Renowned filmmaker Woody Allen has penned an emotional and deeply personal tribute to Diane Keaton, the celebrated actress who passed away on Saturday at the age of 79. In a heartfelt essay published in *The Free Press*, Allen described Keaton as a one-of-a-kind talent, stating, ‘She was unlike anyone the planet has experienced or is unlikely to ever see again.’ He fondly recalled how her radiant presence and infectious laughter could light up any room. The two first crossed paths in 1969 during rehearsals for Allen’s play *Play It Again, Sam*, marking the beginning of a creative partnership that spanned eight films, including the iconic *Annie Hall*, for which Keaton won the Best Actress Oscar in 1977. Allen admitted that Keaton became his sole audience, writing, ‘As time went on, I made movies for an audience of one, Diane Keaton. I never read a single review of my work and cared only what Keaton had to say about it.’ Their on-screen chemistry in *Annie Hall*, where Keaton portrayed the quirky, free-spirited title character, mirrored their real-life romance at the time. Allen reminisced about their first meeting, comparing her to ‘a gorgeous young Huckleberry Finn,’ and lamented that the world feels ‘drearier’ without her. Despite her passing, Allen finds solace in her enduring legacy, stating, ‘Still, there are her movies. And her great laugh still echoes in my head.’ Beyond *Annie Hall*, Keaton starred in other Allen classics such as *Manhattan*, *Sleeper*, and *Radio Days*. Keaton remained a steadfast supporter of Allen, even amid controversies surrounding allegations of misconduct, which he has consistently denied. In a 2023 interview with *The Guardian*, she credited Allen with shaping her career, saying, ‘He gave me everything. He really did. Woody made it loose. That helped me enormously.’ Keaton’s career skyrocketed with her role as Kay Adams-Corleone in *The Godfather* films, followed by memorable performances in *Father of the Bride* and *The First Wives Club*. Francis Ford Coppola, director of *The Godfather*, also paid tribute to Keaton, calling her ‘endlessly intelligent’ and ‘creativity personified.’ Coppola highlighted her groundbreaking work in *Annie Hall*, which not only showcased her acting prowess but also set new fashion trends. Diane Keaton’s legacy as a trailblazing actress and style icon continues to inspire generations.
分类： entertainment
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Chinese musicians Li Jian, Hai-Ye Ni and Siqing Lu will perform at Carnegie Hall next month
Three of China’s most celebrated musicians — pianist Li Jian, cellist Hai-Ye Ni, and violinist Siqing Lu — are set to captivate audiences at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall on November 23. The concert, titled *An Afternoon of Cultural Splendor*, will showcase the seamless blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions through the performance of two iconic chamber music masterpieces: Beethoven’s *Archduke* Piano Trio No. 7 in B-flat Major and Schubert’s Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major. This event, part of the *Cultural Splendor Concert Series*, is a collaborative effort by the Gong Family Foundation and the US-China Cultural Foundation, with support from prominent figures such as Elizabeth B. Wang, Tim Gong, John Catsimatidis, and John W. Allen. The concert will also feature a special award ceremony, where the artists will receive the US-China Cultural Foundation’s Global Cultural Excellence Award. The trio, united by their shared passion for classical music and years of friendship, expressed their excitement about performing together in New York. Hai-Ye Ni, principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, described the opportunity as an honor, while Siqing Lu, a globally acclaimed violinist, emphasized the cultural significance of the event. Li Jian, a prodigious pianist, highlighted the joy and challenge of interpreting these timeless works. The concert is supported by public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and promoted by China Daily, 77 WABC, and New York Music Radio / WQXR. Elizabeth B. Wang, co-founder of the US-China Cultural Foundation, underscored the event’s mission to foster cultural dialogue and celebrate the universal language of music.
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The mystery of the missing Paris catwalk necklace
A unique silver necklace featuring a taxidermy butterfly encased in a rock crystal dome, crafted by renowned jeweler Malcolm Morris, has become the focal point of an international search after vanishing from a Paris catwalk show three decades ago. The one-of-a-kind piece, created in 1994, was commissioned by art director Simon Costin for designer Alexander McQueen, who later headed Givenchy. Despite its anticipated debut, the necklace mysteriously disappeared and has not been seen since. Now, Sarah Burns-Collins, a longtime collaborator of Morris and owner of Gold Lark Jewellery, is spearheading efforts to uncover its whereabouts as part of a retrospective celebrating Morris’s 50-year career. Morris, now 67 and based in Shropshire, is celebrated for his work in stage and film, including creating tiaras for Gwyneth Paltrow in ‘Shakespeare in Love.’ The necklace, described as a ‘statement piece’ weighing like a mayoral chain, took three weeks and significant resources to create. Burns-Collins speculates it may still be in Paris, possibly in an antique shop or with a former model. The search continues as Morris and his team hope to solve this enduring mystery.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.’