Year in review: Entertainment

Year in review: Entertainment

By Albany Herald News

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multimedia

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January 1, 2016

Albany native Paula Deen talks with “Dancing With the Stars” host Tom Bergeron in October after she and her partner Louis Van Amstel were eliminated from the competition after six weeks. (Photo: ABC/Adam Taylor)

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Year in review: Entertainment

Southwest Georgians have big year on national entertainment scene in 2015.

The creators of “War Room,” from left, Stephen Kendrick, co-writer and producer, and Alex Kendrick, co-writer and director, stand near a poster display for the movie on the film’s opening day Aug. 28 at Carmike Wynnsong 16. The Christian-themed film ranked No. 40 among movies for the year and its DVD debuted at No. 2 in December. (Staff Photo: Jennifer Parks)

Jo Marie Payton continued her busy acting career, rejoining former “Family Matters” spouse Reginald VelJohnson for a Christmastime made-for-TV movie. (File photo)

Blythe Danner, left, is getting best actress Oscar buzz for the indie film “I’ll See You in Your Dreams.” Rhea Perlman plays one of her character’s best friends in the film and Patrick Millsaps, of Albany, was an executive producer of the movie, which opened in May. (Photo: Patrick Millsaps)

Singer Cole Swindell of Bronwood poses backstage with his New Artist of the Year Award during the 50th annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Arlington in April. (Photo: Reuters/Mike Stone)

Leesburg native Luke Bryan wraps up a stellar 2015 in style, performing on the main stage in Times Square during the New Year’s Eve celebration in New York City. (Photo: Reuters/Carlo Allegri)

Leesburg native Luke Bryan takes a selfie during his performance on the main stage in Times Square during New Year’s Eve celebrations in New York City. (Photo: Reuters/Carlo Allegri)

Karen Abercrombie acts in her role as Miss Clara in the Kendrick Brothers film “War Room.” The film written by Alex and Stephen Kendricks of Albany struck a chord with movie-goers, earning nearly $68 million at the box office in 2015. (Special photo)

Paula Deen returned to her native Albany in June for the dedication of the Rock Cottage at Merry Acres Inn, which was named for her. (File photo: Jim West)

Hannah Blackwell shows off her engagement ring after she and singer Phillip Phillips became engaged over the 2014 holiday weekend. The couple married at an Albany area plantation in 2015. (Photo: Facebook)