50 Cent’s hit series Power Book II: Ghost is coming to a dramatic conclusion, but one of its stars, Gianni Paolo, has a bone to pick with Hollywood’s TV sector. Despite millions of dedicated viewers tuning into the show, Paolo feels that award shows and the broader entertainment industry unfairly overlook Power.
Paolo’s candid interview revealed that Power’s ratings rival and surpass those critically acclaimed shows like The Bear, Succession, and The Penguin. Despite its immense following and cultural significance, the show and its cast have not received the recognition they deserve by significant awards like the Golden Globes and Emmys. Paolo believes this isn’t just a matter of taste; he thinks Hollywood doesn’t understand hood cinema.
“It’s not just during award season,” Paolo said.
He referred to the cold shoulder Power cast members feel throughout the year. He highlighted how stars from the series are often passed over for high-profile interviews with late-night hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, an omission that speaks to the broader lack of respect for the show. But Paolo is grateful for outlets like TMZ Hip Hop, which give Power the platform it deserves.
Of course, 50 Cent has been an outspoken advocate for the show, serving as its ‘voicebox’ over the years. Paolo believes that there’s a deeper reason at play. He believes that the industry’s underlying racial issues have contributed to the decline of Power and the disparity in pay and recognition is a reflection of Hollywood’s bias. Paolo’s perspective on these disparities is unique as a white actor in a predominantly Black-led show. He asserts that while he enjoys certain privileges, the show’s primarily Black cast has been unfairly neglected by Hollywood’s elite.
Paolo compared Power to HBO’s legendary crime drama The Wire, which, despite its critical acclaim, was never recognized by significant awards. The Wire and Power share a similar fanbase and are deeply rooted in stories representing underrepresented communities. Both shows have struggled to gain recognition in mainstream Hollywood.
As Power Book II: Ghost heads towards its finale, Gianni Paolo’s comments bring to light an ongoing conversation about diversity, inclusion, and recognition in the entertainment industry. Paolo is content with Power’s impact, even though there are no awards or late-night interviews. The show has been groundbreaking for its 10.5 million viewers, and no number of trophies can alter that.
About the Author
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
