Queen Latifah on the Queen Collective’s Mission to Support Women, Non-Binary Directors: ‘If We Don’t Give the Opportunity, You Might Not See That Story’

variety.com:

Angelique Jackson Over the last four years, Queen Latifah’s Queen Collective has developed into a flourishing pipeline for women and non-binary filmmakers of color in both the film and advertising industries. “We’re finally cooking with gas in the way that I would like it to be, in the way that I originally saw it,” Latifah tells Variety, calling on a break from rehearsals for the 54th NAACP Image Awards, which she hosted last Saturday night.

Latifah opened the show with a rousing rendition of “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die,” reminding audiences that the First Lady of Hip-Hop also has Academy Award-nominated pipes.

Ultimately, the veteran awards ceremony emcee earned rave reviews for keeping the show upbeat, on brand and right at two hours, plus she stunned in four wardrobe changes.

During the broadcast, too, was a special segment called “Direct Effect,” which celebrated women filmmakers. Procter & Gamble, a presenting sponsor of the Image Awards, was behind the salute, essentially broadcasting their dedication to the mission they’ve set out on alongside Latifah’s Flavor Unit Entertainment (her company with Shakim Compere) and Tribeca Studios.