Labubu, the whimsical forest monster toy from Chinese toy maker Pop Mart, has been crowned China’s most recognizable and influential pop culture intellectual property (IP) in a newly released report. The accolade was announced at the World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit in Zhejiang province, where the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies unveiled its annual assessment of Chinese cultural IPs’ global impact. Labubu outperformed blockbuster films like *Dead To Rights* and *Ne Zha 2*, which secured second and third places, respectively. The report, which analyzed data from over 4,000 global media outlets, social platforms, and AI models like DeepSeek and ChatGPT, highlighted the growing resonance of Chinese cultural symbols worldwide. Li Yafang, head of the academy, emphasized that these IPs no longer aim to ‘preach’ but instead use high-quality products and compelling narratives to foster global understanding of China. Experts attribute Labubu’s success to its ‘cute, odd yet healing’ design and the thrill of blind-box purchases, which resonate deeply with young audiences. Meanwhile, films like *Ne Zha 2* and *Dead To Rights* have captivated international audiences by blending universal themes with Chinese cultural roots. The report also identified Chengdu’s World Games, Chongqing’s ‘cyber city’ image, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin as top local-culture hotspots with international influence. These findings underscore China’s evolving cultural footprint on the global stage.
分类： entertainment
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‘Looking China’ brings American youth closer to Chinese culture
The Looking China — Foreign Youth Film Program has been a transformative cultural exchange initiative for over a decade, bringing young filmmakers from around the world closer to Chinese culture. Since its inception in 2011, the program has evolved into a significant platform for international youth to explore and document the diverse facets of Chinese society. Participants, many visiting China for the first time, have created over 1,150 short documentaries, capturing the essence of rural villages, heritage artisans, and emerging creative industries across 14 provincial-level regions. These films have garnered over 200 international awards and reached an estimated 600 million viewers worldwide. Christine Jiaqi An, a Chinese American filmmaker, shared her profound experience of reconnecting with her roots during her 2024 trip to Guizhou province, where she filmed ‘Timeless Voices,’ a documentary highlighting indigenous oral traditions. Similarly, Mateo Nikolav, a UCLA film student, directed ‘Sixty Seconds,’ which delves into the life of a young actor navigating China’s burgeoning creative industry. Sammi Su from the University of Southern California explored the cultural identity of Shaxian through its iconic snack culture in her film ‘Shaxian Snacks.’ The program’s founder, Huang Huilin, emphasized its role in sharing Chinese stories globally, allowing international audiences to experience the warmth of China through diverse and youthful perspectives. The recent China-US Film and TV Night in Los Angeles, themed ‘Recording Friendship Through Light and Shadow,’ showcased the program’s impact, featuring screenings and discussions on the enduring spirit of cultural exchange. Chinese Consul General Guo Shaochun highlighted the importance of storytelling in fostering mutual understanding, while Hollywood producer Andre Morgan underscored the power of shared experiences in overcoming misunderstandings and building cultural bridges.
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Andrew Miller and Kiran Desai are favorites to win the Booker Prize for fiction
The literary world is abuzz as the Booker Prize 2024 ceremony approaches, with British novelist Andrew Miller and Indian author Kiran Desai emerging as the frontrunners. The prestigious award, which comes with a £50,000 ($66,000) prize and a significant boost to the winner’s literary career, will be announced in London on Monday. The six finalists, selected from 153 submissions, are being judged by a panel that includes acclaimed Irish writer Roddy Doyle and actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
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Miss Universe official dismissed after ‘malicious acts’; legal action to be taken
The 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand has been overshadowed by controversy, culminating in the dismissal of host Nawat Itsaragrisil following allegations of misconduct. The drama unfolded during a meeting where Nawat reportedly insulted Mexico’s delegate, Fatima Bosch, calling her a ‘dumbhead’ during a dispute over promotional content. Bosch staged a dramatic walkout, supported by other contestants, including Miss Iraq, who stood in solidarity with her. Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha condemned Nawat’s actions, stating that ‘the values of respect and dignity toward women’ had been violated. Rocha announced that Nawat’s participation in the event would be restricted, and legal action would be pursued for his ‘malicious acts.’ Nawat later appeared at a press conference, tearfully claiming he had been ‘betrayed’ and offering a public apology during the opening ceremony. This incident is not Nawat’s first controversy; last year, he faced criticism during the Miss Grand International pageant for poor treatment of contestants. The Miss Universe pageant, one of the ‘big four’ global beauty contests, has also been marred by other issues, including an investigation into participants allegedly promoting an online casino. Despite the turmoil, the final is scheduled for November 21 in Nonthaburi province.
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Wearing two watches, making time for family: Abhishek Bachchan on his priorities
Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan, known for his wit and charm, recently shared insights into his life, career, and passions in an exclusive interview with City Times. With his sports drama ‘Ghoomer’ re-released in theaters following the Indian women’s cricket team’s World Cup victory, Bachchan reflected on the enduring allure of big cinema and his personal priorities.
Bachchan emphasized the influence of directors on his acting career, stating, ‘Every director is influential to an actor. It’s not fair to single out one.’ He also discussed his approach to selecting projects, noting that he chooses films that resonate with audiences and inspire him as an artist.
The re-release of ‘Ghoomer’ was a tribute to the perseverance of the Indian women’s cricket team, a decision made by director R. Balki. Bachchan expressed pride in the film’s renewed success.
Addressing the rise of OTT platforms, Bachchan welcomed the shift, highlighting the opportunities it provides for emerging talent. However, he remains confident in the timeless charm of theatrical experiences, asserting, ‘The magic of going to the movies will never go away.’
Family remains a cornerstone of Bachchan’s life. He cherishes rare moments spent with loved ones, describing a shared meal as the ultimate luxury. Reflecting on his career, he shared valuable life lessons: ‘Never give up. Believe in yourself. Fight the good fight.’
Bachchan’s passion for luxury timepieces, particularly Omega watches, stems from his teenage years in Switzerland. He owns over 40 watches, many of which hold sentimental value. Inspired by his father, Amitabh Bachchan, and his sister’s dual-time-zone watches, he now wears two watches as a nod to his family’s legacy.
Through his words, Bachchan offers a glimpse into his multifaceted life, balancing cinema, family, and personal passions with grace and dedication.
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‘GTA 6’ delayed again: Here’s why Rockstar says it’s worth the wait
Rockstar Games has announced a second delay for the highly anticipated ‘Grand Theft Auto 6’ (GTA 6), pushing the release date to November 19, 2026, six months later than the previously planned May 2026 launch. The decision, while disappointing for millions of eager fans, aligns with the developer’s reputation for meticulous attention to detail and commitment to delivering groundbreaking gaming experiences. The game, first confirmed in development in February 2022, has already generated immense buzz, with its 2023 trailer breaking YouTube records and introducing players to Leonida, a fictional Florida-inspired setting, and the series’ first dual protagonists, Jason and Lucia. Rockstar’s history of redefining gaming standards with titles like ‘GTA V’ and ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ has set high expectations for ‘GTA 6.’ The delay reflects the increasing complexity of modern open-world game development, with larger teams, higher costs, and extended production cycles. Despite the setback, Rockstar’s financial stability, driven by the continued success of ‘GTA V’ and ‘GTA Online,’ allows the studio to prioritize quality over speed. Fans, though frustrated, remain hopeful that the extra time will result in a game worth the wait.
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‘The Night Manager 2’ teaser: Tom Hiddleston returns to unearth an arms conspiracy
The highly anticipated teaser for the second season of *The Night Manager* has been released, marking the return of Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine. The new season, filmed across the UK, Spain, Colombia, and France, promises a gripping narrative of espionage, betrayal, and high-stakes action. Hiddleston’s character, now living under the alias Alex Goodwin, is drawn back into the world of international intrigue when he encounters a former mercenary linked to his past. This chance meeting propels Pine into a dangerous mission to expose a conspiracy aimed at destabilizing a nation. Along the way, he crosses paths with Teddy Dos Santos (Diego Calva), a Colombian businessman, and Roxana Bolanos (Camila Morrone), a reluctant ally who aids Pine in infiltrating a deadly arms operation. The series delves into themes of trust, loyalty, and the lengths one must go to uncover the truth. The first three episodes will premiere on January 11, 2026, on Prime Video, with new episodes releasing weekly until the season finale on February 1. The show will also be available on BBC and BBC iPlayer in the UK. Returning cast members include Olivia Colman as Angela Burr, alongside new additions Diego Calva, Camila Morrone, Indira Varma, Paul Chahidi, and Hayley Squires. The series is created and executive produced by David Farr and directed by BAFTA winner Georgi Banks-Davies.
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Grammys 2026: Priyanka Chopra lauds Anoushka Shankar for her two nominations
Renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar has once again made headlines with her latest Grammy nominations, marking her 12th and 13th nods at the prestigious awards. Her single ‘Daybreak’ has been nominated for Best Global Music Performance, while her collaborative album ‘Chapter III: We Return To Light’—featuring Alam Khan and drummer Sarathy Korwar—has secured a nomination for Best Global Music Album. The 68th Grammy Awards, set to take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, will reveal the winners. Shankar took to Instagram to express her gratitude, stating, ‘Today is a day of contrasts—a horrific migraine AND news of my 12th and 13th Grammy nominations all in one afternoon. I’m beyond grateful.’ Her achievement has been celebrated by fellow artists, including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who praised Shankar’s ‘queen energy’ on her Instagram Story. Additionally, composer Siddhant Bhatia and Indo-American jazz pianist Charu Suri have also earned nominations for their respective works, ‘Sounds of Kumbha’ and ‘Shayan’. Shankar’s continued success highlights her enduring influence in the global music scene.
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Trailer Park Boys’ Mike Smith charged with sexual assault – reports
Mike Smith, renowned for his portrayal of Bubbles in the Canadian sitcom *Trailer Park Boys*, has temporarily withdrawn from the show following serious allegations of sexual assault. The 53-year-old actor was formally charged by Halifax police on October 2, 2025, in connection with an incident allegedly occurring in December 2017. Court documents, accessed by Canadian media, confirm the charges, though specific details of the case remain undisclosed due to a publication ban protecting the alleged victim’s identity. Smith has also been instructed to refrain from contacting the complainant.
*Trailer Park Boys Inc.*, the production company behind the series, issued a statement acknowledging the gravity of the situation. The company emphasized its commitment to respecting the legal process and confirmed Smith’s temporary departure from his role as managing director. ‘We recognize how challenging this situation is for everyone involved,’ the statement read. ‘Out of respect for the ongoing legal proceedings, we will refrain from further commentary.’
The show, which debuted in 2001 and was later revived by Netflix, is set in a fictional trailer park in Nova Scotia and follows the misadventures of three petty criminals. Its 13th season is slated for release next year. Smith, who has yet to publicly address the allegations, is scheduled to appear in court in Halifax on November 10, 2025. The BBC has reached out to his representatives for comment, but no response has been provided as of now.
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Documentary sheds light on Chinese helping Japanese ‘war orphans’
A groundbreaking Japan-China co-produced documentary, *The Nameless Child*, directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Ryo Takeuchi, premiered in Japan on November 7, 2025, as part of the 2025 China Documentary Festival. The film, which runs until November 20, delves into the poignant stories of Japanese ‘war orphans’ left in China after World War II and their profound gratitude toward their Chinese adoptive parents. During the tumultuous final years of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), thousands of Japanese children were abandoned as their families fled. These children were taken in and raised by compassionate locals in northeastern China. After diplomatic relations were established between China and Japan in the 1970s, many of these orphans returned to Japan, only to face significant challenges in reintegrating into society. Struggling with language barriers and cultural differences, many relied on government subsidies for survival. Takeuchi, inspired by childhood memories of news reports about these orphans, embarked on a two-year journey to document their lives. The film features interviews with over 100 surviving orphans and their families, though most of the Chinese adoptive parents have since passed away. ‘Raising enemy children under such extreme circumstances is truly remarkable,’ Takeuchi remarked, expressing his hope to convey the kindness and spirit of the Chinese people to Japanese audiences. The documentary’s main subject, Mariko Kamijo, whose mother was one of the orphans, now runs a nursing institution for elderly orphans. She emphasized the generational impact of war and the importance of peace. Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao highlighted the documentary’s role in fostering mutual understanding and shaping a positive future for China-Japan relations. Zhao Jie, president of the China Federation of Radio and Television Associations, praised the film as a testament to the ‘community of shared human destiny.’ The festival, held in Tokyo, showcases 10 documentaries on themes ranging from urban governance to cultural exchange, aiming to present contemporary China from diverse perspectives. Takeuchi, who has lived in Nanjing since 2013, has produced several acclaimed documentaries on China, including *The Yangtze River*, which won the Best Documentary Award at the 21st China Movie Channel Media Focus Unit. He hopes his work will dispel outdated stereotypes about China and foster greater appreciation for its modern reality.