Denzel, Oprah among 'Great Debaters'

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Denzel, Oprah among 'Great Debaters'

"The Great Debaters" premiere was a bevy of beauties and Oscar winners, with actor-director Denzel Washington, Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Hudson in attendance.

'The Great Debaters,' premiered Tuesday night in Los Angeles. The movie stars two-time Oscar winner (and past Sexiest Man Alive recipient) Denzel Washington.

Denzel was not the only big name at the premiere. He walked the red carpet with none other than Oprah.

Oprah couldn't contain her excitement about seeing the movie, which her company, Harpo Films, produced.

The talk show queen was even gracious enough to point the way to the theater for anyone who was lost.

No, no, wait, maybe it's this way.

Oprah was dressed more for weather in Chicago than L.A., wearing a full-length leather skirt. She seemed to be having second thoughts about her selection.

Denzel Washington, with wife Pauletta, did double duty in the movie, playing the lead as well as directing.

The Trumpet Awards, which honor African Americans who excel in fields including public service, medicine, law and entertainment, will be held Jan. 13 at the Atlanta Civic Center. Samuel L. Jackson (shown) and his wife, La Tanya Richardson Jackson, will host the ceremony.

The premiere doubled as date night as Denzel Washington, wife Pauletta, Samuel L. Jackson and wife LaTanya Richardson stepped out on the town.

Wesley Snipes came out to support his friends' project.

The third time is the charm for Kimberly Elise. She has starred in two other movies with Denzel Washington, 'The Manchurian Candidate' and 'John Q.'

It's been an up-and-down year for television, both locally and nationally. Director Tyler Perry financed 10 episodes of 'House of Payne' himself, then convinced TBS to pay millions for 100 episodes after he test marketed the show in 10 markets.

Denzel Whitaker and Gina Ravera arrive. Whitaker lists one of his biggest influences as Denzel Washington, so working on a film with the Oscar winner must have been a dream come true.

Jurnee Smollett has won two NAACP Image Awards. Could her role in 'The Great Debaters' earn her another?

Jennifer Hudson gave the premiere a trifecta of Oscar winners.

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'The Great Debaters,' premiered Tuesday night in Los Angeles. The movie stars two-time Oscar winner (and past Sexiest Man Alive recipient) Denzel Washington.

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