Over the past couple of years, the Academy Awards ceremonies have been criticized for a lack of

Over the past couple of years, the Academy Awards ceremonies have been criticized for a lack of diversity. That may be about to change as several major films about the black experience will be released between this Friday (“The Butler”) and the end of the year, many with Oscar potential. They include:

v “Winnie Mandela” (Sept. 6): Jennifer Hudson stars as the wife of anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela, played by Terrence Howard.

v “Baggage Claim” (Sept. 27): A romantic comedy starring Paula Patton as Montana Moore, a single airline stewardess looking for a man.

v “12 Years a Slave” (Oct. 18): Based on the memoir of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man who in 1841 was kidnapped and sold into slavery.

v “Black Nativity” (Nov. 27): A young boy, Langston (Jacob Latimore), is sent to live with his grandfather (Forest Whitaker), who is staging a production of the Langston Hughes musical “Black Nativity.”

v “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (Nov. 29): Idris Elba (“Pacific Rim”) plays the former South African president Nelson Mandela, whose autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom,” is the basis for the movie.

“Duck Dynasty” (10 p.m., A&E): The quack pack is back! Yes, “Duck Dynasty” returns for more down-home fun in Louisiana, where Season 4 starts off with a wedding anniversary surprise for Phil and Kay.

tv listings, b6

entertainment news

Spanish Heritage Festival returns

Youngstown

The second annual Youngstown Spanish Heritage Festival will be Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. on East Federal Street, downtown, between Market and Walnut streets. Admission is $1.

The family-friendly festival is open to all and will include live entertainment, food, crafts and dance, with activities for all ages. The bands Trio Riqueno, Escencia, Union Musical and the Latin Jazz Players will perform a combination of current and traditional Latin music.

There will be Peruvian, Mexican and Puerto Rican foods available plus other types. A wrestling show will also return for the third year, with matches Sunday. There will be a kids area that includes train rides, building kits sponsored by Home Depot, a bounce-around and face painting. For information, go to yshf.org.

Indian Pow Wow at Mosquito Lake

CORTLAND

The 18th annual Red Hawk American Indian Cultural Society Pow Wow will be this weekend at Mosquito Lake State Park, 1439 Warren-Sharpsville Road. Admission is $3. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Attractions include a petting zoo, American Indian and local crafters, wagon rides, Fun Time Cloggers (2:30 p.m. Saturday), naturalist activities, display booths and food vendors.

Writers to meet

CANFIELD

Monday Night Writers will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at Peaberry’s Cafe, 4350 Boardman-Canfield Road. Fee is $10. Contact Nancy Christie at nancy@nancychristie.com.