We’ve all heard about the Stars in Hollywood. No, not those stars! The stars down the road on Hollywood Blvd. We’re going to talk about the new crop of stars selected, how to become a star and so much more …
Recently, music producer Jimmy Jam (1993 recipient), actress Niecy Nash (2018 recipient) and actor Joe Mantegna (2011 recipient) along with Hollywood Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Steve Nissen, announced the 36 entertainment honorees who will now become stars.
The Walk of Fame selection committee is made up of previous Walk of Famers. Choices are ratified by the Hollywood Chambers Board of Directors.
Each inductee is chosen by categories. The categories are as follows:
- Motion Picture
- Broadcast Television
- Audio Recording/Music Broadcast Radio
- Theater/Live Performance
- Sports Entertainment (newly added category premiered last year in 2023)
AUDIO RECORDING/MUSIC
Busta Rhymes [Rapper]: An original member of the rap group Leaders of the New School, Busta is one of industries most prominent rappers. He’s an honoree of BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Fantasia [R&B Singer]: Fantasia became the 3rd American Idol winner in 2004. She was the second female artist to have debut single top the charts with “I Believe.”
The Isley Brothers [Soul Band]: This band featuring brothers have been performing together since the 1950s. They are Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and have Lifetime Achievement Awards for the Recording Academy’s Grammy Awards and BET.
WAR [Funk Band]: This seminal 1970s band blended Blues; Rock; Latin & Jazz to make their own brand of Funk Music. Their classic recordings include “Why Can’t We Be Friends” and “Lowrider.”
Prince [Singer/Songwriter/Musician]: One of popular music’s most prolific artist. Accomplishments include seven Grammy Awards, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and many others. Awarded posthumously (one per year.)
Other honorees include a pair of 1980s’ New Wave bands, Britain’s DePecha Mode, and from America, the B-52’s. Also, 2000s Rock band Green Day, Mexican Grupero band Los Bukis, along with Country singers George Straight and Keith Urban.
MOTION PICTURE
Bill Duke [Actor/Director]: As an actor, starred in the classic movie Car Wash. He directed TV shows such as Knots Landing, and film Sister Act 2: Back In Business.
Nia Long [Actress]: Starred in films Boyz n the Hood, Friday, and The Best Man series.
Glynn Turman [Actor/Director]: Starred in the coming of age film Cooley High and hit sitcom, A Different World.
Toni Vaz [Stuntwoman]: Hollywood’s first Black stuntwoman performing stunts for Cicely Tyson and Eartha Kitt. She co-founded the first NAACP Image Awards Ceremony in 1967.
Other honorees include John Carpenter, Jessica Chastain, Robert Englund, Emilo Estevez, Colin Farrell, and Jane Fonda.
TELEVISION
Sherri Shepard [Comedienne/TV Personality]: Originally a stand-up comedienne, Sherri won a Daytime Emmy as Co-Host of the View.
Courtney B. Vance [Actor]: Tony and Emmy Award winner known for Law & Order: Criminal Intent. His wife Angela Bassett received a Hollywood Star in 2008.
Additional stars awarded are actress Fran Drescher, the National President of the SAG-AFTRA); producer and actress Lauren Graham, Bill Nye the Science Guy, comedienne Molly Shannon, Broadcast Journalist Chris Wallace, and South Park animators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
THEATER/LIVE PERFORMANCE
Misty Copeland: [Ballet Dancer]: First African-American woman promoted to principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre’s history.
Actor Alan Cumming joins Copeland in the Theater/Live Performance category.
BROADCAST RADIO
Radio Personality and Comedian Adam Carolla
SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT
Soccer icon David Beckham and Major League Baseball star Orel Hershiser
The Nomination Process
So, how does one get a star in Hollywood? Well, get someone to sponsor you or sponsor yourself.
There is currently a $75,000 sponsorship fee and $250 to nominate someone.
The First Star
After seven years of preparation and planning, the Hollywood Walk of Fame made its premier in 1960.
Each year, 200 nominees are up for selection for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. At least 20 each year get chosen. Each nominee must have a minimum of 5 years of experience under their respective category. The nominee has two years to try their luck for a star, after which the process has to start over if not selected on the 2nd go-around.
Dates will be scheduled for each star for a separate ceremony in the near future.
