分类: entertainment

  • King Charles hopes nature film will ‘inspire’ viewers

    King Charles hopes nature film will ‘inspire’ viewers

    King Charles III is set to share his profound environmental philosophy in an upcoming Amazon Prime Video documentary titled *Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision*. Scheduled for release early next year, the feature-length film will delve into the monarch’s lifelong commitment to sustainability and his belief in working *with* rather than *against* nature. The documentary aims to inspire global audiences to prioritize environmental protection and restore humanity’s relationship with the planet.

  • Movie Review: Tonatiuh dances away with ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’

    Movie Review: Tonatiuh dances away with ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’

    The iconic role of Luis Molina, the gay prisoner with a fascination for Hollywood’s Golden Age in ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman,’ has historically been a career-defining part for actors. William Hurt secured his first Best Actor Oscar for the 1985 film adaptation by Héctor Babenco, and Brent Carver later won a Tony for the Broadway musical version. Now, in Bill Condon’s latest adaptation of the Broadway musical, Tonatiuh, a relatively new actor, delivers a standout performance that captivates audiences without relying on the film’s elaborate fantasy sequences. Originally a 1976 novel by Argentine writer Manuel Puig, the story explores the unlikely bond between Molina, a romantic dreamer, and Valentín, a Marxist revolutionary, as they share a prison cell during Argentina’s military dictatorship in 1983. The film oscillates between the grim reality of their confinement and the vibrant, MGM-inspired musical world of Molina’s imagination. Jennifer Lopez stars as the fictional screen siren Ingrid Luna, bringing glamour and energy to the musical sequences. Despite the visual splendor, the heart of the story lies in the evolving relationship between Molina and Valentín, whose contrasting personalities and ideologies create a compelling dynamic. Molina, portrayed with depth and nuance by Tonatiuh, is both a dreamer and a shrewd survivor, while Valentín, played by Diego Luna, grapples with rigid notions of masculinity and revolution. Condon, known for his work on ‘Dreamgirls’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ directs with a focus on simplicity in the musical numbers, allowing the choreography and performances to shine. Yet, it is the raw, emotional drama within the prison cell that truly resonates, making ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ a poignant exploration of love, identity, and survival.

  • Fans mourn death of popular Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda

    Fans mourn death of popular Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda

    The untimely demise of Rajvir Jawanda, a beloved Punjabi singer, actor, and former police officer, has sent shockwaves through his vast fanbase and the music community. Jawanda, 35, passed away on Wednesday, succumbing to severe injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district. The incident occurred when his bike reportedly collided with cattle, causing him to lose control. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, politicians, and fellow artists, who remember him as a cultural icon and a voice of Punjab’s youth. Jawanda’s music, which blended traditional Punjabi rhythms with modern storytelling, resonated deeply with listeners. His YouTube channel boasted over 900,000 subscribers, and his music videos garnered millions of views. Known for his catchy beats and relatable lyrics, Jawanda’s songs became dance anthems in clubs across the region. Beyond music, he also acted in Punjabi films and was admired for his clean image, steering clear of controversies and avoiding themes of drugs and violence prevalent in some Punjabi rap. A passionate biker, Jawanda often shared videos of his adventures in north India’s mountainous terrains, embodying an adventurous spirit. His death has reignited calls for improved road safety in India, with fans expressing anger over the country’s hazardous road conditions. Jawanda’s journey to stardom was unconventional. Born into a family with ties to law enforcement, he initially pursued a career in the Punjab police, serving as a constable for nine years. However, his love for music, cultivated since childhood through exposure to Punjabi folk ballads, eventually led him to transition into a full-time singer. His breakout came after one of his songs went viral, propelling him into the spotlight. Despite his fame, Jawanda remained grounded, actively supporting the 2020 farmers’ protests and using his platform to amplify their voices. His passing leaves a void in Punjab’s music industry and the hearts of his fans. Tributes poured in from political leaders, with Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party senior leader Manish Sisodia praising his “soulful voice” and former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh acknowledging the impact of his music on countless lives.

  • ‘One of the greatest things’ – Nigeria’s art innovators on display in London

    ‘One of the greatest things’ – Nigeria’s art innovators on display in London

    The Tate Modern in London is currently hosting a groundbreaking exhibition titled *Nigerian Modernism*, a comprehensive showcase of over 50 Nigerian artists spanning from 1910 to the 1990s. This ambitious project highlights the evolution of Nigerian art, blending traditional techniques such as bronze casting, mural painting, and wood carving with European influences. Among the featured artists is the renowned 93-year-old painter and sculptor Bruce Onobrakpeya, who describes the exhibition as ‘one of the greatest things to have happened, not only to my art, but to Nigerian artwork.’

    The exhibition offers a vivid journey through Nigeria’s history, from its colonial past to independence and the turbulent years of the Biafran War. Works from the influential Nsukka Art School, founded by students and professors at the University of Nigeria, reflect the nation’s struggles and triumphs. Artists like Muraina Oyelami and Ben Enwonwu contribute pieces that range from naturalistic depictions of real-life events to abstract explorations of identity and modernity.

    Curator Osei Bonsu emphasizes the collective spirit of the exhibition, noting that the artists share a common goal of ‘fashioning radical visions of what modern art could be.’ The collection includes diverse mediums, from watercolors and photography to political cartoons and intricate thorn carvings, representing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and its global diaspora.

    For Onobrakpeya, the exhibition is more than a retrospective; it is a source of inspiration and hope. ‘It gives us strength, and we’re going to work harder to produce something even greater than this,’ he says. *Nigerian Modernism* runs at the Tate Modern until May 10 next year, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore a movement that has long been underrepresented on the global stage.

  • Dolly Parton’s sister asks fans to pray for singer over ‘health challenges’

    Dolly Parton’s sister asks fans to pray for singer over ‘health challenges’

    Country music icon Dolly Parton has postponed her highly anticipated Las Vegas residency due to undisclosed health issues, prompting her sister, Freida Parton, to call for global prayers. The 79-year-old legend, known for timeless hits like ‘Jolene’ and ‘I Will Always Love You,’ was set to perform six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in December. However, she announced the delay, rescheduling the concerts to September 2025, citing the need for ‘a few procedures’ to address ongoing health challenges. Freida Parton took to Facebook to rally fans, stating, ‘I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been led to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me.’ She expressed confidence in Dolly’s resilience, writing, ‘She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine.’ This setback follows a challenging year for the singer, who recently withdrew from a Dollywood event due to a kidney stone diagnosis and mourned the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, after nearly six decades of marriage. Despite these trials, Dolly remains a beloved figure in the music world, with her Las Vegas residency marking her first return to the Strip since the 1990s. Fans worldwide continue to send their support and well-wishes as she focuses on her recovery.

  • Bob Ross paintings to be auctioned to fund US public broadcasting

    Bob Ross paintings to be auctioned to fund US public broadcasting

    In a heartfelt effort to support public television stations grappling with funding reductions under the Trump administration, approximately 30 artworks by the beloved art instructor Bob Ross will be auctioned by Bonhams starting November. These paintings, primarily created during his iconic TV show, *The Joy of Painting*, in the 1980s and 1990s, represent a significant part of Ross’s legacy. Bob Ross Inc. emphasized that the auction aims to sustain the medium that brought Ross’s creativity and joy into American households for decades. This initiative follows Congress’s approval of Trump’s proposal to cut public broadcast funding, leaving over 330 PBS and NPR stations in search of alternative financial resources. Ross’s show experienced a revival during the COVID-19 pandemic, as viewers found solace in his calming, step-by-step painting tutorials, where he famously referred to mistakes as ‘happy accidents.’ Ross passed away in 1995 at the age of 52. Bob Ross Inc. has donated the paintings to American Public Television, with all net proceeds directed to local public TV stations nationwide, supporting programs like *America’s Test Kitchen*, *Julia Child’s French Chef Classics*, and *This Old House*. Recent auctions of Ross’s works have set new records, with *Lake Below Snow-Capped Peaks and Cloudy Sky* selling for $114,800 and *Lake Below Snow-Covered Mountains and Clear Sky* fetching $95,750. Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., shared with the *New York Post* that Ross would have been modest about the high prices, as he was more passionate about the painting process and inspiring others to create their own art.

  • Emma Watson, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie in the spotlight at Paris Fashion Week

    Emma Watson, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie in the spotlight at Paris Fashion Week

    Paris Fashion Week 2025 has once again become the epicenter of glamour, drawing a constellation of celebrities to witness the latest creations from iconic designers like Chanel and Miu Miu. Among the luminaries was Emma Watson, the Harry Potter star, who sparked engagement rumors by flaunting a dazzling ring on her wedding finger. Watson’s appearance came amid recent headlines surrounding her public disagreement with J.K. Rowling, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her presence. Nicole Kidman, fresh from filing for divorce from Keith Urban, attended with her daughters Sunday Rose and Faith, as well as her niece Lucia. Sunday Rose, who recently walked the runway for Dior, added a familial touch to the event. The Chanel show marked a significant milestone for designer Matthieu Blazy, who debuted his first collection for the fashion house. Blazy’s designs stayed true to Chanel’s timeless aesthetic while introducing subtle modern twists, inspired by the universal allure of the cosmos. Margot Robbie, Naomi Campbell, Tilda Swinton, and Pedro Pascal were among the other A-listers who graced the event, each showcasing their unique style. The Thom Browne show took a surreal turn with an alien-themed display, while Miu Miu embraced an unconventional apron theme, featuring Richard E Grant on the catwalk. As the week unfolded, Paris Fashion Week continued to blend high fashion with star power, cementing its status as the ultimate celebration of style and creativity.

  • ‘A kick in the teeth that Boyzone aren’t coming to Dublin’

    ‘A kick in the teeth that Boyzone aren’t coming to Dublin’

    Irish fans of the iconic boy band Boyzone have voiced their disappointment as the group’s farewell concert, titled ‘One For The Road,’ will not include a performance in their homeland. The Dublin-born band, which recently announced their final show at London’s Emirates Stadium on June 6, 2026, has left many long-time supporters frustrated by the omission of an Irish date. Among them is Audrey FitzHagan, a lifelong fan from Dublin, who expressed that her teenage self would have been ‘heartbroken’ by the news. Audrey’s connection to the band dates back to 1993, when she first saw them perform on Ireland’s Late Late Show, a moment that cemented her fandom. She feels the decision overlooks the band’s Irish roots and is a ‘massive kick in the teeth’ to fans who have supported them from the beginning. Audrey, who is not planning to attend the London concert, said she would have been willing to ’empty her bank account’ if more dates had been announced. Another fan, Janine Blake, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the added financial burden of traveling to London for the concert. Boyzone, known for hits like ‘No Matter What’ and ‘Love Me for a Reason,’ has faced criticism for their decision, with fans urging them to reconsider. The band, which includes Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy, and Mikey Graham, has also paid tribute to their late bandmate Stephen Gately, who passed away in 2009. Their recent documentary, which explored their career and the impact of Gately’s death, inspired the decision to hold a farewell concert. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Keating described the event as a ‘final farewell’ and a powerful way to honor their journey together. Despite the emotional significance of the concert, the exclusion of an Irish date has left many fans feeling forgotten.

  • Taylor Swift’s new album breaks her own sales records

    Taylor Swift’s new album breaks her own sales records

    Taylor Swift’s latest album, *The Life of a Showgirl*, has stormed the charts, achieving the UK’s biggest opening week of 2025 with 304,000 copies sold since its release on Friday. This figure surpasses the first-week sales of her previous albums, *The Tortured Poets Department* (270,000 copies in 2024) and *Midnights* (204,000 copies in 2022). In just three days, Swift has secured the UK’s largest first-week sales since Ed Sheeran’s *Divide* in 2017. The album is also on track to become the year’s best-seller, currently led by Sabrina Carpenter’s *Short N’ Sweet* with 444,000 copies sold since January. Carpenter features on the title track of Swift’s album. In the US, Swift shattered records with 2.7 million sales on Friday alone, marking her biggest sales week ever and the second-largest sales week for any album since 1991. Only Adele’s *25* outperformed this, with 3.378 million copies sold in its first week in 2015. *The Life of a Showgirl* also set a new US record for vinyl sales, with 1.2 million copies sold, partly due to eight collectable variants. This surpasses Swift’s previous vinyl record of 859,000 copies for *The Tortured Poets Department*. The album, written and recorded during the European leg of her Eras Tour, captures her blossoming romance with Travis Kelce, who recently announced their engagement. Despite mixed critical reviews, Swift’s dominance extends beyond music, with her 89-minute film, *Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party Of A Showgirl*, grossing $46 million at the box office. The film includes the premiere of her music video for *The Fate Of Ophelia*, behind-the-scenes footage, and commentary on the album. Swift dismissed retirement rumors on BBC Radio 2, stating, ‘It’s not why people get married – so that they can quit their job.’

  • ‘Am I out with Taylor Swift?,’ asks Daniel O’Donnell

    ‘Am I out with Taylor Swift?,’ asks Daniel O’Donnell

    On the same day that global pop sensation Taylor Swift unveiled her highly anticipated twelfth album, *The Life of a Showgirl*, Irish music legend Daniel O’Donnell quietly released his latest collection of songs, *Now And Then*. The album, a blend of country tunes and cover tracks, marked another milestone in O’Donnell’s illustrious career. Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster’s *Evening Extra* programme, the County Donegal native humorously questioned whether he was competing with Swift for chart dominance, quipping, ‘Am I out with Taylor? Oh my God. Now, I wonder if she’s afraid of me?’

    O’Donnell, who boasts 12 gold-selling albums and over 10 million records sold, expressed his gratitude for his enduring career. ‘It’s always great. Even though it’s album 40-something, it’s always exciting to put out new music,’ he shared. Reflecting on his debut in 1984, he added, ‘I never thought 40 years later I’d still be releasing albums. So it’s great, and I’m grateful to the people who’ve followed me all down the years.’

    Looking ahead, O’Donnell announced plans to take a step back from the music industry in 2026 to focus on his health, particularly after struggling with allergies. Despite this, he remains optimistic, stating, ‘I’m feeling great, thank God.’ His hiatus will include treatments, holidays, and quality time with his grandchildren. Beyond music, O’Donnell revealed a quirky ambition: a walk-on cameo in the long-running ITV soap *Coronation Street*. ‘I might be running out of time though,’ he joked. ‘Sure they can’t have everybody on that wants to come on. But I would sweep, wash dishes, doesn’t matter, I don’t even need to talk. I might be able to have an affair with Mary, you never know.’