Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • Crowds line Saint-Tropez streets for Bardot funeral

    Crowds line Saint-Tropez streets for Bardot funeral

    The picturesque French Riviera town of Saint-Tropez witnessed an emotional farewell to cinematic legend Brigitte Bardot on Wednesday, as crowds lined the streets to honor the actress who revolutionized 1950s French cinema. Despite Bardot’s explicit instructions for a modest ceremony, admirers gathered in significant numbers to applaud her flower-draped coffin during its procession through the transformed fishing village.

    The funeral service at a local church attracted notable figures including far-right politician Marine Le Pen and Equality Minister Aurore Bergé, both sharing Bardot’s passion for animal rights advocacy. The actress was laid to rest at a hillside cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean, joining her parents and first husband Roger Vadim, with her only son Nicolas-Jacques Charrier among the pallbearers.

    Bardot’s passing at age 91 on December 28th marked the end of an era for French cinema. Known affectionately as ‘BB’ in her homeland, she appeared in nearly 50 films including the groundbreaking ‘And God Created Woman’ before abruptly retiring from acting in 1973 to dedicate her life to animal welfare through her foundation.

    While President Emmanuel Macron eulogized her as ‘a legend of the century,’ Bardot’s later years were marked by controversy surrounding homophobic remarks and multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred, which complicated her legacy and alienated her from mainstream political circles. The ceremony balanced celebration of her artistic achievements with acknowledgment of her complex public persona.

  • Taapsee Pannu on being an outsider in Bollywood: ‘It will never be easy’

    Taapsee Pannu on being an outsider in Bollywood: ‘It will never be easy’

    After fifteen years navigating the complex landscape of Indian cinema without industry connections or familial backing, acclaimed actress Taapsee Pannu has developed a philosophical perspective on her unconventional career path. In a recent interview, the performer acknowledged that her journey as an outsider would perpetually present challenges, yet she has transformed this reality into a driving force for artistic authenticity.

    Pannu’s central revelation about the industry remains starkly straightforward: “It will never be easy.” Rather than perceiving this as a limitation, the actress reframes it as motivational fuel, stating, “If you want something no one has ever gotten, you have to do something no one has ever done.” This mindset has guided her approach to career longevity and personal accountability, with Pannu emphasizing that her creative choices must withstand the test of time and personal scrutiny.

    The actress strongly advocates for artistic individuality in an industry frequently preoccupied with comparisons. “I’m not here to be a clone of somebody because then my entire life will be about being a first copy,” Pannu asserts. “Everyone is blessed with a unique voice and presence, so I should find mine because that’s the best way to leave a lasting impact.”

    Her filmography demonstrates this commitment to authenticity, balancing commercial projects with critically acclaimed works that challenge societal norms. Notable performances in films like “Pink,” “The Ghazi Attack,” “Mulk,” “Manmarziyaan,” “Haseen Dillruba,” and “Dunki” showcase her versatile approach to storytelling. Her most recent appearance in Mudassar Aziz’s “Khel Khel Mein” further demonstrates her collaborative range alongside established stars.

    Reflecting on her early career decisions, Pannu acknowledges initially conforming to industry expectations during her South Indian film phase before realizing conventional paths weren’t her destiny. Today, her project selection process relies heavily on instinct and feminine perspective. “I cannot leave aside the female point of view I have when I listen to stories,” she explains. “It’s not something I do voluntarily. It’s natural to me.”

    This innate feminine gaze fundamentally shapes her creative choices, helping determine which narratives resonate authentically. By selecting projects that align with her intuition, Pannu naturally caters to the feminine perspective within her artistic expression.

    While remaining discreet about specific upcoming projects, Pannu hints at continued exploration into uncharted territory. Audiences can anticipate her embracing increasingly complex characters and examining societal facets that capture her profound fascination, maintaining her trajectory toward meaningful artistic legacy.

  • Iconic Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr dies at 70

    Iconic Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr dies at 70

    The film world has lost one of its most distinctive voices with the passing of Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr at age 70. The European Film Academy confirmed his death on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, following an extended battle with illness.

    Tarr, renowned as the pioneering force behind the ‘slow cinema’ movement, leaves behind an indelible legacy characterized by stark black-and-white aesthetics, extended single-shot sequences, and minimalist storytelling. His approach deliberately subverted conventional narrative structures, instead offering contemplative portrayals of everyday existence in post-communist Eastern Europe.

    The director’s magnum opus, 1994’s seven-and-a-half-hour epic ‘Satantango,’ stands as perhaps the ultimate embodiment of his artistic vision. The film meticulously documents the struggles within a small Hungarian village following communism’s collapse and has been consistently ranked among cinema’s greatest achievements despite its demanding runtime.

    Beyond his filmmaking, Tarr dedicated his later years to educational pursuits. Following his 2011 feature ‘The Turin Horse,’ he transitioned to mentoring emerging talents, establishing the Film Factory school in Sarajevo in 2012. There he served as professor and academic director until 2016, shaping a new generation of filmmakers.

    The European Film Academy’s statement honored Tarr as ‘an outstanding director and a personality with a strong political voice,’ noting he was ‘deeply respected by his colleagues and celebrated by audiences worldwide.’ The organization has requested privacy for Tarr’s family during this period of mourning.

  • Nivin Pauly signs multi-film deal with Panorama Studios for Rs 1 billion

    Nivin Pauly signs multi-film deal with Panorama Studios for Rs 1 billion

    Malayalam cinema superstar Nivin Pauly has entered into a groundbreaking cinematic partnership with India’s Panorama Studios, formalizing a multi-film co-production agreement valued at ₹1 billion (approximately Dh 40.75 million). This strategic alliance comes immediately following the remarkable commercial success of Pauly’s recent supernatural comedy ‘Sarvam Maya,’ which premiered in December 2025.

    The collaboration will see Pauly transitioning into a dual creative role, serving as both lead actor and co-producer alongside established producers Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak of Panorama Studios. While specific details regarding the number of planned films and production timelines remain undisclosed, the partnership represents one of the most significant investments in South Indian cinema production ventures.

    Pauly expressed considerable enthusiasm about the creative alignment, stating: ‘This collaboration with Panorama Studios is tremendously exciting from both artistic and production perspectives. Their distinctive vision, operational scale, and unwavering commitment to quality cinema perfectly complement the narrative-driven projects I aspire to develop collectively. We intend to create culturally rooted yet universally appealing films that balance entertainment with substantive impact.’

    Panorama Studios, renowned for its critically and commercially successful Hindi cinema portfolio including the ‘Drishyam’ franchise, ‘Omkara,’ ‘Raid’ series, and recent supernatural thriller ‘Shaitaan,’ views this partnership as a strategic expansion into South Indian markets. Kumar Mangat Pathak emphasized: ‘Malayalam cinema has consistently established new benchmarks for storytelling excellence and performance-driven narratives. Aligning with Nivin Pauly—an artist embodying exceptional credibility, versatile talent, and mass audience connectivity—represents a natural evolutionary step for Panorama Studios. This collaboration constitutes our substantial investment in meaningful cinema at scale while building enduring creative partnerships in Southern film industries.’

    Pauly’s career trajectory demonstrates remarkable versatility since his 2012 debut in ‘Thattathin Marayathu,’ with iconic performances across genres including ‘Premam’ (2015), ‘Bangalore Days’ (2014), ‘Neram’ (2013), and ‘Thuramukham’ (2023). His accolades include two Kerala State Film Awards, three Filmfare Awards South, and six SIIMA Awards. The actor’s recent supernatural comedy ‘Sarvam Maya,’ directed by Akhil Sathyan, achieved exceptional commercial performance as 2025’s fourth-highest grossing Malayalam film, surpassing ₹1 billion in global box office revenue while earning critical praise for Pauly’s portrayal of a Hindu priest experiencing supernatural encounters.

  • Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser struggles with Julia Roberts and Venezuela while building monologue

    Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser struggles with Julia Roberts and Venezuela while building monologue

    LOS ANGELES — As the Golden Globes ceremony approaches, comedian Nikki Glaser confronts an unexpected comedic hurdle: crafting the perfect joke about Hollywood icon Julia Roberts. The host, who earned widespread acclaim for her celebrity-roasting monologue at last year’s event, finds Roberts particularly challenging material despite her proven track record of handling A-list targets.

    “She’s been the toughest nut to crack,” Glaser acknowledged during a recent interview, expressing determination to solve the comedic puzzle before Sunday’s CBS broadcast from the Beverly Hilton. Roberts, nominated for Best Actress in a Drama for “After the Hunt,” will be seated prominently in the audience, presenting both opportunity and pressure for the host.

    The comedian revealed that test audiences have reacted unexpectedly defensively toward even mild jokes about Roberts. “People do not have a sense of humor about Julia Roberts,” Glaser observed. “She’ll be fine—other people are not fine on her behalf. The most innocent joke about her that I tried out prompted booing and jeering.”

    Glaser’s preparation involves extensive testing at Southern California comedy clubs, where she refines material through audience feedback. “I live and die by those crowds,” she explained. “They tell me what to keep and what not to. Things that I think will kill sometimes get nothing, while throwaway lines become the best jokes.”

    Among other anticipated targets are Timothée Chalamet (nominated for “Marty Supreme”), George Clooney (“Jay Kelly”), Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners”), and Leonardo DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”). Regarding DiCaprio, Glaser teased: “Leo? We’re going to hit Leo. The icebergs are coming. Watch out.”

    The host remains adaptable to current events, recently monitoring the Venezuela situation as potential monologue material, though she notes award show audiences may not share news awareness with writers. Glaser’s approach balances affectionate teasing with sharp wit, reminiscent of last year’s successful “Wicked” joke that celebrated the film’s LGBTQ+ appeal without crossing into meanness.

  • Fireworks, free concerts: Family-friendly activities during last week of Dubai Shopping Festival

    Fireworks, free concerts: Family-friendly activities during last week of Dubai Shopping Festival

    Dubai’s iconic shopping extravaganza, the 31st Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), approaches its grand finale on January 11, 2026, offering residents and international visitors one final opportunity to immerse themselves in its diverse array of family-centered activities and retail promotions. This year’s edition has distinguished itself through an ambitious program of citywide entertainment specifically crafted to engage all demographic groups through large-scale spectacles, interactive experiences, and live performances.

    Throughout the final week, Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall serves as a central entertainment hub, offering complimentary access to concert events. The e& DSF Nights concert series concludes on January 10 with a performance by Arabic pop duo Dalia Al Turky and Mahmoud Al Turky, promising an energetic musical culmination to the festival. Younger audiences can enjoy free stage performances featuring globally recognized characters from Sesame Street, Nickelodeon’s DORA, DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls, Animaccord’s Masha and The Bear, and PJ MASKS, enhanced by accompanying dancers and musicians.

    The True Gamers zone presents interactive gaming competitions with prize pools totaling Dh30,000, specifically designed to accommodate children, teenagers, and parents alike. Additionally, visitors can experience breathtaking light, fountain, and laser displays along the waterfront area.

    Bluewaters and The Beach JBR continue their daily drone shows at 8pm and 10pm, now enhanced with pyro-drone fireworks to create the largest aerial production in DSF history. These visually stunning displays remain freely accessible to the public.

    Meanwhile, the e& Market Outside The Box at Dubai Design District maintains operations until January 11, featuring over 80 food and beverage outlets alongside retail pop-ups from emerging designers and homegrown brands. The market offers MOTB-exclusive menus, limited-edition product releases, and interactive brand activations across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors. The space also hosts live music performances, DJ sets, dance showcases, and hands-on workshops tailored for all age groups.

    Automotive enthusiasts can experience the Middle East Car and Bike Week at Dubai Studio City from January 10-11, with ticket prices ranging from Dh75 for single-day access to Dh100 for a two-day pass. The event provides family-friendly exposure to supercars, custom bikes, and stunt zones. Alternatively, the Mirdif Motor Show x DSF Auto Season offers free admission on January 10 with over 1,000 vehicles on display, complemented by live DJ performances and entertainment suitable for younger audiences.

  • Saint-Tropez bids adieu to Brigitte Bardot with a funeral and public homage

    Saint-Tropez bids adieu to Brigitte Bardot with a funeral and public homage

    SAINT-TROPEZ, France — The French Riviera resort town of Saint-Tropez hosted a poignant dual tribute on Wednesday to honor Brigitte Bardot, the iconic actress turned animal rights activist who passed away December 28 at age 91. The ceremony blended private family mourning with public admiration for the woman who called this Mediterranean haven home for over fifty years.

    Bardot’s funeral procession moved through the narrow streets of Saint-Tropez as residents and admirers applauded the final journey of the woman who once captivated global cinema. The coffin of the legendary screen siren, whose image defined 1960s sensuality and French postwar liberation, was carried to the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Catholic Church where a private service commenced with Maria Callas’ rendition of ‘Ave Maria.’

    In attendance were Bardot’s husband Bernard d’Ormale, who revealed in a Paris Match interview that cancer had claimed her life following two operations, along with her son, grandchildren, and invited representatives from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for animal protection. ‘She remained conscious and concerned about animal welfare until her final moments,’ d’Ormale attested.

    Max Guazzini, foundation secretary general, expressed the collective grief: ‘Sadness is overwhelming, and pain too.’ In a moving eulogy, he envisioned Bardot’s arrival in ‘a great, white immensity’ followed by ‘thousands of animals she saved… forming a procession behind her.’

    Hundreds gathered at public viewing areas with large screens installed at the port and town squares to witness the farewell. Bardot will be interred in the strictest privacy at the marine cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean, joining her parents and first husband Roger Vadim—the director who launched her international career with the groundbreaking film ‘And God Created Woman.’

    Though she retired from filmmaking at 39 in 1973 after starring in over two dozen films, Bardot remained a visible and often controversial public figure through her militant animal rights activism and associations with far-right politics. The town hall acknowledged her enduring legacy, stating: ‘Brigitte Bardot will forever be associated with Saint-Tropez, of which she was the most dazzling ambassador.’

  • Nostalgia and new fans as Tamagotchi turns 30

    Nostalgia and new fans as Tamagotchi turns 30

    Three decades after its initial launch, the iconic Tamagotchi virtual pet continues to captivate audiences across generations, with manufacturer Bandai Namco reporting over 100 million units sold worldwide. What began as a 1990s playground phenomenon has evolved into a cultural mainstay, now embraced by retro-loving Gen Z consumers and nostalgic millennials alike.

    The digital companion, whose name combines the Japanese words for “egg” and “watch,” has undergone significant technological transformation since its debut. Bandai Namco’s special 30th anniversary exhibition in Tokyo showcases this evolution from basic black-and-white pixelated characters to contemporary models featuring color displays and wifi connectivity.

    Surprisingly, the Tamagotchi has experienced a remarkable resurgence as a fashion accessory. According to company data, merchandise sales (excluding video games) increased approximately sevenfold between 2019 and 2024, with the device becoming a popular keychain accessory among style-conscious youth in Tokyo’s Harajuku district and beyond.

    Fifteen-year-old Brazilian tourist Rafaela Miranda Freire expressed the device’s appeal to younger generations: “It’s really nostalgic and cute. Like some 2000s cute aesthetic.” While acknowledging that some peers consider the toy “childish,” Freire highlighted its value as a healthy alternative to social media consumption: “You just get off the phone and appreciate the small things in life.”

    The cultural impact of Tamagotchi was further validated when British retailer Hamleys included it in their list of the top 100 toys of all time, placing it alongside legendary playthings like Lego and the Rubik’s Cube. The exhibition itself offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to enter through a giant white egg and explore interactive displays while learning about the device’s history through dozens of different models.

    Bandai Namco’s sales data reveals interesting geographical distribution patterns, with nearly half of all units sold in Japan, 33 percent in the Americas, and just two percent across other Asia-Pacific countries.

    The intergenerational appeal remains strong, as evidenced by 25-year-old Yumeho Akita’s childhood memories: “I really wanted one, and I finally got one, so I cherished it and raised the character very carefully.” This sentiment extends to parents like American screenwriter Justin Piasecki, who recently purchased Tamagotchis for his young daughters. “They basically have a computer science degree in Tamagotchi at this point,” the 41-year-old remarked. “I thought I would need to show them how to do it, but now they’re showing me.”

  • ‘Simple’ goodbye to Bardot lined up in Saint-Tropez

    ‘Simple’ goodbye to Bardot lined up in Saint-Tropez

    The French coastal town of Saint-Tropez prepares for a subdued farewell to cinema icon Brigitte Bardot on Wednesday, with funeral arrangements reflecting both her passionate animal advocacy and controversial political leanings. The ceremony at Notre-Dame de l’Assomption church will proceed without presidential attendance but with confirmed participation from far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

    Organizers from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation have emphasized the deliberately modest nature of the proceedings, describing the event as intentionally “no frills” in accordance with the late actress’s wishes. Foundation spokesman Bruno Jacquelin noted the ceremony would feature “some surprises” while remaining fundamentally simple, mirroring Bardot’s authentic character.

    The cinematic revolutionary who passed away aged 91 on December 28th will be memorialized through public screens broadcasting the funeral to admirers braving winter temperatures. Bardot’s death concludes a remarkable transformation from international sex symbol to reclusive activist, having abandoned her film career in the early 1970s to dedicate herself entirely to animal rights.

    The ceremony occurs against a complex backdrop of polarized public perception. While universally acknowledged as a cinematic pioneer who embodied 1960s sexual liberation through films like “And God Created Woman,” Bardot’s later years were marred by multiple convictions for hate speech targeting Muslim communities. This ideological positioning has resulted in notably restrained responses from left-wing figures, with Green Party lawmaker Sandrine Rousseau questioning the ethical consistency of championing animal welfare while expressing anti-immigrant sentiments.

    Family dynamics add further nuance to the proceedings. Bardot’s only child, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier—with whom she reconciled in her final years after decades of estrangement—remains unconfirmed as an attendee. The actress had previously characterized pregnancy as carrying a “tumour” and motherhood as “misery” in her memoirs. Meanwhile, her 87-year-old sister Mijanou, residing in Los Angeles, has expressed emotional tribute through social media, hoping Bardot finds comfort in reunion with departed pets in the afterlife.

    The burial ultimately occurs at the seaside cemetery despite Bardot’s 2018 expressed wish for interment in her home garden alongside beloved animals, a preference she stated to avoid a “crowd of idiots” disturbing her family’s existing graves.

  • Sharjah Literature Festival returns for second edition, running till January 11

    Sharjah Literature Festival returns for second edition, running till January 11

    The vibrant city of Sharjah has once again become a literary epicenter as the second annual Sharjah Literature Festival commenced on January 5th, continuing through January 11th. This prestigious event, organized through a collaborative partnership between the Emirates Publishers Association and the Sharjah Book Authority, transforms the outdoor space opposite University City Hall into a cultural oasis.

    Under the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, the festival builds upon its successful inaugural edition with an enriched program. The theme ‘A Community Woven by Stories’ guides this year’s celebrations, emphasizing the power of narrative in building cultural connections.

    The festival showcases an impressive convergence of literary excellence, featuring acclaimed Emirati poets including Amal Sahlawi, Ahmed Al Asm, Najat Al Dhaheri, and Ali Al Abdan. They are joined by distinguished writers Afra Mahmoud, Latifa Al Najjar, Fatima Al Breiki, and Sara Galadari, creating a dynamic platform for intellectual exchange.

    Beyond literary discussions, the event offers diverse cultural experiences including fourteen educational workshops covering Arabic calligraphy, storytelling techniques, and creative arts. The musical dimension features performances by singer Al Maidi, guitarist Hoor Al Marzouqi, pianist Ahmed Al Hashimi, the ‘Oud Duo’ ensemble, and the band ‘One Interrupted and Friends.’ A special theater troupe from the Sharjah Foundation to Develop Capabilities adds dramatic flair to the proceedings.

    Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, emphasized the festival’s significance in advancing cultural development: ‘This festival reaffirms our ongoing commitment to advancing culture, facilitating access to knowledge for every reader, and expanding partnerships with cultural institutions locally, regionally, and internationally.’

    Attendees can also enjoy culinary offerings from various food vendors including Dave’s Hot Chicken, Chaw Noodles, Salt, and Temple Creamery, making the festival a complete cultural and sensory experience.