UPDATE: ‘U.S. vs Billie Holiday’ gets picked up by Paramount (VIDEO)

CONGRATS to award-winning filmmaker Lee Daniels. His newest project, The United States Vs. Billie Holiday, has been acquired by Paramount Pictures during the Cannes Virtual Market.

According to DEADLINE, the studio made an “8-figure commitment” and have North American rights to the film.

As previously reported, The United States Vs. Billie Holiday features singer Andra Day as Lady Day along with an all-star cast including—Rob Morgan, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Evan Ross, Tone Bell, Trevante Rhodes and Miss Lawrence. Broadway diva Suzan-Lori Parks, known for her Pulitzer Prize winning stage production Topdog/Underdog, serves as the film’s writer. It will be released later on this year in time for major award consideration.

“With the world’s eyes forced to look at the centuries-old oppression of Black people, I hope The United States Vs. Billie Holiday will add to this important conversation by shining a light on systemic racism and social injustice. I also feel that in this time of great reckoning it is essential we celebrate the life and artistry of an unsung Civil Rights warrior, Billie Holiday,” said Daniels.

Factoid: Evan Ross is starring in this movie and his mother, the legendary Diana Ross, starred as Lady Day in the 1972 Motown movie Lady Sings the Blues. She earned an Oscar nomination for “Best Actress” and won a Golden Globe award for her portrayal.

Check out one of the most powerful scenes from the film below:

Photo Credit: Instagram/Lee Daniels