Ovation TV, America’s only arts network, has long celebrated diversity in the arts through grants, in-kind support, advocacy, and on-air programming. The network recognizes Black excellence & achievement, those who have championed equality and peace through action and through the power of art. From inspirational films, documentaries and specials, Ovation shines a light on the significant contributions of Black artists and activists who have advanced progress for all.
Starting this Friday, June 19th at 6:00am ET, Ovation TV will air a 24-hour programming block highlighting some of the extraordinary works of Beyoncé, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Alfre Woodard, Michelle Obama and Pharrell Williams. The arts network celebrates Juneteenth, which marks the day that slavery was officially abolished in Texas on June 19, 1865.
“As a company and community, we wanted to honor and commemorate Juneteenth by showcasing the significant artistic achievement of Black artists and activists as a means of celebration,” said Liz Janneman, EVP of Network Strategy. “It is imperative that Black voices be heard and Black art seen.”
The programming block on Ovation TV will start at 6:00am ET:
Friday, June 19th
6:00am ET
DMC: Walk This Way
As one of three founding members of the iconic group – RunDMC – Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels brought rap to the mainstream of American culture, only to be left behind as hip-hop exploded and became one of the most significant cultural movements of our generation.
7:00am ET
Cut From a Different Cloth
Actor Idris Elba teams up with Superdry founders Julian Dunkerton and James Holder to launch a new fashion line.
8:00am ET
My Years as Louis Armstrong
Chantz and his mother Glinda lead an unsettled life, divided between the Los Angeles motel where they live and the street where Chantz gives his performances. But there are milestones along the way – classes at the showbiz school Chantz enrolls at, occasional meetings with professional musicians in jazz clubs, engagements on shows, a visit to Glinda’s family in Mississippi, and the first casting session for a film about Louis Armstrong.
9:00am ET
Sammy Davis, Jr. – The Very Best of the Rat Pack
A look at the life of the legendary actor, musician, and member of Sinatra’s 1960’s Rat Pack.
10:00am ET
Nina Simone, The Legend
This documentary, told by Nina herself, is an honest portrayal based on her autobiography “I Put A Spell On You,” that shows Nina at her mightiest and at her most vulnerable.
11:00am ET
Jean-Michel Basquiat
A documentary about the renowned neo-expressionist artist.
12:00pm ET
Pharrell: Happy-Go-Lucky
From Snoop Dogg to Britney Spears, Pharrell Williams has worked alongside and produced songs for some of the hottest stars in the music industry. Having been nominated for an Oscar for his infectious song ‘Happy’, he has established himself as one of the biggest artists of his generation.
1:00pm ET
Prince: Kiss the Rain
An in-depth look at Prince’s incredible career; get closer to the artist with dramatic reenactments of his life.
2:00pm ET
Rihanna: No Regrets
This film takes a look at the life of a singer from the view of the fans, industry experts and the singer herself as she talks about the heartaches and celebration of being one of the most talked about individuals in the music industry today.
3:00pm ET
Beyoncé: Queen B
This film follows Beyoncé’s booming record sales, Grammy awards, movie roles, and marriage to rapper Jay-Z.
4:00pm ET
Inside the Actors Studio: Halle Berry
Halle Berry, who scored an Oscar for 2001’s “Monster’s Ball” and an Emmy for the 1999 cable movie “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,” recaps her cinematic oeuvre, including Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever.”
5:00pm ET
Inside the Actors Studio: Will Smith
Actor and rapper Will Smith reflects on his childhood in Philadelphia; his work on TV’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”; and the similarities between acting and rapping.
6:00pm ET
Michelle Obama: Forward Motion
Experience the powerful story of former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama’s journey from the working-class South Side of Chicago to the White House.
7:00pm ET
Ride to Freedom: The Rosa Parks Story
This biopic tells the story of civil rights activist Rosa Parks (Angela Bassett) from her days as a private-school student to her public battle against racism and segregation.
9:00pm ET
Betty and Coretta
Follows the widows of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X and how they carry on as single mothers after the assassination of their husbands. Starring Angela Bassett and Mary J. Blige.
11:00pm ET
Inside the Actors Studio: David Oyelowo
Jane Lynch interviews actor David Oyelowo; from his acclaimed portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in “Selma” to his role in “Jack Reacher,” Oyelowo shares how he went from the London stage to being one of Hollywood’s most sought after stars.
Saturday, June 20th
12:30am ET
Inside the Actors Studio: Alfre Woodard
LaTanya Richardson Jackson interviews guest Alfre Woodard, who reflects on her training as an actor which led her to a prolific television career as well as critically acclaimed performances in “Cross Creek,” “Passion Fish,” and “Miss Evers’ Boys.”
2:00am ET
Beaches (2017)
The beloved story of friendship reimagined for a new generation. Starring Nia Long and Idina Menzel.
4:00am ET
Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B
Follow the talented Aaliyah’s inspirational journey, from her debut on Star Search to the challenges she faced during her rise to become the Princess of R&B.
About OVATION TV America’s Only Arts Network
As an independent television, production, and digital media company, OVATION TV has an unparalleled commitment to the arts, culture, and captivating entertainment. Showcasing a lineup of critically-acclaimed premium dramas, specials, documentaries, and iconic films, OVATION TV salutes innovative storytelling with popular programming that includes Murdoch Mysteries, Riviera, Frankie Drake Mysteries, The Wine Show, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Versailles, Grand Designs, Amazing Hotels, Chasing the Sun, and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. In 2019, Ovation became the official home for the 18-time Emmy nominated series Inside the Actors Studio, a symbiotic partnership with The Actors Studio that explores the craft and art of acting and storytelling. Ovation also powers JOURNY, the dedicated streaming service where art, culture, and travel intersect. The company has provided more than $15M in contributions and in-kind support to arts institutions and arts education. Its signature advocacy platform, STAND FOR THE ARTS, includes a coalition of over 60 arts organizations, cultural institutions, and arts leaders throughout the country raising awareness about art’s positive impact, protecting access for everyone, and encouraging action on behalf of the arts. OVATION TV is available on major providers via cable, satellite and telco systems including Comcast Cable/Xfinity, DIRECTV/AT&T U-verse, SPECTRUM, Verizon FiOS, as well as on demand. You can follow OVATION TV on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, OvationTV.com, and through our App, OVATION NOW.