Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • Eurovision winner Nemo to return trophy in protest of Israel

    Eurovision winner Nemo to return trophy in protest of Israel

    In an unprecedented move that strikes at the heart of Eurovision’s founding principles, 2024 champion Nemo has formally returned their trophy to contest organizers. The Swiss performer—who made history as the first non-binary artist to win the competition—declared the symbolic gesture reflects profound disagreement with the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) decision to maintain Israel’s participation amid ongoing military operations in Gaza.

    Nemo’s statement, disseminated via Instagram, articulated that Israel’s continued involvement creates a ‘clear conflict’ with Eurovision’s professed values of ‘unity, inclusion and dignity.’ The artist specifically referenced a September report from the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry that characterized Israel’s actions as genocide, making the EBU’s position untenable in their view.

    This protest occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions within the Eurovision community. Five nations—Iceland, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands—have already announced boycotts of the 2025 event in Vienna, which was intended to mark the contest’s 70th anniversary. The crisis represents the most significant organizational challenge in Eurovision history, further complicated by voting irregularities and allegations of governmental interference during the 2024 competition.

    While Israel’s government has celebrated its inclusion as a ‘victory over critics’ and an ‘appreciated gesture of solidarity,’ Nemo emphasized their action targets institutional decisions rather than individual artists. ‘When entire countries withdraw, it should be clear that something is deeply wrong,’ they stated, adding that the contest must not be used to ‘soften the image of a state accused of severe wrongdoing.’

    The EBU has implemented some procedural reforms following this year’s controversies, including enhanced mental health support for participants—a measure partly inspired by Nemo’s own experiences of isolation during the 2024 contest. Despite the ongoing turmoil, the broadcasting union maintains that a ‘large majority’ of members support Israel’s continued participation and that Eurovision 2026 will proceed as planned.

  • Eurovision winner to return award after Israel allowed to participate

    Eurovision winner to return award after Israel allowed to participate

    In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the international music community, Nemo—the groundbreaking non-binary Swiss artist who triumphed at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest—has announced the return of their prestigious award. This dramatic protest comes directly in response to the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) recent confirmation that Israel will retain its eligibility for the 2026 competition despite ongoing humanitarian concerns.

    The EBU, governing body of the world’s largest live music event, concluded its general assembly last week by upholding Israel’s participation rights while implementing enhanced voting safeguards. This decision directly contradicts the explicit boycott declarations from five national broadcasters—Spain (RTVE), Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands—who have withdrawn from the next contest in protest against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

    Nemo articulated their position through a powerful Instagram statement, acknowledging profound gratitude for the Eurovision experience while condemning the organizational hypocrisy. ‘The contest claims to champion unity, inclusion, and universal dignity,’ the artist wrote, ‘yet Israel’s continued involvement amid UN-recognized genocide investigations creates an irreconcilable moral contradiction.’

    The controversy echoes the EBU’s prior expulsion of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, a precedent frequently cited by critics including Zoe Lawlor of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, who labeled the discrepancy ‘rank hypocrisy.’

    Additional scrutiny surrounds last year’s voting process, wherein Israeli entrant Yuav Raphael—a survivor of the October 2023 Nova festival attack—secured second place amid allegations of manipulated public voting. These claims prompted Spain’s formal request for vote audit review and ultimately led to the EBU’s November 21 announcement of strengthened anti-fraud mechanisms.

    The 70th anniversary Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled for May 2026 in Vienna, host city of reigning champion JJ’s victory with ‘Wasted Love.’ Meanwhile, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation maintains its participation commitment despite mounting pressure from pro-Palestine advocates seeking broader European broadcaster boycotts.

  • Hunger Games fans thrilled by return of Jennifer Lawrence

    Hunger Games fans thrilled by return of Jennifer Lawrence

    Lionsgate’s blockbuster Hunger Games franchise is poised for a monumental reunion as original stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson confirm their return for the upcoming prequel “Sunrise on the Reaping.” The actors, who haven’t shared the screen since 2015’s “Mockingjay – Part 2,” will reprise their iconic roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark in what industry reports describe as a flash-forward sequence integral to the new film’s narrative.

    According to exclusive reports from The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, both actors expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for returning to the franchise that launched their careers. Lawrence, now 35, previously stated she’d be “totally” receptive to revisiting Katniss, while Hutcherson, 33, told Variety he’d join “in a heartbeat” without “any convincing at all.”

    The announcement has ignited passionate reactions across the Hunger Games fandom, with supporters comparing the news to “Rihanna returning to music” and “Jesus returning to Earth.” However, some fans expressed disappointment that the surprise element was revealed prematurely, suggesting it could have been an emotional cinematic moment.

    “Sunrise on the Reaping,” based on Suzanne Collins’ record-breaking novel that sold 1.5 million copies in its debut week earlier this year, features an ensemble cast including McKenna Grace, Maya Hawke, and Ralph Fiennes. The film continues the extraordinary commercial legacy of a franchise that has generated $3.3 billion since the 2012 premiere and recently expanded into theatrical productions.

    The Hunger Games maintains a formidable cultural presence over a decade after its initial release, with the new installment scheduled for global cinema release in November 2026. Lionsgate has not officially commented on the casting revelations.

  • Boost for Asian content at Red Sea Film Festival

    Boost for Asian content at Red Sea Film Festival

    JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – The 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival became the stage for a significant expansion of Asian creative partnerships with the inaugural Asia Content Business Summit held in Jeddah on December 7. The event marked two major milestones: Saudi Arabia’s official accession to the summit and the debut appearance of an official China Pavilion at the festival, which runs from December 4-13.

    The conference, themed ‘Asian Collaboration in Content Production and Distribution,’ assembled industry pioneers and experts from across the continent including China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This gathering represented a strategic advancement in cross-regional dialogue within Asia’s rapidly evolving content industry.

    In a move signaling deeper regional integration, Abdullah Al-Muhaisen, Saudi Arabia’s inaugural film director and former royal court advisor, was appointed as senior advisor to the summit. His appointment is designed to catalyze strategic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and other Asian nations in content development and exchange.

    Al-Muhaisen, serving as keynote speaker, articulated the transformative power of content in cultural preservation and exchange. He emphasized that collaborative content production and distribution serves not merely as an industrial development strategy but as a crucial bridge for fostering mutual understanding between civilizations.

    Fred Wang, summit chairman and secretary-general of both the Asian Film Awards Academy and Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, outlined the academy’s initiatives to strengthen Asian content collaboration. He highlighted the ‘Film Camp’ program specifically designed to nurture emerging Asian filmmakers and establish a sustainable talent pipeline for the industry.

    Adding an educational dimension to the dialogue, Haifa Reda Jamal Al Layl, president of Jeddah’s Effat University – which established Saudi Arabia’s first film school – detailed the institution’s commitment to developing local creative talent while emphasizing the necessity of international educational partnerships.

    The Asia Content Business Summit functions as an annual high-level platform focused on content creation, distribution, investment, and technological integration across the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to drive synergistic progress throughout the Asian content ecosystem.

  • Race across the world has shown us we can get through anything together

    Race across the world has shown us we can get through anything together

    Four celebrity pairs have completed an extraordinary 6,000-kilometer journey across challenging terrain in the BBC’s Celebrity Race Across the World, transforming their relationships and personal perspectives along the way. The competition, which launched from Mexico’s easternmost point, culminates Thursday as teams race toward Colombia’s windswept Península de La Guajira under strict budget constraints of £950 per person—equivalent to airfare for the same route.

    Presenter Tyler West and singer Molly Rainford confronted initial apprehensions about their ability to complete even the first leg. Their relationship, previously characterized as “passing ships in the night” due to demanding careers, found renewal through the shared challenge. Forced to abandon comforts including Tyler’s beloved Biscoff biscuits, they discovered unexpected travel competence and deepened their bond. “It proved to us we can get through anything together,” Molly reflected, noting how the experience boosted her confidence in interacting with strangers.

    Actor Dylan Llewellyn and his mother Jackie approached the race as an opportunity to exit their comfort zones. For Jackie, who had never been apart from her husband for more than a weekend in three decades of marriage, the journey represented a monumental step. The pair implemented strategic lessons from previous contestants regarding financial conservation and document security. Through the most demanding segments, they discovered profound human kindness and familial connectivity that transcended cultural barriers.

    Broadcaster Anita Rani and her father Bal, the competition’s oldest duo, valued their five uninterrupted weeks together—their first extended travel since Anita’s childhood visit to India. Despite concerns about keeping pace with younger teams, they demonstrated unwavering determination through logistical setbacks including border closures and missed transportation. The experience revealed vulnerable dimensions of their relationship that everyday life typically concealed.

    Siblings Roman Kemp and Harleymoon, who acknowledged their previously distant relationship limited to practical exchanges, discovered transformative perspectives during their stay with indigenous families on Panama’s San Blas Islands. Roman, naturally cautious and work-oriented, found profound insight observing communities thriving with minimal possessions. Harleymoon described the spiritual clarity arising from simplicity—sleeping in hammocks with only bananas for sustenance—which prompted reevaluation of Western consumerism and gratitude for essential human connections.

  • Farewell (again) to Neighbours, Australia’s longest running soap opera

    Farewell (again) to Neighbours, Australia’s longest running soap opera

    After four decades of captivating audiences worldwide, the iconic Australian soap opera ‘Neighbours’ prepares for its definitive conclusion this Thursday. The series, which premiered in 1985 and briefly resurrected in 2022 after Amazon MGM Studios intervened, now faces permanent cancellation despite its historic revival.

    The show’s executive producer Jason Herbison acknowledges the peculiar sense of déjà vu surrounding this second cancellation, noting how the series previously received an emotional send-off in 2022 when UK’s Channel 5 dropped it. That initial farewell featured appearances by Hollywood stars Margot Robbie and Guy Pearce, alongside original cast members Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, creating a cultural moment that drew hundreds of fans to Melbourne’s Federation Square for a live screening.

    Jackie Woodburne, who portrayed the beloved character Susan Kennedy since 1994, describes the current finale as feeling more definitive. ‘There was very much a sense of No, this time we’re done,’ she reflects emotionally, acknowledging her character’s role as the heart and moral compass of the fictional Erinsborough community.

    Beyond its entertainment value, Neighbours served as a crucial training ground for Australian acting talent, launching careers of international stars including Russell Crowe, Natalie Imbruglia, and Liam Hemsworth. The series also pioneered representation in Australian television, featuring the country’s first same-sex marriage storyline and evolving to reflect modern diversity standards.

    The cancellation raises concerns about the television industry’s changing landscape. Herbison notes the disappearance of 200 production jobs in an already strained sector, while Woodburne questions whether such authentically Australian content could even originate in today’s market. Despite dwindling viewership and shrinking budgets, the producer maintains that extending the show’s legacy for additional years proved worthwhile.

    While the final episode leaves narrative doors slightly ajar, Herbison acknowledges the impossibility of matching the spectacle of the 2022 finale. The series concludes not with dramatic fireworks but with subtle uncertainty about the future of Ramsay Street’s residents—a fittingly understated ending for a show that championed everyday human connections.

    As international fans like British expat Gemma Clement express devastation over the loss, the industry contemplates the void left by Neighbours’ departure—both as cultural touchstone and vocational pipeline for Australian creative talent.

  • Iceland becomes fifth country to boycott Eurovision

    Iceland becomes fifth country to boycott Eurovision

    Iceland has become the fifth European nation to formally withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, joining Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands in protest of Israel’s confirmed participation. The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RÚV) announced its decision following a board meeting on Wednesday, just hours before the official deadline for countries to confirm their involvement in what was intended to be a celebratory 70th anniversary edition of the competition.

    The broadcaster stated that the participation of Israeli national broadcaster KAN has ‘created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public.’ While acknowledging that new measures approved at last week’s EBU summit address some concerns about voting integrity, RÚV expressed doubts about whether these adjustments would be ‘fully satisfactory.’

    The decision comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding Israel’s presence at Eurovision due to the war in Gaza and concerns about voting processes, including allegations that Israel’s government attempted to influence public voting during the 2025 contest. RÚV revealed it had repeatedly raised concerns that various Icelandic stakeholders, including artist associations and the general public, opposed participation.

    Public opinion in Iceland and reactions to the EBU summit indicate that the country’s participation would ‘neither be a source of joy nor peace,’ according to the broadcaster’s statement. RÚV had previously requested the EBU exclude KAN from the contest based on precedents, calling it ‘a complex matter which has already damaged the contest’s reputation.’

    Meanwhile, KAN chief executive Golan Yochpaz criticized the boycott efforts, characterizing them as ‘a cultural boycott’ that could set a dangerous precedent. ‘A boycott may begin today with Israel, but no one knows where it will end or who else it may harm,’ he stated during a meeting last week.

    The 2026 contest is scheduled to take place in Vienna next May following Austrian singer JJ’s victory in the 2025 competition. Israel has participated in Eurovision since 1973, winning four times including most recently in 2018, and placing second in the 2025 contest.

  • String of celebrity scandals renews debate on South Korea’s ‘cancel culture’

    String of celebrity scandals renews debate on South Korea’s ‘cancel culture’

    South Korea’s entertainment landscape faces significant turmoil as three prominent figures—comedians Park Na-rae and Cho Sae-ho, alongside veteran actor Cho Jin-woong—simultaneously confront career-threatening allegations that have prompted their departure from television screens.

    Park Na-rae, celebrated as one of the nation’s most accomplished female comedians, faces serious accusations from former managers alleging verbal abuse, physical assault, and demands for personal errands. Despite her denial and counter-allegations of blackmail against the accusers, Park has voluntarily suspended all broadcasting activities. Additional reports of illegal at-home IV drip administrations, violating local medical laws, have further complicated her situation, triggering police investigations.

    Parallel controversies engulf comedian Cho Sae-ho, who faces scrutiny over alleged connections with a local gang member and accusations of accepting payments to promote gang-affiliated businesses. Though his agency denied involvement in criminal activities, Cho resigned from his high-profile hosting roles on ‘You Quiz on the Block’ and ‘Two Days and One Night,’ acknowledging he ‘should have been more careful’ in his associations.

    The most consequential scandal involves actor Cho Jin-woong, who announced his retirement from acting following revelations about his juvenile detention in the 1990s for robbery and sexual assault allegations. While admitting to youthful misconduct, he denied sexual assault charges. Broadcasters have swiftly removed his content, including re-recording narration for documentary series and reconsidering sequel plans for his hit TV show ‘Second Signal.’

    These incidents have ignited intense public debate regarding celebrity accountability, past transgressions, and South Korea’s stringent standards for public figures. Cultural critic Kim Sung-soo observes that celebrities become ‘easy targets’ due to their reputation-dependent careers, while online discourse reflects growing fatigue with cancel culture cycles and calls for societal reflection on how public figures are treated.

  • Man who grabbed Ariana Grande kicked out of Lady Gaga concert

    Man who grabbed Ariana Grande kicked out of Lady Gaga concert

    An Australian man with a documented history of disrupting high-profile celebrity events has been forcibly removed from Lady Gaga’s concert in Brisbane, continuing a pattern of behavior that recently resulted in his imprisonment in Singapore. Johnson Wen, 26, was ejected from Suncorp Stadium on Tuesday evening prior to the commencement of the performance, despite not actively disrupting the show.

    The removal stems from Wen’s recent conviction in Singapore where he received a nine-day jail sentence for charging at pop star Ariana Grande during the Asian premiere of ‘Wicked: For Good’ last month. Despite his assurances to the Singaporean court that he would ‘not do it again,’ venue management identified Wen as a potential security threat based on his established pattern of public nuisance offenses.

    Social media footage captured the moment security personnel escorted Wen from the premises as audience reactions ranged from supportive cheers to disapproving boos. Stadium management confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald that they had received advance intelligence regarding ‘a known serial offender’ potentially attempting to attend and disrupt the event, prompting preemptive action ‘in the interest of the artist’s safety.’

    Wen gained international notoriety following the Singapore incident, where Judge Christopher Goh characterized his actions as ‘attention-seeking’ and demonstrating disregard for public safety. The court subsequently imposed a ban preventing Wen from re-entering Singapore.

    His social media accounts document additional stage invasions during performances by major artists including Katy Perry and The Weeknd. The Grande incident provoked significant outrage among Singaporean fans who expressed concern about potentially ‘re-traumatizing’ the singer, who has publicly discussed experiencing PTSD following the deadly 2017 Manchester Arena bombing at her concert.

  • Eastern aesthetics meets the world: Shen Wei

    Eastern aesthetics meets the world: Shen Wei

    Shen Wei, the creative mastermind behind the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, has emerged as a transformative force in contemporary arts, seamlessly merging Eastern artistic traditions with Western performance disciplines. This MacArthur Fellowship recipient and American Dance Festival lifetime achievement award winner has redefined how Eastern aesthetics are perceived on the global stage.

    As both choreographer and visual artist, Shen Wei has developed a distinctive artistic language that demonstrates how traditional Eastern beauty concepts can evolve into compelling contemporary expressions. His groundbreaking work proves that cultural specificity, when executed with artistic excellence, possesses universal resonance across geographical and cultural boundaries.

    Through his innovative productions, Shen has challenged conventional perceptions of Eastern art as static or historical, instead presenting it as dynamic, emotionally expressive, and thoroughly modern. His recognition by prestigious Western institutions signifies a meaningful shift in global arts appreciation, where Eastern artistic perspectives are not merely exhibited but celebrated as vital contributions to contemporary dialogue.

    The artist’s cross-cultural impact extends beyond performance venues, influencing how cultural exchange is conceptualized in the global arts community. By maintaining the integrity of Eastern aesthetic principles while embracing contemporary expressive forms, Shen Wei has created a new paradigm for cultural dialogue through artistic innovation.