Australian author Helen Garner has made history by winning the esteemed Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction with her collection of diaries, *How to End a Story: Collected Diaries*. This marks the first time a diary compilation has received this prestigious award. Garner’s work offers a deeply personal narrative, chronicling her life from her early days in Melbourne’s bohemian scene to her experiences as a mother in the 1970s and the dissolution of her marriage in the 1990s. Known for her previous works, including *The House of Grief* (2014), which delved into the tragic trial of Robert Farquharson, Garner has long been celebrated for her incisive storytelling and keen observational skills. The judging panel, led by Robbie Millen, unanimously selected Garner’s work, praising it as ‘a remarkable, addictive book’ that elevates the diary form to new heights. Comparisons have been drawn to the legendary *Diary of Virginia Woolf*, with critics like Rachel Cooke of *The Observer* hailing Garner’s collection as ‘the greatest, richest journals by a writer since Woolf’s.’ Garner’s win is particularly significant as it represents her first major UK-based literary accolade, following the British publication of three of her books last year. The Baillie Gifford Prize, which honors outstanding non-fiction works, awarded Garner £50,000, with the other shortlisted authors each receiving £5,000. The shortlist included notable works such as Jason Burke’s *The Revolutionists*, Richard Holmes’ *The Boundless Deep*, and Justin Marozzi’s *Captives and Companions*. Garner’s victory underscores her enduring influence and the universal appeal of her deeply introspective and evocative writing.
分类： entertainment
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Football star David Beckham receives knighthood from King Charles at Windsor Castle
In a momentous ceremony at Windsor Castle, former England football captain David Beckham was knighted by King Charles III on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The 50-year-old football legend, who earned 115 caps for England and played for renowned clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, was honored for his exceptional contributions to sport and charity. Beckham described the occasion as his “proudest moment,” reflecting on his journey from London’s east end to receiving one of the highest honors in the British monarchy. Accompanied by his wife, Victoria Beckham, and parents Ted and Sandra, Beckham donned a bespoke grey suit designed by Victoria, who herself earned the title “Lady Beckham” following the announcement of the knighthood in June. During the ceremony, Beckham shared a lighthearted exchange with King Charles, who reportedly admired his attire. Beckham expressed his deep admiration for the monarchy, stating that the knighthood surpassed all his achievements in football, fashion, and business. This recognition marks the culmination of Beckham’s decades-long efforts to establish himself as a global icon. While he was previously considered for a knighthood after aiding London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympics, his nomination faced delays due to an alleged tax avoidance scheme, which was later resolved.
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Australia’s Helen Garner wins Baillie Gifford nonfiction prize for her ‘addictive’ diaries
Australian literary icon Helen Garner has been awarded the esteemed Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction for her compelling and unflinchingly honest diaries, titled ‘How to End a Story.’ The 82-year-old author received the £50,000 ($65,000) accolade at a ceremony in London on Tuesday. Garner’s work, which chronicles her life and career from 1978 to 1998, was praised by the judging panel for its sharp observations and ‘reckless candor.’ Robbie Millen, the jury chair, described the 800-page opus as ‘remarkable and addictive,’ blending the intimate, intellectual, and mundane into a groundbreaking diary format. Garner’s win marks the first time a diary has claimed the prize since its inception in 1999. She triumphed over five other finalists, including biographies of poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson and writer Muriel Spark, as well as works on 1970s revolutionaries, European wolves, and the history of slavery in the Muslim world. Garner, whose 1977 debut novel ‘Monkey Grip’ is hailed as a modern Australian classic, has long been celebrated in her homeland but is only now gaining broader international recognition. Her diverse body of work includes novellas, short stories, screenplays, and true crime books. Singer Dua Lipa, a devoted fan, recently selected Garner’s ‘This House of Grief’ for her book club, calling it ‘a thrilling discovery.’ Garner’s latest co-authored work, ‘The Mushroom Tapes,’ explores a notorious Australian murder case and is set for release this month in Australia and the U.K. Millen expressed hope that the prize would solidify Garner’s status as a literary giant. This marks the second consecutive year an Australian has won the Baillie Gifford Prize, following Richard Flanagan’s victory in 2023.
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Broadway classic ‘Annie’ makes its UAE debut this December
The iconic Broadway musical ‘Annie’ is poised to make its highly anticipated debut in the UAE this December. From December 12 to 14, 2025, the Zabeel Theatre at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray will come alive with a fresh rendition of this timeless production, masterminded by Olivier Award-winning producer Paul Taylor-Mills. Set against the backdrop of 1930s New York during the Great Depression, ‘Annie’ follows the heartwarming journey of a resilient orphan who escapes the clutches of the tyrannical Miss Hannigan and embarks on a life-changing adventure with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. The musical’s Tony Award-winning score, featuring beloved songs such as ‘It’s the Hard-Knock Life,’ ‘Easy Street,’ and ‘Tomorrow,’ promises to deliver a captivating experience for audiences of all ages. Adding to the festive ambiance, the Zabeel Theatre will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a holiday market, creative workshops, seasonal treats, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The production boasts a talented UK cast, alongside young performers from Dubai’s Diverse Performing Arts, and features a real dog in the role of Annie’s faithful companion, Sandy. This enchanting event is set to be a highlight of the holiday season, offering a magical experience for families and theater enthusiasts alike.
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‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’ actress Diane Ladd dies at 89
Renowned actress Diane Ladd, celebrated for her remarkable performances in films such as ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,’ ‘Wild at Heart,’ and ‘Rambling Rose,’ has passed away at the age of 89. Her daughter, actress Laura Dern, confirmed the news, stating that Ladd died peacefully at her home in California. Ladd’s illustrious career spanned over seven decades, during which she portrayed a diverse array of strong, intelligent, and complex female characters. She earned three Academy Award nominations for her supporting roles, solidifying her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents. Ladd and Dern made history as the first and only mother-daughter duo to receive Oscar nominations for the same film in the same year, for their work in ‘Rambling Rose.’ Beyond acting, Ladd co-authored a memoir with her daughter, ‘Honey, Baby, Mine: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love,’ which chronicled their heartfelt conversations during daily walks following Ladd’s lung disease diagnosis. Born Rose Diane Lanier in Meridian, Mississippi, Ladd pursued her passion for acting from a young age, eventually making her mark on stage, television, and film. She was also a prolific writer, director, and advocate for complementary medicine. Ladd’s contributions to the arts were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010, alongside her ex-husband Bruce Dern and daughter Laura. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.
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Dakota Johnson is ‘slowly dating again’ after parting ways with Coldplay’s Chris Martin
Hollywood actress Dakota Johnson is reportedly stepping back into the dating scene, five months after her breakup with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. The ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ star, 35, and the ‘Viva La Vida’ singer, 48, first began their relationship in 2017, maintaining a largely private profile despite their high-profile status. According to a source close to Johnson, she has ‘slowly started dating again and she is happy,’ indicating a positive shift in her personal life. Johnson and Martin’s relationship, which spanned nearly eight years, was characterized by its ups and downs. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the couple had parted ways, with Johnson reportedly feeling ‘lighter and more at peace’ post-breakup. Meanwhile, Chris Martin has also moved on, with recent reports suggesting he has been spending time with ‘Game of Thrones’ star Sophie Turner. The two have reportedly been on ‘a few dates’ in London, with sources highlighting their shared British heritage and mutual love for music as key bonding points. Turner, who ended her relationship with Peregrine Pearson in late September, has long admired Martin and his music, adding a layer of intrigue to their newfound connection.
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Keanu Reeves has a surprising reason for not revisiting his old films
Hollywood icon Keanu Reeves, renowned for his roles in blockbuster franchises like ‘The Matrix’ and ‘John Wick,’ has disclosed an intriguing reason for his reluctance to revisit his past films. During a promotional event for his Broadway play ‘Waiting for Godot,’ Reeves shared that he seldom watches his earlier works, except when they coincidentally appear during channel surfing. ‘Maybe while I’m scrolling or moving and thinking, ‘There, oh yes, ‘Point Break’ is on,’ he remarked, referencing his 1991 action hit. He added with a chuckle, ‘Or, ‘Oh wow, ‘Matrix,’ all right. [‘The Matrix’] ‘Reloaded.’ Anyway, not yes, no. … I haven’t like just put one on.’
Reeves’ longtime collaborator and co-star Alex Winter, who reunites with him in ‘Waiting for Godot,’ echoed similar sentiments. ‘I don’t really, I don’t. I don’t like watching myself much, so I don’t tend to watch stuff I’ve done,’ Winter stated. He recalled making an exception recently to gauge audience reactions but noted a sense of disconnection from his own work. ‘I feel like a complete disconnection from the whole thing, you know? So I don’t end up with an analytical response to whatever it is … sort of dissociative.’
The Broadway revival of Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’ marks 35 years since Reeves and Winter first collaborated in the 1989 cult comedy ‘Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.’ In the play, the duo portrays Estragon and Vladimir, characters who engage in existential dialogues while awaiting the enigmatic Godot. Their reunion has sparked nostalgia among fans, celebrating their enduring partnership in the entertainment industry.
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Salman Khan flaunts his ripped body after a workout session
Bollywood icon Salman Khan, renowned for his dedication to fitness, recently shared a glimpse of his rigorous workout routine on Instagram. The actor, who was last seen in the film ‘Sikandar’, posted shirtless pictures flaunting his chiseled six-pack abs and muscular biceps. Accompanied by a philosophical Hindi caption, ‘Kuch haasil karne ke liye kuch chhodna padta hai.. Yeh bina chhode hai’ (To achieve something, one needs to let go of some things… this is without letting go), the post quickly garnered attention from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Actor Varun Dhawan responded with a playful comment, ‘bhai bhai bhai,’ adding to the buzz. Salman Khan is set to star in Apoorva Lakhia’s upcoming film ‘Battle of Galwan’, where he will portray an Indian Army officer. The film is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes between India and China, a significant event that resulted in the loss of 20 Indian soldiers and heightened tensions between the two nations. Actress Chitrangada Singh will play his co-star in the project. Known for his disciplined fitness regimen, Salman continues to inspire fans with his commitment to health and wellness.
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Free entry announced as Al Ain’s oases light up for Manar Abu Dhabi
Al Ain’s historic oases, Al Jimi and Al Qattara, have been transformed into mesmerizing night-time art destinations as Manar Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s public light art exhibition, made its debut in the city on November 1, 2025. This marks the first time the initiative has illuminated sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, offering a unique blend of art, heritage, and technology. Curated under the theme ‘The Light Compass,’ the exhibition features light-based installations by six Emirati and international artists: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Khalid Shafar, Maitha Hamdan, Abdalla Almulla, Ammar Al Attar, and Christian Brinkmann. Their works guide visitors through an immersive experience of sound, light, and space beneath the ancient palm trees. The opening weekend coincided with Al Ain’s Traditional Handicrafts Festival, adding to the cultural richness of the event. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverage pop-ups, guided tours, and photography workshops, making it a holistic cultural experience. Manar Abu Dhabi runs daily from 5:30 PM to 12 AM until January 4, 2026, with free entry and optional guided tours available for Dh50 per person.
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Streamers will be made to produce Australian content
The Australian government has announced new legislation requiring major streaming platforms to allocate a minimum portion of their revenue or expenditure to locally produced content. Platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and others with over one million subscribers will need to invest at least 10% of their local expenditure or 7.5% of their revenue in Australian drama, documentaries, arts, and educational programs. The legislation, set to be introduced to Parliament this week, aims to safeguard jobs in the acting and creative industries while ensuring Australian stories continue to thrive on global streaming services. Arts Minister Tony Burke emphasized the importance of this move, noting that while free-to-air and pay television already have local content requirements, streaming services have operated without such guarantees. The decision follows delays caused by concerns over potential conflicts with a free trade agreement with the U.S. during the Trump administration. With those concerns now resolved, the legislation has regained momentum. Industry groups like the Australian Writers Guild and Screen Producers Australia have welcomed the initiative, though streaming platforms have yet to comment. This development comes as Australia’s creative sector faces challenges, including a 30% decline in investment in feature films and television dramas during the 2023-24 financial year, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent Australian productions on Netflix, such as ‘Heartbreak High,’ ‘Territory,’ and ‘Apple Cider Vinegar,’ highlight the potential of local storytelling on global platforms.