A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

If TNT's airing of "The Black Movie Awards" is any indicator, Diana Ross might go missing in action. This week, "Lady Sings The Blues" received the 9th annual award show's "Classic Movie" nod, a big honor in the grand scheme of 'black Hollywood'. Though Ross was nearby (in that she supported youngest daughter Chudney Ross, who modeled in one of Los Angeles' Fashion Week shows), she instead was represented by her two acting offspring Tracee Ellis Ross ("Girlfriends") and Evan Naess Ross ("A-T-L") - both of whom acknowledged growing up as legacy pieces to the star of the project. Additionally (and perhaps most appropriately), Berry Gordy attended and accepted the actual award alongside the film's leading man Billy Dee Williams, the film's producers and screenwriters, including Suzanne DePasse, who too executive produced the awards ceremony. Since "Lady Sings The Blues" didn't win any Oscars (though nominated for five, including Diana Ross for Lead Actress), Berry pointed out that this was finally his chance to THANK all who helped to make this legendary film a reality when - against all Hollywood odds - it was quite an uphill triumph. And if I don't say so myself, it still holds up as quality cinema today.