分类: entertainment

  • A man in Brazil turned his childhood dream into a small cinema for film lovers

    A man in Brazil turned his childhood dream into a small cinema for film lovers

    SAO PAULO — For Carlos Costa, the magic of cinema began at the age of six when his grandmother took him to see the 1977 Brazilian comedy “O Trapalhão nas Minas do Rei Salomão.” That experience ignited a lifelong passion and a dream: to one day own a movie theater. Five decades later, Costa turned that dream into reality with the opening of Cine LT3, a 35-seat independent cinema in Sao Paulo.

  • KPop Demon Hunters directors on Oscar chances and a possible sequel

    KPop Demon Hunters directors on Oscar chances and a possible sequel

    Netflix’s animated sensation *Kpop Demon Hunters* has taken the world by storm, becoming a cultural phenomenon and breaking records across the board. The film, created and co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, follows the story of Huntr/x, a wildly successful Kpop girl group that battles evil forces while performing sold-out concerts. The trio, consisting of Zoey, Rumi, and Mira, faces off against the demonic boy band Saja Boys in a high-stakes showdown that has captivated audiences globally.

  • Actress Diane Keaton dies aged 79, US media report

    Actress Diane Keaton dies aged 79, US media report

    The entertainment world mourns the loss of Diane Keaton, the iconic Oscar-winning actress who passed away at the age of 79. Her longtime producer and friend, Dori Rath, confirmed the news to CBS News. Born in Los Angeles, Keaton rose to prominence in the 1970s with her unforgettable portrayal of Kay Adams-Corleone in *The Godfather* series. Her career, spanning over five decades, was marked by critically acclaimed performances in films such as *Annie Hall*, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1978, *Father of the Bride*, and *First Wives Club*. Keaton’s unique style, often characterized by menswear and wide-brimmed hats, became a signature both on and off the screen. Beyond acting, she directed several films, including the 1995 Cannes-selected *Unstrung Heroes* and the 2000 comedy-drama *Hanging Up*. Tributes poured in from co-stars and fans, with Bette Midler calling her ‘brilliant, beautiful, and extraordinary,’ and Ben Stiller hailing her as ‘one of the greatest film actors ever.’ Keaton, who never married, adopted two children, Dexter and Duke, and often expressed her profound love for her family in her 2011 autobiography, *Then Again*. Her legacy as a trailblazer in Hollywood remains indelible.

  • How record auctions are fuelling India’s art boom

    How record auctions are fuelling India’s art boom

    The Indian art market is experiencing an unprecedented surge, as evidenced by the recent Saffronart auction in Delhi, where Vasudeo Santu Gaitonde’s untitled 1971 painting sold for a staggering $7.57 million, nearly triple its estimated value. The auction, which achieved a total of $40.2 million, marked the highest-ever total for South Asian art and set a new benchmark for the industry. Gaitonde’s work now stands as India’s second most expensive painting, following closely behind MF Husain’s ‘Untitled (Gram Yatra)’, which fetched $13.8 million earlier this year. The momentum continued as Sotheby’s sold Francis Newton Souza’s ‘Houses in Hampstead’ for a price just below Gaitonde’s piece, making it India’s third most expensive painting. This record-breaking season reflects a broader trend in the Indian art market, which has grown exponentially from $2 million at the turn of the century to an estimated $338 million today, with projections of reaching $1.1 billion by 2030. The boom is fueled by rising wealth among India’s elite and the diaspora, who view art as both a status symbol and a generational investment. Recent tax cuts, reducing the goods and services tax (GST) on art from 12% to 5%, have further bolstered the market. Despite a global slump in art sales, India’s art scene thrives, driven by a surge in art fairs, galleries, and exhibition spaces. Established modernists like Husain, Souza, Gaitonde, and Raza dominate top sales, but auctioneers note that rising prices are also lifting demand for previously overlooked artists. The market’s sustainability is further supported by growing recognition of Indian artists and increased investment in public engagement spaces, such as the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art’s new Delhi building, set to open in 2026. Non-profits like Khoj are also playing a crucial role in nurturing emerging artists, ensuring the ecosystem’s long-term growth.

  • Judge tosses Drake’s lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

    Judge tosses Drake’s lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

    In a significant legal ruling, Judge Jeannette Vargas has dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) concerning Kendrick Lamar’s controversial track, ‘Not Like Us.’ The lawsuit, filed in January, accused UMG of defamation for allowing the song’s publication and promotion, which Drake claimed spread a ‘false and malicious narrative.’ The song’s lyrics accused Drake and his associates of being ‘certified paedophiles,’ a claim Judge Vargas deemed a ‘nonactionable opinion’ within the context of a heated rap battle. Drake’s spokesperson announced plans to appeal the decision, while UMG expressed satisfaction with the ruling and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Drake’s career. ‘Not Like Us,’ released in May 2024, marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing feud between the two rappers, becoming Lamar’s biggest hit to date. The track won five Grammys and was a highlight of Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show in February 2025. Judge Vargas described the dispute as ‘the most infamous rap battle in the genre’s history,’ emphasizing the incendiary nature of the artists’ exchanges. Despite the serious allegations, the judge concluded that the song’s lyrics would not be interpreted as factual statements by a reasonable listener. UMG’s spokesperson criticized the lawsuit as an attack on artistic freedom, while Drake’s legal team accused the label of exploiting the song to create a viral sensation. The case underscores the complexities of artistic expression and legal boundaries in the music industry.

  • Eurovision has never been about politics, says BBC boss Tim Davie

    Eurovision has never been about politics, says BBC boss Tim Davie

    The Eurovision Song Contest, renowned for its vibrant music and cultural celebration, is now embroiled in political controversy as debates intensify over Israel’s participation in the 2025 event. BBC Director General Tim Davie, addressing the UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, emphasized that Eurovision ‘has never been about politics’ and should remain a unifying platform for music and culture. However, concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza have prompted broadcasters from Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland, and Spain to threaten a boycott if Israel is allowed to compete. Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun echoed Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s earlier calls for Israel’s exclusion, citing accusations of genocide and imposing measures such as an arms embargo. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar countered, labeling Sánchez’s administration as antisemitic and criticizing its rhetoric. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees Eurovision, is set to make a final decision in December. The controversy mirrors the 2022 expulsion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, which the EBU justified as necessary to preserve the contest’s integrity. Meanwhile, Austria prepares to host next year’s event in Vienna, following Austrian singer JJ’s victory in 2024. Amidst the political tensions, Eurovision’s history of subtle political messaging continues, with past performances like Ukraine’s 2016 winning song ‘1944’ addressing historical injustices. As the EBU navigates this complex issue, the future of Eurovision as a non-political celebration hangs in the balance.

  • Irish rock band Kodaline to split after more than a decade

    Irish rock band Kodaline to split after more than a decade

    Irish rock band Kodaline, renowned for their heartfelt hits such as ‘All I Want’ and ‘High Hopes,’ has announced their decision to part ways after more than a decade together. The group, originally formed in Dublin under the name 21 Demands, adopted their current moniker in 2012, marking a significant shift in their musical direction. Their debut album under the new name, ‘In A Perfect World,’ released in 2013, soared to number three in the UK and number one in Ireland, cementing their place in the music industry. The band, consisting of Steve Garrigan, Vincent May, Mark Prendergast, and Jason Boland, continued their success with subsequent albums, including ‘Coming Up For Air’ (2015), ‘Politics Of Living’ (2018), and ‘One Day At A Time’ (2020), all of which topped the Irish album charts. Throughout their career, Kodaline graced major stages, including Glastonbury’s The Other Stage and the Reading and Leeds Festival, captivating audiences worldwide. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, the band expressed their gratitude to fans, stating, ‘From busking on the streets of Dublin to playing shows across the world, it really has been the stuff that dreams are made of.’ They announced plans to record a fifth and final album before bidding farewell, aiming to end their journey on a high note. ‘We want it to end on a high, so before we say goodbye, we’re heading into the studio one last time to record our fifth and final album as Kodaline,’ they shared. The band emphasized their eternal gratitude for the love and support they received, adding, ‘It’s been a journey that we’ll never forget, and we hope the music stays with you long after we’re gone.’

  • King Charles hopes nature film will ‘inspire’ viewers

    King Charles hopes nature film will ‘inspire’ viewers

    King Charles III is set to share his profound environmental philosophy in an upcoming Amazon Prime Video documentary titled *Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision*. Scheduled for release early next year, the feature-length film will delve into the monarch’s lifelong commitment to sustainability and his belief in working *with* rather than *against* nature. The documentary aims to inspire global audiences to prioritize environmental protection and restore humanity’s relationship with the planet.

  • Movie Review: Tonatiuh dances away with ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’

    Movie Review: Tonatiuh dances away with ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’

    The iconic role of Luis Molina, the gay prisoner with a fascination for Hollywood’s Golden Age in ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman,’ has historically been a career-defining part for actors. William Hurt secured his first Best Actor Oscar for the 1985 film adaptation by Héctor Babenco, and Brent Carver later won a Tony for the Broadway musical version. Now, in Bill Condon’s latest adaptation of the Broadway musical, Tonatiuh, a relatively new actor, delivers a standout performance that captivates audiences without relying on the film’s elaborate fantasy sequences. Originally a 1976 novel by Argentine writer Manuel Puig, the story explores the unlikely bond between Molina, a romantic dreamer, and Valentín, a Marxist revolutionary, as they share a prison cell during Argentina’s military dictatorship in 1983. The film oscillates between the grim reality of their confinement and the vibrant, MGM-inspired musical world of Molina’s imagination. Jennifer Lopez stars as the fictional screen siren Ingrid Luna, bringing glamour and energy to the musical sequences. Despite the visual splendor, the heart of the story lies in the evolving relationship between Molina and Valentín, whose contrasting personalities and ideologies create a compelling dynamic. Molina, portrayed with depth and nuance by Tonatiuh, is both a dreamer and a shrewd survivor, while Valentín, played by Diego Luna, grapples with rigid notions of masculinity and revolution. Condon, known for his work on ‘Dreamgirls’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ directs with a focus on simplicity in the musical numbers, allowing the choreography and performances to shine. Yet, it is the raw, emotional drama within the prison cell that truly resonates, making ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ a poignant exploration of love, identity, and survival.

  • Fans mourn death of popular Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda

    Fans mourn death of popular Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda

    The untimely demise of Rajvir Jawanda, a beloved Punjabi singer, actor, and former police officer, has sent shockwaves through his vast fanbase and the music community. Jawanda, 35, passed away on Wednesday, succumbing to severe injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district. The incident occurred when his bike reportedly collided with cattle, causing him to lose control. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, politicians, and fellow artists, who remember him as a cultural icon and a voice of Punjab’s youth. Jawanda’s music, which blended traditional Punjabi rhythms with modern storytelling, resonated deeply with listeners. His YouTube channel boasted over 900,000 subscribers, and his music videos garnered millions of views. Known for his catchy beats and relatable lyrics, Jawanda’s songs became dance anthems in clubs across the region. Beyond music, he also acted in Punjabi films and was admired for his clean image, steering clear of controversies and avoiding themes of drugs and violence prevalent in some Punjabi rap. A passionate biker, Jawanda often shared videos of his adventures in north India’s mountainous terrains, embodying an adventurous spirit. His death has reignited calls for improved road safety in India, with fans expressing anger over the country’s hazardous road conditions. Jawanda’s journey to stardom was unconventional. Born into a family with ties to law enforcement, he initially pursued a career in the Punjab police, serving as a constable for nine years. However, his love for music, cultivated since childhood through exposure to Punjabi folk ballads, eventually led him to transition into a full-time singer. His breakout came after one of his songs went viral, propelling him into the spotlight. Despite his fame, Jawanda remained grounded, actively supporting the 2020 farmers’ protests and using his platform to amplify their voices. His passing leaves a void in Punjab’s music industry and the hearts of his fans. Tributes poured in from political leaders, with Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party senior leader Manish Sisodia praising his “soulful voice” and former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh acknowledging the impact of his music on countless lives.