Press

Devra presents “This Changes Everything” Panel at The Los Angeles Press Club

Devra Māza moderated a post-screening panel discussion of director Tom Donahue’s documentary This Changes Everything at The Los Angeles Press Club on July 25. Panelists, including Donahue, actor/executive producer Geena Davis, and featured writer-directors Catherine Hardwicke and Kimberly Peirce, joined Devra in a lively discussion of the documentary’s courageous exploration of the pervasive gender inequality and systemic sexism faced by women in the film and TV industry, both in front of and behind the camera. For more on this eye-opening film, go here. Connect with Devra on Twitter @DevraMaza

WGA Buzz on Devra’s LA Press Club Award Nom for Humor Writing

The following appears on the Writers Guild of America, West website in the June Buzz section under News & Events:

DEVRA MĀZA has been nominated for a Los Angeles Press Club Award for her HuffPost feature story “Are You Christian Grey? Take the Fifty Shades Test” in the category of Best Humor/Satire Writing, all media platforms. The article, in the guise of a tongue-in-cheek pop quiz for fervent fans, explores reasons for the franchise’s popularity while exposing a template for writing erotic novel heartthrobs for our times. This honor marks the eleventh consecutive year in which Devra has received nominations in journalism award categories. The 2017 Southern California Journalism Awards take place on Sunday, June 25 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Tickets/Finalists/Information: lapressclub.org. For more on Devra and her articles, follow her on Twitter @devramaza and visit DevraMaza.com.

WGA Posts Devra’s National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards Noms

The following appears on the Writers Guild of America, West website in the November BUZZ section under News & Events:

DEVRA MĀZA is nominated for two National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards for her Huffington Post feature stories. For Best Entertainment Blog by an Individual, Online (Devra is reigning winner), Devra’s nomination is represented by four articles: “Are You Christian Grey? Take the Fifty Shades Test“, “The Kings of Comeback: Five Lessons for Success From the World Series“, “Becoming Fearless: A Conversation With A Girl Undone Author Catherine Linka“, and “Art of Resistance: Charlie Hebdo’s Antonio Fischetti and Judea Pearl on the War on Journalists“, also nominated as Best Commentary/Analysis/Trend, Online. The interview delves into how journalists and entertainment artists fight for free expression in the face of targeted terrorism. The nominations cap a decade of perennial honors for Devra in entertainment and sports award categories. The National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards will be held Sunday, December 4, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. For tickets and information, go to lapressclub.org. For more on Devra, follow on Twitter@DevraMaza and visit DevraMaza.com. – See more at: http://www.wga.org/news-events/news/buzz#sthash.iGnvJ1WT.dpuf

WGA Announces Devra’s LA Press Club Award Wins

The following appears on the Writers Guild of America, West website in the July Buzz section under News & Events:

At the June Southern California Journalism Awards DEVRA MĀZA won the LA Press Club award as Best Sports Commentary (Online) for The Kings of Comeback: Five Lessons for Success From the World Series, which the judges called a “masterful commentary, well done!” Maza was nominated for a record 13 awards, the most ever for a single writer in LA Press Club awards history, for her Huffington Post articles. Honoring excellence in journalism, the nominations, led by Entertainment Journalist of the Year (all media platforms) and Best Blog by an Individual (Online), spanned Entertainment, Sports, Political, and Lifestyle categories. Five articles received multiple nods and wins: Ode to Joy: Robin, Joan and Laughter’s Long Life (2nd place Entertainment Feature), The Adaptation Game: Playing With Fifty Shades of Sex for Film (2nd place Entertainment News, 3rd place Entertainment Commentary), Art of Resistance: Charlie Hebdo’s Antonio Fischetti and Judea Pearl on the War on Journalists, Becoming Fearless: A Conversation With A Girl Undone Author Catherine Linka, and The Kings of Comeback: Five Lessons for Success From the World Series. These nominations cap a decade of recognition for Devra’s work. Follow Devra on Twitter @DevraMaza and visit DevraMaza.com.

Devra sets Record With 13 SoCal Journalism Award Nods

Devra Māza is nominated for a record 13 Southern California Journalism Awards for her Huffington Post Articles. The nominations, led by Entertainment Journalist of the Year (all media platforms) and Best Blog by an Individual (Online), span her feature, news and commentary columns in Entertainment, Sports, Politics, In Appreciation and Lifestyle categories. The five articles receiving multiple nods individually, as well as collectively for body-of-work awards, are:
Ode to Joy: Robin, Joan and Laughter’s Long Life
The Adaptation Game: Playing With Fifty Shades of Sex for Film 
Art of Resistance: Charlie Hebdo’s Antonio Fischetti and Judea Pearl on the War on Journalists
Becoming Fearless: A Conversation With A Girl Undone Author Catherine Linka
The Kings of Comeback: Five Lessons for Success From the World Series
The nominations, which caps a decade of perennial prizes for Devra’s work, are the most ever for a single writer in the history of the awards, sponsored by the Los Angeles Press Club to honor excellence in journalism. The newly designed trophies will be presented on June 26 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. For finalists, tickets and information, visit lapressclub.org. For more on Devra and her articles, follow her on Twitter @DevraMaza and visit DevraMaza.com.

Devra Wins Top Honors at NAEJ Awards for Best Blog and Feature Writing

Devra Māza is a big winner at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism (NAEJ) Awards for her Huffington Post feature stories. For Best Entertainment Blog by an Individual, which recognizes the year’s best body of work by an Online writer nationwide, Devra’s win is represented by “The Adaptation Game: Playing With Fifty Shades of Sex for Film” which took a sensuously speculative look at how the graphic sex in the erotic novel could be cinematically adapted for screen. Devra also won in the category of Best Celebrity Feature, Online for “Ode to Joy: Robin, Joan and Laughter’s Long Life”. The judges hailed Devra’s tribute to the trailblazing comedians Robin Williams and Joan Rivers as “an inspiring piece of work.” Devra also took a second place prize for Best Arts & Entertainment Feature, Online for “Shooting Diamonds: Directing The World Series” in which two of MLB’s top directors reveal the technical and creative challenges in making championship TV. In conferring Devra’s major award for Best Blog, the judges praised, “Good writing makes the difference here, as it elevates entertainment journalism from casual observation to something more involving and in-depth. Devra Maza exhibits the talent to delve into many different subjects, while always bringing a spark to the writing.” For a complete list of winners, judges’ comments and photos from the NAEJ Awards gala, go to lapressclub.org. For more on Devra, follow on Twitter @DevraMaza and visit DevraMaza.com.

5 Tips for Success From the World Series Kings of Comeback on Huff Post Sports

Devra Māza‘s feature story “The Kings of Comeback: Five Lessons for Success From the World Series” has been published on The Huffington Post‘s Sports page. The article, which showcases exhilarating comebacks in each of the five World Series games, shines a spotlight on the unique qualities of character, exemplified by the heroics of corresponding individual players, that made victory possible. An in-depth look at how each star athelete overcame daunting setbacks to rise to the championship occasion with a winning mindset made up of resilience, consistency, faith, perseverance, and execution, reveals strategies for success that can be applied to any endeavor, no matter what your aspiration. For more on Devra and her articles, follow her on Twitter @DevraMaza and visit DevraMaza.com.

Five Nominations for National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards

Devra Māza is nominated for five National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards for her Huffington Post feature stories. For best Entertainment Blog by an Individual, Online, Devra’s nomination is represented by her article “The Adaptation Game: Playing With Fifty Shades of Sex for Film” which takes a sensuously speculative look at how the graphic sex in the erotic novel could be cinematically adapted for screen. “Ode to Joy: Robin, Joan and Laughter’s Long Life” is nominated for best Humor Writing and best In Appreciation Feature in all platforms, as well as for best Celebrity Feature, Online. The article pays tribute to the trailblazing comedians Robin Williams and Joan Rivers, while analyzing their unique comedic skills, pioneering career achievements and cultural legacies. Devra is also nominated for “Shooting Diamonds: Directing The World Series” in the best Arts and Entertainment Feature, Online category. The article, one in a three-part series, takes an inside look with two of Major League Baseball’s top television directors who reveal the technical and creative challenges in making championship TV. This is the ninth consecutive year in which Devra has been honored in entertainment and sports award categories. The National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards will take place on Sunday, December 6th at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. For tickets, finalists and information, go to lapressclub.org. For more on Devra’s articles follow her on Twitter@DevraMaza and visit DevraMaza.com.

Moving Article on Charlie Hebdo’s Daniel Pearl Award

The following appears on the Writers Guild of America, West website in the August Buzz section under News & Events:

Devra Māza‘s feature story “Art of Resistance: Charlie Hebdo‘s Antonio Fischetti and Judea Pearl on the War on Journalists” has been published by The Huffington Post. The article, featured on The World Post page, contains interviews with Fischetti, a survivor of the Charlie Hebdo massacre, and Pearl, father of the slain Wall Street Journal reporter, upon the presentation of The Los Angeles Press Club’s Daniel Pearl Award to Charlie Hebdo. The two men share moving insights into how they use the arts of words, illustration and music in defense of free speech. For more on Devra and her other articles, follow her on Twitter @devramaza and visit DevraMaza.com.

HuffPost Features Take Two Prizes

The following appears on the Writers Guild of America, West website in the July Buzz section under News & Events:

Devra Māza has again been honored at the Los Angeles Press Club’s Southern California Journalism Awards for her Huffington Post feature stories. “Shooting Diamonds: Directing The World Series” garnered 2nd Place for Best Sports News or Feature, Online, sharing inside looks with two of Major League Baseball’s best television directors, Bill Webb (FOX Sports) and John Moore (YES Network). Devra also won 2nd Place for “Baseball’s Library: Inside the Hall of Fame Archives” in the Best Sports Commentary, Online category, written on the occasion of viewing her poem “The Great Greg Maddux” in the Hall’s Poetry Archives, featuring an interview with the Hall Library’s esteemed director Jim Gates. This is the ninth consecutive year in which Devra has been nominated in entertainment or sports award categories. Please visit DevraMaza.com and follow her on Twitter @devramaza.

Two LA Press Club Award Nominations

The following appears on the Writers Guild of America, West website in the June Buzz section under News & Events:

Devra Māza has been nominated for two Los Angeles Press Club Awards for her Huffington Post feature stories. “Shooting Diamonds: Directing The World Series” is nominated for Best Sports News or Feature, Online. The article takes an inside look with two of Major League Baseball’s best television directors, Bill Webb of FOX Sports and MLB International’s John Moore who reveal what it takes to make championship TV.  Devra is also nominated for “Baseball’s Library: Inside the Hall of Fame Archives” in the Best Sports Commentary, Online category.  The article, written on the occasion of viewing her poem “The Great Greg Maddux” in the Hall’s Poetry Archives, features an interview with the Hall Library’s esteemed director Jim Gates.  Both features take fans of filmmaking and sports alike behind the scenes in celebration with expert analysis.  The nominations makes this the ninth year in a row in which Devra has been honored in sports or entertainment award categories. The Los Angeles Press Club’s Southern California Journalism Awards will take place on Sunday, June 28th at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. For Tickets/Finalists/Information, visit: lapressclub.org. Also visit DevraMaza.com and follow Devra on Twitter @devramaza.

Adapting Fifty Shades of Sex for Film is Steamy Read

 Devra Māza’s feature story “The Adaptation Game: Playing with Fifty Shades of Sex for Film” has been published by The Huffington Post on its Entertainment Page for Valentine’s weekend. The inventive article suggests sensuous ways in which the graphic sex in the book Fifty Shades of Grey  might be adapted for film within the framework of an R rating. The playful analysis, which is decorated by a collection of photos from the movie, encourages writers to tap into all of their senses when adapting an erotic novel from page to screen. Readers are encouraged to use their imagination and then compare their own steamy version with the film, or just share it with someone they love. For more on Devra, follow her on Twitter @devramaza.

Tribute to Robin Williams and Joan Rivers Tops Huffington Post

The following appears on the Writers Guild of American, West website in the February Buzz section under News & Events:

Devra Māza‘s feature story “Ode to Joy: Robin, Joan and Laughter’s Long Life” has been published by The Huffington Post on its Entertainment and Comedy pages. The article pays tribute to the trailblazing comedians Robin Williams and Joan Rivers. As awards shows remember them in their telecasts, this feature analyzes their unique comedic skills, pioneering career achievements and how their legacy of laughter enriches us all. Devra’s next article, on the Fifty Shades of Grey film, will appear on Valentine’s Day. For these and Devra’s other articles, visit DevraMaza.com.

“Shooting Diamonds: Directing the World Series” on Huffington Post

The following appears on the Writers Guild of American, West website in the January Buzz section under News & Events:

Devra Māza‘s feature article “Shooting Diamonds: Directing the World Series” has been published by The Huffington Post as the lead feature story on its Sports and MLB pages. The article is the latest installment of an exclusive three-part series that reveals how Major League Baseball’s A-list directors make the technical and artistic choices that turn baseball’s biggest games into championship television. Part one of the series, “Shooting Diamonds: Directing Sandman’s Exit”, about Mariano Rivera’s last All-Star and Yankee Stadium home games, was awarded third place for Best Online Analysis/Commentary/Trend at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards. For these and Devra’s other articles, visit DevraMaza.com.

National Arts & Entertainment Awards Nominations

The following appears on the Writers Guild of America, West website in the November Buzz section under News & Events:

Devra Māza is nominated for the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards (November 23, Los Angeles) in two Online categories. Her Huffington Post article “A Tobor the 8th Man Valentine: My Secret Superhero Romance Revealed!” is nominated for Best Personality Profile. The Comic-Con inspired reverie looks at how her childhood crush on the cartoon superhero robot continues to influence her adult romances in real life. Devra is also nominated for “Shooting Diamonds: Directing Sandman’s Exit and MLB’s Best TV” for Best Commentary/Analysis/Trend. The article, which showcases Mariano Rivera’s final All Star and Yankee Stadium games, is the first of a three-part Huffington Post series examining how baseball’s best TV directors capture the sport’s most memorable moments. For these and Devra’s other articles, visit DevraMaza.com.

Baseball Hall of Fame Poem and Article News

The following appears on the Writers Guild of American, West website in the October Buzz section under News & Events:

Devra Māza’s feature story, “Baseball’s Library: Inside the Hall of Fame Archives” has been published by the Huffington Post. The article features an exclusive interview with Jim Gates, director of the HOF’s research center, who gives filmmakers and fans an inside look at the Hall of Fame library’s vast holdings, including Maza’s poem “The Great Greg Maddux”. The poem was originally published in the LA Daily News and subsequently voted into the Hall of Fame by their Accessions Committee resulting in her invitation to Cooperstown for this year’s inductions. In commemoration, the poem has now received its own page on the Baseball Almanac which has added “The Great Greg Maddux” to its Classic Poetry section. The original print version of the poem, as well as Maza’s articles, can all be found on DevraMaza.com.

Tobor the 8th Man Romance Article News

The following appears on the Writers Guild of American, West website in the March Buzz section under News & Events:

Devra Māza‘s Valentine’s weekend feature story “A Tobor the 8th Man Valentine: My Secret Superhero Romance Revealed!” has been published by the Huffington Post’s Entertainment page. The article is a playfully romantic look at the author’s first crush, as she declares: “I was in love with a TV cartoon superhero robot and I don’t care who knows it!” Her latest sports story, “Shooting Diamonds: Directing Sandman’s Exit and MLB’s Best TV” was published by the Huffington Post’s Baseball page. The article is the first of an exclusive three-part series that reveals how Major League Baseball’s A-list directors deliver to fans some of the most moving and thrilling visuals in sports television. Permanent links to both feature stories can also be found on Devra’s Huffington Post archives page, as well as on her own website’s Articles page at www.devramaza.com.

Part 1 of “Shooting Diamonds” series on Huffington Post

The following appears on the Writers Guild of American, West website in the January Buzz section under News & Events:

Devra Māza‘s feature article “Shooting Diamonds: Directing Sandman’s Exit and MLB’s Best TV” has been published by The Huffington Post as the lead feature story on its Sports, Baseball and Media pages. The article is the first of an exclusive three-part series that reveals how Major League Baseball’s A-list directors delivered some of the most moving and thrilling visuals in sports television this past year. This inaugural article takes a behind-the-scenes look with the directors of retiring all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera’s dramatic All-Star Game entrance and his emotional exit from his final Yankee Stadium game. Future installments will showcase insights from directors of last season’s three no-hitters and the World Series, examining how their artistic and technical choices make great baseball into great television.

National Entertainment Journalism Award Nominations

The following appears on the Writers Guild of America, West website in their November Buzz section under News & Events:

Devra Māza has been nominated for two National Entertainment Journalism Awards in this year’s Special Centennial Awards category, honoring exceptional entertainment writing over the past century. Maza’s Los Angeles Times cover story “Dance With Me” a seductive analysis of romantic dances in film, has been nominated for Best Entertainment Feature. The article was one of a series of annual Valentine’s Day Weekend cover stories written as odes to romantic films. Maza is also nominated in the Centennial category of Best Entertainment Investigative Story for “Are you Game?” This LA Times article featured Joe Morgan and other great MLB sportscasters sharing insights on how to watch a game on television. The feature was one in a series of Calendar Weekend MLB Opening Day cover stories which broke new ground by bringing baseball out of the sports page and into the Entertainment section. The NEJ Awards will take place on Sunday, November 24, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles. For finalists, tickets or further information, please contact the Los Angeles Press Club.

New Feature Story on MLB All-Star Game’s Best

The following appears on the Writers Guild of American, West website in the August Buzz section under News & Events:

Devra Māza‘s feature article, “A Midsummer Classic Scrapbook: MLB Great All-Star Game Moments”, has been published as lead story on the Huffington Post’s Sports page. The article looks at some of the most exhilarating plays in the history of the All-Star Game and how baseball’s biggest superstars rose to the occasion. The fun story features evocative artwork of the showcase’s most memorable moments and the added insights of Mark Langill, the Los Angeles Dodgers Team Historian. It can also be found as a permanent link in Devra Maza’s Huffington Post Index page.

Los Angeles Press Club Award Nomination

The following appears on the Writers Guild of American, West website in the June Buzz section under News & Events:

Devra Māza has been nominated for a Los Angeles Press Club Award for her feature story “When All-Star’s Align: The Streak, .400 and the Home Run of ’41”. The Huffington Post article looks back at the 1941 MLB All-Star game in which Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio crossed paths while chasing records, resulting in one of the most thrilling home runs ever hit, during one of the most historically important baseball seasons ever played. Māza’s nomination for Best Online Sports makes this the seventh year in a row in which she has been honored in sports or entertainment categories. The Los Angeles Press Club’s Southern California Journalism Awards will take place on Sunday, June 23rd at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. For tickets, finalists and further information go to lapressclub.org.