Arts & Culture
OETA is big broadcast winner at SPJ Awards
Written by Dick Pryor Monday, 22 February 2010 23:41
OKLAHOMA CITY - OETA received 19 awards, including 6 first place honors at the 2010 Oklahoma Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists awards ceremony on Feb. 20. OETA led all state broadcast organizations in total awards and took first place plaques in General News Reporting, Special Programs, Feature, Sports Reporting, Videography and Best Television Reporting portfolio.
To view the entire list of winners visit the website of the Oklahoma Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Critics name "The Hurt Locker" best movie
Written by Dick Pryor Wednesday, 23 December 2009 21:36
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Film Critics Circle has named "The Hurt Locker" as the best motion picture of 2009. The drama focuses on an elite group of soldiers tasked with disarming bombs in Iraq. Its director, Kathryn Bigelow, was honored by the film group as best director.
Top performance honors went to George Clooney as best actor for his portrayal of a high-flying hatchet man in "Up in the Air." Best actress honors went to Meryl Streep for her transformation into famed chef Julia Child in "Julie & Julia." Mo'Nique earned the best supporting actress spot as an abusive mother in "Precious." Christoph Waltz handily won best supporting actor for his role as a sinister SS officer in "Inglourious Basterds." OFCC members are Oklahoma-based movie critics who write for print and online outlets.
Garth Brooks says he's coming out of retirement
Written by Dick Pryor Thursday, 15 October 2009 20:13
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Garth Brooks is coming out of retirement. The country superstar said Thursday at a news conference in Nashville that he will end his retirement.
The move has been rumored in the music industry for weeks. The 47-year-old retired in 2000 to spend more time with his three children. He's occasionally popped up in special appearances at awards shows and charity events, but has mostly stayed out of the limelight.
Wanda Jackson gets her "Way"
Written by Ross Dixon Wednesday, 30 September 2009 23:14
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The "Queen of Rockabilly" has gotten her "way" - a street that is - in the place she's called home for many years. About 100 people, including Oklahoma City officials, fans and passers-by, came out Wednesday afternoon for the dedication of Wanda Jackson Way and a brief performance by the 71-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
The street intersects Mickey Mantle Drive in Bricktown, the city's entertainment district, and runs adjacent to Flaming Lips Alley and other thoroughfares named after famous Oklahomans. Jackson, known as the "Queen of Rockabilly," was one of the nation's first major female country and rockabilly singers.
Before performing "Mean, Mean Man," Jackson told the audience she's grateful for all the acclaim she's received this year.
Brooks, Sanders, Ventura to enter OSU Alumni Hall
Written by Dick Pryor Tuesday, 01 September 2009 21:03
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - Country music star Garth Brooks, Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders and baseball standout Robin Ventura will be inducted into the Oklahoma State University Alumni Hall of Fame. The trio will serve as grand marshals for the university's homecoming on Oct. 17 and will be recognized that day when the Cowboys host Missouri in football.
Brooks graduated from OSU in 1984 and is certified by the Recording Industry Association of America as the top-selling solo artist in history. Sanders won the 1988 Heisman Trophy, rushing for a still-standing NCAA-record 2,628 yards and 39 touchdowns that season. Ventura, a third baseman for the Cowboys from 1986 to 1988, was in the inaugural College Baseball Hall of Fame class in 2006 and played 16 seasons in the major leagues.