans and for Americans?” the heckler yelled.
As the filmmakers gathered their thoughts, Ebert stood up to defend their rights to artistic expression. He also passionately spoke up for an artist’s right to depict people however they like, regardless of their race.
“What I find very offensive and condescending about your statement,” Ebert lashed out, “is nobody would say to a bunch of white filmmakers, ‘How could you do this to your people?’ This film has the right to be about these people, and Asian American characters have the right to be whoever the hell they want to be. They do not have to ‘represent’ their people.”
The crowd broke out to thunderous applause as Ebert passionately supported the young filmmakers. Sadly, Ebert would lose his voice to thyroid cancer just four years later.
Ebert’s response was also a bold statement about civil rights. Even though, twenty years ago, Asian Americans were severely underrepresented in American cinema, that shouldn’t limit a Taiwanese American filmmaker from portraying them how he saw fit, even if the portrait was unflattering. What gives the heckler the right to tell Lin how he should depict Asian Americans on the big screen?
Ebert further supported “Better Luck Tomorrow” by giving it a glowing 4-star review and naming it one of his top films of 2003.
“‘Better Luck Tomorrow’ is a coming-of-age film for Asian-Americans in American cinema. Like African-American films that take race for granted and get on with the characters and the story, Lin is making a movie where race is not the point but simply the given. … Lin, who directed, co-wrote and co-produced, here reveals himself as a skilled and sure director, a rising star. … His film is uncompromising and doesn’t chicken out with a U-turn ending.”
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