Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • 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.

  • Watch: Timothée Chalamet says ‘I love you’ to Kylie Jenner in Critics Choice Awards speech

    Watch: Timothée Chalamet says ‘I love you’ to Kylie Jenner in Critics Choice Awards speech

    In a moment that blended professional triumph with personal revelation, Timothée Chalamet captured attention at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards with both his artistic achievement and emotional vulnerability. The 30-year-old actor secured the Best Actor honor for his compelling portrayal in ‘Marty Supreme,’ representing his inaugural major victory of this awards season.

    During his acceptance speech, Chalamet delivered a stunning public acknowledgment of his relationship with Kylie Jenner, explicitly referring to her as his “partner of three years” before concluding with a heartfelt “I love you.” Cameras immediately shifted to capture Jenner’s visibly emotional reaction, with the 28-year-old reality television star and business mogul visibly mouthing “I love you, too” in response.

    The actor approached the podium with noticeable humility, opening his remarks with: “I’ve got a lot of people to thank and I don’t know if I’ll be up here again,” admitting to greater nervousness than anticipated. He generously praised his fellow nominees as “an ultra-talented, hard-working group” before focusing his gratitude on director Josh Safdie’s unconventional storytelling approach in ‘Marty Supreme.’

    Chalamet specifically commended Safdie for crafting “a story about a flawed man with a relatable dream” that refrained from moral preaching to audiences. The film, which chronicles the journey of a self-centered ping-pong prodigy, has garnered significant critical acclaim, with Chalamet’s performance being hailed as among the most powerful of his evolving career.

    This victory assumes particular significance as Chalamet prevailed against formidable competition including Leonardo DiCaprio (‘One Battle After Another’) and Michael B. Jordan (‘Sinners’), substantially enhancing his prospects for upcoming Academy Award consideration. The evening thus represented both a professional milestone and a personal watershed moment as Chalamet chose Hollywood’s spotlight to validate his long-rumored relationship with Jenner.

  • Hungarian director Béla Tarr, known for darkly comic films, dies at 70

    Hungarian director Béla Tarr, known for darkly comic films, dies at 70

    The global film community is in mourning following the passing of acclaimed Hungarian director Béla Tarr, who died Tuesday at age 70 after battling a prolonged illness. The Hungarian Filmmakers’ Association confirmed the news with “deep sorrow,” marking the end of an era for cinematic artistry.

    Tarr’s distinctive filmography, spanning over four decades, established him as one of cinema’s most uncompromising visionaries. His works, including the monumental 7-hour masterpiece “Sátántangó” and the critically acclaimed “The Turin Horse,” revolutionized cinematic storytelling through their hypnotic long takes and stark black-and-white aesthetic.

    Renowned for his meditative pacing and profound exploration of human despair and societal decay, Tarr’s films earned international recognition at prestigious festivals across Europe and Asia. His artistic contributions transcended borders, earning him honorary professorships at Chinese universities in recognition of his pedagogical influence.

    The director’s retirement in 2011 after completing “The Turin Horse” marked the conclusion of an extraordinary career that challenged conventional narrative structures. Tarr’s legacy endures through his profound impact on art cinema, influencing generations of filmmakers with his unique visual language and philosophical depth.

  • Tomorrowland to hold its first-ever Asia festival in Thailand

    Tomorrowland to hold its first-ever Asia festival in Thailand

    In a landmark move for electronic music culture, Tomorrowland—the globally renowned electronic dance music festival—will launch its first comprehensive Asian edition in Pattaya, Thailand this December. The festival organizers confirmed the three-day event will take place from December 11-13 in the coastal city, marking the first time the iconic Belgian event will replicate its full-scale European format in Asia.

    The selection of Thailand follows extensive evaluation of potential host nations, with Tomorrowland’s leadership citing the country’s ‘growing influence on the global stage of music, innovation, and experience-driven tourism’ as decisive factors. The partnership represents a significant commitment, with Thailand finalizing a five-year agreement to host the festival that authorities project will generate approximately 21 billion baht ($673 million) in economic impact.

    Founded two decades ago by Belgian brothers Manu and Michiel Beers, Tomorrowland has evolved into one of the world’s most recognizable music brands, celebrated for its spectacular stage designs, cutting-edge production, and international artist lineups. While the organization has previously hosted smaller events in Asian cities including Shanghai, the Thailand edition will mirror the scale and ambition of its flagship Belgian counterpart.

    Ticket pre-registration opens January 8, with pricing set at 12,500 baht ($400) for a three-day ‘Full Madness Pass’ and 5,100 baht for single-day access. Organizers anticipate daily attendance exceeding 50,000 visitors, drawing music enthusiasts from across Asia and beyond.

    CEO Bruno Vanwelsenaers characterized the expansion as ‘a milestone we approach with great respect and excitement,’ emphasizing that ‘this is the beginning of a long-term story.’ The announcement reinforces Thailand’s emerging status as a premier destination for international music events, following successful hosting of major festivals including Electric Daisy Carnival, Creamfields, and Blackpink’s world tour stop in Bangkok last October.

    Further details regarding the festival’s thematic concept and performing artists will be released in coming months, with organizers promising an experience that captures the distinctive Tomorrowland magic while incorporating unique Asian cultural elements.

  • Tourists, athletes, sculptors flock to Harbin’s famed ice and snow festival

    Tourists, athletes, sculptors flock to Harbin’s famed ice and snow festival

    The 42nd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival commenced with breathtaking pyrotechnics and illuminations along the Songhua River banks on Monday evening, marking the spectacular inauguration of Northeast China’s premier winter extravaganza. This legendary celebration, originating as a modest ice lantern exhibition in 1985, has evolved into one of the globe’s four major ice and snow festivals, standing alongside Japan’s Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada’s Quebec Winter Carnival, and Norway’s Oslo Holmenkollen Ski Festival.

    The festival serves as Harbin’s signature winter attraction and primary driver for seasonal tourism, extending through February to coincide with traditional Chinese holidays including Spring Festival and Lantern Festival. Organizers have unveiled ten premium ice and snow tourism itineraries alongside scheduling more than 200 cultural, athletic, and economic activities throughout the duration.

    Central to the festivities is the Harbin Ice and Snow World, a sprawling 1.2-million-square-meter theme park operating for its 27th consecutive season. The expanded facility utilizes over 400,000 cubic meters of frozen resources, representing a 20% increase from previous installations. As daylight fades, cutting-edge 3D projection mapping and augmented reality technologies transform crystalline structures into a chromatic wonderland, creating an ethereal ice palace atmosphere.

    Visitors can experience diverse winter activities including traditional ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snow soccer, and an unprecedented 521-meter ice slide—the longest such attraction ever constructed at the venue. Meanwhile, the 38th Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo showcases approximately 260 sculptural groups carved from 120,000 cubic meters of snow, featuring highlights like the 23.8-meter ‘Mr Snowman’ and charming panda sculptures.

    International participants including Spanish sculptor Albert Marcet have returned for competitive events, with Marcet’s team aiming to surpass their previous special prize achievement in the 28th China Harbin International Snow Sculpture Competition. ‘The ice and snow park left a strong impression on me,’ Marcet remarked after the opening ceremony.

    The festival’s core programming includes five major events such as the Asian speed skating super endurance race, attracting nearly 2,000 domestic and international athletes, and the national public snow soccer challenge featuring regional rivalries. Preliminary data indicates robust attendance, with Harbin welcoming 1.4 million visitors on New Year’s holiday’s first day—an 11.4% year-over-year increase.

    Tourists like Ru Xiaoqi from Nanjing reported advanced planning was necessary to secure access to popular attractions and accommodations. ‘The whole city demonstrates exceptional hospitality through bilingual signage and complimentary hot water services,’ Ru noted. ‘The attention to detail vastly exceeds expectations, making the experience thoroughly worthwhile.’