In a groundbreaking event at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV convened an audience with prominent Hollywood figures, including Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen, and Monica Bellucci. Addressing the gathering beneath the ornate frescoes of the Clementine Hall, the Pope lauded the film industry as a vital force for both entertainment and education, emphasizing its unique ability to inspire and amaze. He encouraged filmmakers to confront global challenges such as violence, poverty, and loneliness, urging them to narrate these ‘world’s wounds’ with sensitivity and depth. ‘Good cinema does not exploit pain; it recognizes and explores it,’ he asserted. This historic meeting marked a significant moment for the Catholic Church’s engagement with the arts and culture, as well as a show of support for an industry grappling with challenges like declining cinema attendance and funding constraints. The Pope also warned against the closure of cinemas, describing them as the ‘beating heart of communities.’ The event, hailed by director Spike Lee as a ‘great day,’ featured heartfelt exchanges, including Blanchett presenting the Pope with a woven bracelet symbolizing solidarity with displaced people and Lee gifting him a custom New York Knicks shirt. The gathering underscored Pope Leo’s commitment to fostering dialogue between faith and the arts, while highlighting his quieter, yet impactful, leadership style compared to his predecessor, Francis.
分类: entertainment
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Bollywood couple Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa welcome baby girl on 4th wedding anniversary
Bollywood power couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa have joyfully welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on their fourth wedding anniversary. The couple shared the heartwarming news on Saturday, expressing their gratitude for the divine blessing. ‘The greatest gift God has given us on our 4th wedding anniversary,’ they wrote, marking the special occasion with immense happiness. The announcement was met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from fans and fellow celebrities alike, including Suniel Shetty, Sonam Kapoor, Dia Mirza, and many others. Filmmaker Farah Khan Kunder also extended her warm wishes, sharing glimpses from Patralekhaa’s baby shower. The event, attended by close friends and family, featured the couple dressed in matching yellow outfits, posing with a beautifully decorated cake, balloons, a giant teddy bear, and other festive elements. A group photo from the shower included notable Bollywood figures such as Huma Qureshi, Sonakshi Sinha, and Zaheer Iqbal. Rajkummar and Patralekhaa, who first shared the screen in the 2014 film ‘Citylights’, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Chandigarh on November 15, 2021. On the professional front, Rajkummar has recently wrapped up filming for his upcoming movie, ‘Nikam’, adding another milestone to his illustrious career.
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Big Ticket brings the spirit of the season to life with a race and luxury yacht experience
As the UAE embraces the cooler November air and the excitement of National Day, Big Ticket has unveiled an extraordinary promotion to elevate the season’s festivities. The Race and Luxury Yacht Experience, a first-of-its-kind initiative, offers 30 winners and their guests an unparalleled weekend of opulence in Abu Dhabi. From November 1 to 21, every ticket purchase automatically enters participants into a special e-draw. Winners will receive Dh10,000 in cash and an all-expenses-paid trip to Yas Marina for the December 6–7 race weekend, including a three-night stay at a 5-star hotel, concert access, and transportation. For international participants, return flights and airport transfers are also provided. The highlight of the experience is a two-day luxury yacht event, where winners can compete for additional cash prizes of Dh250,000, awarded live on both days. The winners’ names will be announced on December 1, perfectly timed for the long weekend celebrations. For those who miss the early draw, tickets purchased before November 30 will enter the Dh25 million grand prize draw on December 3, with ten winners each taking home Dh100,000. Car enthusiasts are also in for a treat with Big Ticket’s Dream Car Series, featuring the Maserati Grecale in December and the BMW 430i in January. A special buy 2, get 2 free offer this month further enhances the chances of winning. Whether it’s the thrill of the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025, the allure of a luxury yacht, or the dream of substantial winnings, Big Ticket is making November an unforgettable month. Tickets are available online at www.bigticket.ae and at Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.
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Pope Leo XIV celebrates cinema with Hollywood stars and urges inclusion of marginal voices
In a historic gathering at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV welcomed a constellation of Hollywood stars, including Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett, and Greta Gerwig, to a special audience celebrating the transformative power of cinema. The event, organized by the Vatican’s culture ministry, underscored the Church’s commitment to engaging with the secular world through art and culture. Pope Leo, the first American pope, emphasized the profound impact of film as a universal medium that can challenge, inspire, and unite. He urged filmmakers to amplify marginalized voices and described cinema as “a popular art in the noblest sense, intended for and accessible to all.” The pontiff also expressed concern over the decline of movie theaters, calling on institutions to preserve their cultural and social significance. The audience, which included Italian stars like Monica Bellucci and Alba Rohrwacher, as well as American actors such as Chris O’Donnell and Judd Apatow, highlighted the Vatican’s efforts to foster dialogue with the global cultural community. Spike Lee, who presented Pope Leo with a Knicks jersey, and Cate Blanchett, who praised the pope’s understanding of cinema’s unifying role, were among the many attendees inspired by the event. Archbishop Paul Tighe, a key organizer, noted the challenges of assembling the guest list but expressed pride in the turnout, which he described as a celebration of cinema’s democratic and inclusive nature.
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Rocket-lift rides, 360° lounges: Inside Ciel Dubai Marina, world’s tallest hotel
Dubai’s skyline has welcomed a new architectural marvel, the Ciel Dubai Marina, which officially opens its doors on November 15, 2025. Standing at 82 floors, this glass-clad tower has claimed the title of the world’s tallest hotel, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, innovation, and breathtaking views. Located at the edge of Dubai Marina and overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the hotel is a testament to the city’s relentless pursuit of architectural excellence. Khaleej Times recently explored the space, revealing a design philosophy centered around light, height, and panoramic vistas. The hotel’s exterior resembles a sleek, oval-shaped column of blue glass, while its interiors are a harmonious blend of minimalist aesthetics, soft tones, and expansive windows that flood every corner with natural light. The experience begins with a high-speed elevator that ascends at nearly two floors per second, transporting guests to heights of 60 to 80 floors in mere seconds. From these vantage points, visitors can marvel at iconic landmarks such as Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Burj Khalifa, as well as the sprawling cityscape of Dubai. The hotel’s rooms are designed to frame the city like a live movie, with all-glass facades ensuring uninterrupted views. Two infinity pools offer contrasting perspectives—one facing the Marina’s skyscrapers and the other overlooking Blue Water Island and Ain Dubai. The upper floors house Tattu, a multi-level dining and lounge experience, including a sky pool at 310 meters and a 360-degree Sky Lounge on Level 81, offering panoramic views of Dubai. With eight dining options, a 24-hour gym, and a spa suspended above the city, Ciel Dubai Marina promises a resort-like experience in the sky, where guests can immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic energy without ever stepping outside.
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Sparking cultural creativity: A conversation with Zhang Tongdao and Vikram Channa
In a compelling dialogue with China Daily, Zhang Tongdao, the visionary director behind the documentary *The Sisters of Baima Tibetan*, and Vikram Channa, a renowned documentary producer, delved into the intricacies of nurturing cultural creativity. Their conversation shed light on the profound societal and cultural shifts captured in Zhang’s documentary, which meticulously follows the lives of four sisters over a span of 24 years. The film not only serves as a historical archive but also as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Both Zhang and Channa emphasized the importance of authentic narratives and innovative approaches in fostering cultural creativity. They highlighted the role of documentaries in bridging cultural gaps and fostering global understanding. Their insights underscored the necessity of preserving cultural heritage while embracing modernity, offering a roadmap for future creators to inspire and engage audiences worldwide.
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UAE: Will Smith excited to dig into ‘thousands of years of stories in Middle East’
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) witnessed an electrifying evening as Hollywood icon Will Smith graced the event, captivating audiences with his insights on storytelling and personal growth. The 57-year-old actor, dressed in a crisp white shirt and radiating his trademark charm, engaged in a heartfelt conversation with Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash, leaving the crowd inspired and reflective. Smith’s appearance was met with enthusiastic cheers, with children perched on shoulders and attendees standing on seats to catch a glimpse of the star. A montage of his iconic film moments set the stage for his entrance, building anticipation for the evening’s dialogue. Smith, who authored the bestselling memoir ‘Will’ in 2021, described the writing process as a transformative experience that deepened his humility and self-awareness. ‘I encourage everyone to write your story,’ he urged. ‘It’s an enlightening process to articulate your experiences.’ He emphasized the universal power of storytelling, noting that narratives transcend cultural and racial boundaries. ‘There are universally relatable ideas that connect us all,’ he said. ‘My gift is identifying those elements that don’t require language to resonate.’ Smith expressed his excitement about the Middle East’s untapped storytelling potential, describing the region as a treasure trove of narratives spanning thousands of years. ‘I’m thrilled to collaborate with creatives here, uncover these stories, and bring them to the world,’ he shared. Reflecting on his personal journey, Smith spoke candidly about the pitfalls of social media and the importance of self-esteem. ‘Success in the material world doesn’t equate to happiness,’ he observed. ‘True fulfillment comes from knowing your work and gifts benefit others.’ He advised the audience to disconnect from digital distractions and embrace solitude for mental clarity. Smith also revealed his ongoing quest to reclaim his self-esteem from external validation, a process he described as a quiet but profound transformation. The event concluded with resounding applause, as attendees left with a renewed appreciation for storytelling and self-discovery.
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Salman Khan calls Dharmendra a father-figure as veteran actor recovers after hospitalisation
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan recently expressed deep admiration for veteran actor Dharmendra, whom he regards as a father-figure, during a press conference in Qatar. The emotional tribute came shortly after Dharmendra’s discharge from a Mumbai hospital following a health scare. Salman, who was among the first to visit Dharmendra during his hospitalization, emphasized their close bond and wished for his swift recovery. Speaking ahead of his Da-Bangg The Tour Reloaded event, Salman was asked about his early fitness inspirations. Without hesitation, he credited Dharmendra as a pivotal influence, stating, ‘He is my father, that’s the end. I love that man, and I just hope that he will come back.’ The audience erupted in cheers, chanting, ‘Long live Dharam ji!’ The two actors have shared a warm relationship for decades, with Dharmendra often affectionately referring to Salman as ‘beta’ (son) and even suggesting him as the ideal choice to portray him in a biopic. Dharmendra, 89, was discharged on Wednesday, with his family requesting privacy as he continues his recovery at home. The legendary actor, last seen in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ is set to appear in Sriram Raghavan’s ‘Ikkis’ this December. Meanwhile, Salman, who recently starred in ‘Sikandar’ and made a cameo in Aryan Khan’s web series ‘The Ba**ds of Bollywood,’ continues to host ‘Bigg Boss 19.’ His upcoming project, ‘Battle of Galwan,’ directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is highly anticipated.
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‘Really want to see Will Smith’: Fans brave rush hour to listen to Hollywood star at SIBF
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) witnessed an electrifying atmosphere as fans eagerly gathered to catch a glimpse of Hollywood icon Will Smith. The 57-year-old Academy Award-winning actor took the stage as a guest speaker to delve into the transformative power of storytelling. Accompanied by entrepreneur and podcast host Anas Bukhash, Smith engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue that captivated the audience. Despite the rush hour, dedicated fans like Alicia, an Argentinian expat and restaurant owner, drove over an hour from Jumeirah to attend the event. “I’m a huge fan of Will Smith and Anas Bukhash,” she shared. “I rushed here after a meeting just to see him.” Known for his iconic roles in films like ‘Bad Boys,’ ‘Men in Black,’ and ‘Independence Day,’ Smith’s presence added star power to the fair’s final weekend. Organizers ensured a seamless experience with enhanced security, wristband distribution, and designated seating areas for Gold, Silver, Bronze, and VIP attendees. The 44th edition of SIBF, running until November 16, also featured luminaries like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Carlo Rovelli, and Paul Lynch, making it a cultural highlight of the year.
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Hollywood’s SAG Awards announces it will change its name
The Screen Actors Guild Awards, one of the most prestigious ceremonies honoring actors, has unveiled a significant rebranding. Known colloquially as the SAG Awards, the event will now be officially titled ‘The Actor Awards presented by Sag-Aftra.’ This change reflects the labor union’s commitment to celebrating actors and aligns with the global recognition of the event. The announcement was made during a board meeting on Friday, ahead of the 32nd edition of the ceremony, scheduled for March 1, 2026.
Jon Brockett, the show’s executive producer, emphasized that the new name provides clarity to viewers in over 190 countries. ‘The Actor Awards’ immediately conveys the essence of the event—a celebration of actors by actors. JoBeth Williams, chair of the awards committee, noted that while the union’s name may not be universally recognized, the term ‘Actor Awards’ resonates globally, promising audiences a showcase of their favorite stars.
The rebranding also highlights the significance of the Actor trophy, which has become a pivotal indicator in the lead-up to the Academy Awards. Much like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Golden Globes, the event is now better known by the name of its iconic statuette. This change further solidifies the merger between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Aftra) in 2012, representing approximately 160,000 members.
The announcement follows the recent election of Sean Astin, star of ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ as the new leader of Sag-Aftra. Astin succeeds Fran Drescher, who guided the organization through the 2023 Hollywood strikes during her four-year tenure. The rebranding marks a new chapter for the awards show, emphasizing its global appeal and dedication to the craft of acting.
