Francis Lawrence

Francis Lawrence has built a distinctive career across film, television, commercials and music videos over the past two decades. Whether directing Lady Gaga’s Grammy®-winning “Bad Romance” music video or helming four films in THE HUNGER GAMES franchise that grossed $2.6 billion worldwide, Lawrence continues to prove himself as a visionary director and producer with creative storytelling that transcends traditional demographics — conveying artistry on par with some of the world’s most influential artists. Lawrence returns to Lionsgate’s HUNGER GAMES franchise with SUNRISE ON THE REAPING, releasing on November 20, continuing his role as the franchise’s director. Set 24 years before the events of the original film, the story follows the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second-Quarter Quell, and stars Joseph Zada, Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons and Glenn Close. Additionally, he is developing Lionsgate’s adaptation of Christopher Golden’s forthcoming supernatural thriller novel CARRY ME TO MY GRAVE alongside producing partner Cameron MacConomy and is eyeing to direct and produce the project. Lawrence also recently directed THE LONG WALK from Lionsgate, adapting Stephen King’s novel of the same name into an intense, chilling and emotional thriller that challenges audiences to confront a haunting question: how far could you go? With an eye for discovering emerging talent, Lawrence assembled a strong ensemble cast mixing newcomers — Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Charlie Plummer and Roman Griffin Davis—with established actors Mark Hamill and Judy Greer. In 2024, Lawrence and producer Cameron MacConomy’s production company inked a first-look picture deal with Lionsgate, continuing their long-standing collaboration with the studio. Lawrence continues to develop projects that balance commercial appeal with creative ambition. Lawrence made his filmmaking debut in 2005 with CONSTANTINE, starring Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz, followed by the 2007 post-apocalyptic I AM LEGEND with Will Smith. His filmography spans genres from the romantic drama WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, released in 2011 and starring Academy Award®-winning actress Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson, to the 2018 spy thriller RED SPARROW with Jennifer Lawrence, to Netflix’s family adventure SLUMBERLAND with Jason Momoa. The thread connecting Lawrence’s work is his clear ability to find humanity in the spectacular. His television work includes executive producing and directing AppleTV+’s SEE and STARZ’s THE SERPENT QUEEN, along with earlier series KINGS and FOX’s TOUCH starring Kiefer Sutherland. Prior to his work in film and television, Lawrence established himself directing music videos for well-known artists including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, earning Grammy® and Latin Grammy® awards for his work with Lady Gaga and Shakira. His commercial portfolio includes campaigns for Gap, Calvin Klein, Coca-Cola and L’Oréal, among others.

Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock

Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock grew up in Kayton Homes public housing in Savannah, born one of twelve brothers and sisters raised in coastal Georgia. His father, a veteran, small businessman, and preacher, grew up in Burke and Screven County, GA. Senator Reverend Warnock’s mother grew up in Waycross, GA, where she spent summers picking tobacco and cotton. A graduate of Savannah’s Sol C. Johnson High School, Senator Raphael Warnock’s mother and extended family still lives in the Savannah area. Senator Warnock is a proud graduate of Morehouse College; after graduating from Morehouse, he went onto earn a PhD and begin his career ordained in the ministry. For over 15 years, Senator Warnock has served as Senior Pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the former pulpit of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He is the youngest pastor selected to serve in that leadership role at the historic church. Senator Warnock was elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in the January 5, 2021, special election runoff for the term ending January 3, 2023, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Johnny Isakson, a seat previously held by appointed Senator Kelly Loeffler. He took the oath of office on January 20, 2021.

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