In a dramatic turn of events, ABC has indefinitely suspended ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ following intense regulatory threats from the Trump administration. The decision came after Jimmy Kimmel, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, made controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during his September 10 monologue. Kimmel suggested that Kirk’s allies were exploiting his death for political gain, a statement that sparked widespread backlash from conservative circles. The Walt Disney-owned broadcaster faced pressure from Nexstar Media Group, which owns 32 ABC affiliates, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which threatened investigations and potential fines. FCC Chair Brendan Carr urged local broadcasters to cease airing the show, praising Nexstar for its stance. Unions representing writers, actors, and musicians have condemned the suspension, labeling it an attack on free speech and a form of state censorship. The Writers Guild of America West and East issued a joint statement, emphasizing the importance of protecting constitutional rights. Meanwhile, actor Ben Stiller and SAG-AFTRA voiced their support for Kimmel, criticizing the decision as a dangerous precedent. The incident has reignited debates about media freedom and government interference in the entertainment industry.
分类: entertainment
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Leonardo DiCaprio on why his new film addresses ‘divisiveness in our culture’
Leonardo DiCaprio, the Oscar-winning actor, recently spoke to the BBC about the political undertones of his latest film, ‘One Battle After Another.’ Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film has been in development for over two decades and features an all-star cast including Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, and Regina Hall. DiCaprio plays Bob, a paranoid ex-revolutionary who must confront his past when his daughter goes missing. The film, loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel ‘Vineland,’ blends political satire, black comedy, and action, offering a nuanced look at societal polarization. DiCaprio described the film as a reflection of the growing divisiveness in culture, stating, ‘It holds a mirror up to society and talks about the polarity.’ He emphasized that the film is ‘political without making it feel like medicine,’ highlighting its entertaining yet thought-provoking nature. Critics have lauded the film, with many praising DiCaprio’s performance as a flawed yet relatable protagonist. Benicio del Toro, who plays a martial arts instructor, expressed his excitement about working with DiCaprio, calling it a ‘dream come true.’ The film has received widespread acclaim, with reviewers hailing it as a ‘ferocious American masterpiece’ and a potential Oscar frontrunner. Anderson, known for his previous works like ‘Phantom Thread’ and ‘There Will Be Blood,’ is praised for his ambitious direction, with DiCaprio calling him a ‘visionary and seminal director.’
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Jimmy Kimmel taken off air over Charlie Kirk comments
In a dramatic turn of events, ABC has indefinitely suspended ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ following the host’s controversial remarks about the shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. The decision, announced by the Disney-owned network, has sparked widespread debate over freedom of speech and the role of media in public discourse. Kimmel, known for his sharp political commentary, had criticized the ‘Maga gang’ for politicizing Kirk’s death and mocked President Donald Trump’s reaction to the tragedy. His comments, made during a monologue earlier this week, were deemed ‘offensive and insensitive’ by Nexstar Media, one of the largest TV station owners in the U.S., which also pulled the show from its lineup. President Trump celebrated the suspension, calling it ‘great news for America,’ while FCC Chair Brendan Carr praised Nexstar for ‘doing the right thing.’ However, the decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the Writers Guild of America and Sag-Aftra, which condemned it as a violation of free speech. Kimmel, who has not been fired, is expected to discuss his return with network executives. The suspension comes amid a broader shift in late-night television, with CBS recently announcing the end of ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ next year. As the industry grapples with changing viewer habits and political pressures, the future of traditional network programming remains uncertain.
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The Summer I Turned Pretty to conclude with feature film
Prime Video has officially announced that the beloved series ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ will culminate in a feature film, marking the final chapter of the global franchise. The announcement was made during the Season 3 premiere celebration in Paris, where series stars Lola Tung (Belly) and Christopher Briney (Conrad) posed on the red carpet in front of a billboard promoting the upcoming film.
Jenny Han, the author of the original coming-of-age trilogy and the creative force behind the series, will return to write and direct the film. Han expressed her excitement, stating that a movie was the only fitting medium to properly conclude Belly’s journey. ‘There is another big milestone left in Belly’s journey, and I thought only a movie could give it its proper due,’ Han said in a statement. She also extended her gratitude to Prime Video for supporting her vision and enabling her to share the final chapter with fans.
The series, which premiered in 2022, has captivated audiences worldwide with its portrayal of Belly’s complex love triangle with brothers Conrad and Jeremiah. The third and final season, recently released in the US and UK, leaves Belly at a pivotal crossroads in her relationships. While details of the film remain undisclosed, it is expected to provide a satisfying conclusion to the story.
‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ has become a cultural phenomenon, sparking passionate debates among fans and even leading to online abuse directed at the lead actors. Han has urged fans to engage more respectfully, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive online environment.
Courtenay Valenti of Amazon MGM Studios and Vernon Sanders of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios praised the series for its global impact, stating, ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty has struck a chord with audiences everywhere, creating moments of joy, nostalgia, and connection that have made it a global sensation. We’re proud of the series’ extraordinary success and couldn’t be more excited to partner again with Jenny Han to bring fans an unforgettable next chapter.’
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Melania’s hat, a yellow dress and Kate’s golden gown – standout state visit looks
The recent state visit of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to the UK was as much a showcase of fashion diplomacy as it was of political engagement. From striking gowns to historic tiaras, the event highlighted the power of sartorial choices in international relations. Melania Trump, known for her impeccable style, made bold statements throughout the visit. At the formal state banquet, she donned a strapless yellow Carolina Herrera gown with a baby pink belt, a daring yet elegant choice that turned heads. Her wide-brimmed purple hat, which obscured her face upon arrival at Windsor Castle, was seen as a symbolic gesture to keep the focus on her husband’s agenda. The Princess of Wales, Catherine, also made a stunning appearance in a gold couture gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley, paired with the iconic Lover’s Knot Tiara. Queen Camilla and King Charles III complemented each other in royal blue attire, emphasizing unity and tradition. The event underscored how fashion serves as a tool for diplomacy, with each outfit carefully chosen to convey messages of support, respect, and national pride.
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Robert Redford: An enthralling star with an aura that lit up Hollywood
Robert Redford, the iconic Hollywood actor, director, and champion of independent cinema, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for his all-American charm and profound impact on the film industry, Redford leaves behind a legacy that spans over six decades. His career, marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success, included more than 50 films, an Academy Award for directing, and the founding of the Sundance Film Festival, which became a cornerstone for independent filmmakers.
Born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, Redford’s journey to stardom was anything but conventional. After a tumultuous youth that included a brief stint in a street gang and expulsion from the University of Colorado, he found his calling in acting. His breakthrough came in the 1960s with roles in films like *Inside Daisy Clover* and *Barefoot in the Park*, the latter of which earned him a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer.
Redford’s global fame skyrocketed with *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* (1969), where his on-screen chemistry with Paul Newman became legendary. The duo reunited in *The Sting* (1973), a film that won seven Oscars, including Best Picture. Despite being nominated only once for Best Actor, Redford’s versatility shone through in roles like Bob Woodward in *All the President’s Men* (1976) and his directorial debut in *Ordinary People* (1980), which earned him an Oscar.
Beyond acting, Redford was a passionate advocate for independent cinema. In 1981, he founded the Sundance Institute, which later evolved into the Sundance Film Festival, launching the careers of filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh. He also used his wealth to purchase a ski resort in Utah, renaming it Sundance in homage to his iconic role.
Redford’s later years saw him take on diverse projects, from the silent survival drama *All is Lost* (2013) to a cameo in *Avengers: Endgame* (2019). He was also a vocal environmentalist, often speaking out about the need for sustainable practices. Despite retiring from acting in 2019, he returned to the screen in the TV series *Dark Winds*.
Redford’s personal life was marked by both triumphs and tragedies. He married twice, first to Lola Van Wagenen, with whom he had four children, and later to German artist Sibylle Szaggars. The loss of his firstborn son, Scott, and his son James in 2020 deeply affected him. Redford often reflected on the idea of karma, believing that his physical good fortune came at a personal cost.
Hollywood has lost a true legend, but Robert Redford’s contributions to film and his unwavering commitment to storytelling will continue to inspire generations.
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‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ opens to $70M, biggest anime debut to claim top box-office spot
In a groundbreaking weekend for the film industry, ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle’ has etched its name in box-office history. The Japanese anime film, distributed by Sony-owned Crunchyroll, stormed to the top of the charts with an astonishing $70 million debut in North America, according to Comscore estimates. This remarkable achievement not only surpasses the previous record held by ‘Pokémon: The First Movie’ ($31 million in 1999) but also cements its place as the highest-grossing anime opening of all time. Globally, the film amassed $177.8 million, with $132.1 million coming from international markets. Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, remarked on the unpredictability of the box office, stating, ‘If you predicted this outcome, kudos to you.’ The film is the first installment in a trilogy that brings the beloved Shonen saga to its climactic finale. It follows Tanjiro Kamado, a compassionate young swordsman battling a supernatural underworld to save his demon-turned sister, Nezuko. Produced by the acclaimed studio Ufotable, the film’s stunning visuals and intense action sequences have solidified the franchise as a global phenomenon. The success of ‘Infinity Castle’ has also signaled a September resurgence for the box office, following a sluggish August. Warner Bros.’ ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ slipped to second place with $26 million, while Focus Features’ ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ debuted in third with $18.1 million. Other notable openings included Lionsgate’s ‘The Long Walk’ ($11.5 million) and Pixar’s ‘Toy Story (30th Anniversary)’ ($3.5 million). Dergarabedian expressed optimism for the month, anticipating further success with upcoming releases like Jordan Peele’s ‘HIM’ and Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another.’
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Hermeto Pascoal, ‘the wizard’ of Brazilian music, dies at 89
Hermeto Pascoal, the groundbreaking Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his unique fusion of jazz and traditional Brazilian music, has died at the age of 89. His passing was announced on his Instagram page, where his family shared that he was surrounded by loved ones and fellow musicians at the time of his death. No further details were provided. Born on June 22, 1936, in a rural settlement in Alagoas, Pascoal overcame childhood poverty and the challenges of albinism to become a self-taught musical prodigy. He began his journey at the age of 10, performing at local dances and weddings, and later expanded his repertoire to include forró and other traditional Brazilian styles. In the late 1950s, Pascoal moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he immersed himself in the city’s vibrant jazz scene, performing in nightclubs and joining a radio orchestra. His innovative blend of jazz and Brazilian folk music captivated audiences and earned him collaborations with legendary artists, including singer Elis Regina and percussionist Airto Moreira. Pascoal’s talent also caught the attention of jazz icon Miles Davis, who hailed him as the ‘most important musician on the planet.’ Despite this acclaim, Pascoal rejected being labeled solely as a jazz musician, emphasizing his deep roots in Brazilian genres like chorinho and samba. Over his prolific career, he composed over 2,000 instrumental pieces and continued to arrange and record music well into his 80s. Known for his versatility, Pascoal mastered instruments ranging from piano and flute to saxophone, guitar, and even household objects. His unconventional approach was exemplified in 1976 when he brought live pigs into the studio while recording his debut album, ‘Slaves Mass.’ Pascoal’s family encouraged fans to honor his legacy by letting ‘a single note ring—from an instrument, your voice, or a kettle—and offer it to the universe.’ His death marks the end of an era for Brazilian music, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and boundless creativity.
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Joaquin Phoenix and Brad Pitt join film about Hind Rajab as executive producers
Renowned Hollywood actors Joaquin Phoenix and Brad Pitt are lending their support as executive producers to an upcoming film titled ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab,’ directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania. The film, set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2024, chronicles the harrowing story of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza in January 2024. The project incorporates actual audio recordings of Rajab pleading for help during a phone call with Red Crescent medics, capturing the tragic final moments of her life. An investigation by Forensic Architecture revealed that Israeli forces were aware of the presence of children in the vehicle and fired at least 335 bullets at it. Rajab initially survived the attack, which claimed the lives of her immediate family, but was killed before rescuers could reach her. The film has attracted a star-studded team of executive producers, including Oscar-winning director Jonathan Glazer, ‘Roma’ director Alfonso Cuarón, and actress Rooney Mara. Ben Hania, the director, expressed her emotional commitment to the project, stating, ‘I cannot accept a world where a child calls for help and no one comes. That pain, that failure, belongs to all of us.’ The film has sparked broader conversations about the entertainment industry’s response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, with many criticizing Hollywood’s muted reaction to the violence. Glazer, who faced backlash for his Oscar acceptance speech in March 2024, condemned the misuse of the Holocaust to justify atrocities in Gaza, stating, ‘We stand here as men who refute their Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked by an occupation which has led to conflict, for so many innocent people.’ The film aims to shed light on the consequences of dehumanization and amplify the voices of those affected by the conflict.
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Massive Attack, Kneecap and others form musician alliance against ‘silencing’ by pro-Israel groups
British band Massive Attack has spearheaded a coalition of musicians to combat what they describe as intimidation by pro-Israel groups within the music industry. The alliance, named ‘Ethical Syndicate Palestine,’ includes prominent acts such as Kneecap, Brian Eno, and Garbage. This initiative follows the release of a documentary by campaign group Led By Donkeys, which exposes the activities of UK Lawyers for Israel Ltd (UKLFI), accused of silencing pro-Palestine advocacy. According to Led By Donkeys, UKLFI has publicly rejected international law and targeted artists supporting Palestine. In a statement on Instagram, Massive Attack condemned the intimidation of pro-Palestine artists, emphasizing the need to protect emerging musicians from such pressures. They urged those affected by UKLFI’s actions to join the alliance. The documentary also highlights concerns about the weaponization of antisemitism, arguing that it undermines genuine efforts to combat anti-Jewish racism. Recent months have seen several controversies involving pro-Palestine artists in the UK, including cancellations of performances and legal actions. Kneecap, for instance, faces charges under the Terrorism Act for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a concert. The band denies the allegations, calling it ‘political policing.’ Meanwhile, artists like Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds have publicly shown support for Palestine, signaling a growing trend of musicians taking a stand against Israeli actions in Gaza.
