In our best Funkmaster Flex voice, "Let's be clear," Adepero Oduye has been on our radar for a minute now. This past Saturday found Hollywood catching up to the blip, as the Pariah star was announced as a Next Gen 2011 honoree. All they needed to do was watch her performance in the compelling story of a teenager coming to terms with her homosexuality. The evening served as a celebration of industry members and their families detailing their experiences from being in the entertainment biz.
In what is a first-of-many-to-come red carpet moments for Ms. Oduye, she expressed to THR how honored she felt to be on the list. "It's surreal and exciting and a real honor," she said. The film, helmed by up-and-coming writer-director Dee Rees (who also made the Next Gen Class of 2011), has seen critical acclaim come to her and her ensemble, as Pariah showcased this year's breakout indie talent.
Viola Davis is up next to work with the Sundance winning helmer on an untitled HBO project. It is our hope that the very unique thespian will continue to stand out as more opportunities come her way.
[via Up and Comers]
