Grammy Winning Musician Van Hunt’s Song “Automatic Woman” Oscar Shortlisted
Journalist: Nikoleta Morales
Grammy winning musician, writer and producer Van Hunt whose song “Automatic Woman,” which he produced and co-wrote with Starrah and H.E.R., recently made the Oscar shortlist for Best Original Song. “Automatic Woman” was featured in Halle Berry’s directorial debut, Bruised, which is currently streaming on Netflix!
Van Hunt first gained attention for his work producing and songwriting with artists like Dionne Farris, Rahsaan Patterson, and Cree Summer. After writing “Hopeless”, an original song for the platinum-selling soundtrack Love Jones, Hunt released his self-titled debut album in 2004 which set him apart as an original talent with its seamless mix of R&B, soul, funk, pop, and rock. His breakthrough single “Dust” earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for his breakthrough hit single “Dust.”
Listen to “Automatic Woman” HERE
Cultured Focus met up with Van Hunt to discuss his passion for music, how his collaboration came to be on the Bruised theme song, and what's next on his list of upcoming projects.
Hunt is a co-composer on Cory Henry’s critically acclaimed funk album Something to Say, which just received a Grammy nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album. He received a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, honoring Family Affair, a collaboration with John Legend and Joss Stone found on the 2006 Sly & The Family Stone tribute album, Different Strokes For Different Folks.
Official Trailer For Halle Berry’s Directorial Debut ‘Bruised’
Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMu8K0l8ggA
Netflix has released the trailer for the mixed martial arts drama Bruised , which hits theaters on Nov. 17 then on Netflix globally on Nov. 24. The film is directed by academy award winner Halle Berry, who makes her directorial debut.
Jackie Justice (Halle Berry) is a mixed martial arts fighter who leaves the sport in disgrace. Down on her luck and simmering with rage and regret years after her fight, she’s coaxed into a brutal underground fight by her manager and boyfriend Desi (Adan Canto) and grabs the attention of a fight league promoter (Shamier Anderson) who promises Jackie a life back in the octagon. But the road to redemption becomes unexpectedly personal when Manny (Danny Boyd, Jr.) — the son she gave up as an infant — shows up at her doorstep.
Co-starring in the film are Adan Canto, Shamier Anderson, Stephen McKinley Henderson and Sheila Atim. Anderson will play the owner of the female mixed martial arts league that Jackie Justice participates in. Canto plays Berry’s MMA manager and boyfriend. Atim is the MMA trainer who helps Justice get into the fighting shape of her life and conquer her personal demons.
Available now on Netlix https://www.netflix.com/title/81043365
Photo credit: Supplied