分类: entertainment

  • Eurovision faces crucial decision over Israel

    Eurovision faces crucial decision over Israel

    The Eurovision Song Contest confronts its most consequential crossroads in decades as organizers convene in Geneva for a pivotal emergency session. At stake is Israel’s continued participation in the world’s largest music competition amid escalating geopolitical tensions and allegations of improper voting practices.

    The emergency meeting follows two consecutive years of significant protests targeting Israel’s involvement. During the 2025 grand final in Basel, Switzerland, security personnel intercepted two protesters attempting to storm the stage and throw paint on Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael—a singer who had previously survived the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Despite the disruption, Raphael secured second place overall after winning the public vote, a result that sparked immediate controversy.

    Multiple participating nations, including Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, have threatened complete withdrawal if Israel remains in the competition. Their objections center on Israel’s military operations in Gaza and allegations of government-mediated voting manipulation. Conversely, Germany has indicated it would boycott if Israel is excluded, creating a diplomatic stalemate.

    In response to voting integrity concerns, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) recently announced sweeping reforms to safeguard contest neutrality. These measures include reducing maximum votes per person from 20 to 10, implementing enhanced fraud detection systems, and explicitly discouraging ‘disproportionate promotion campaigns’ supported by governmental entities.

    EBU leadership hopes these changes will alleviate concerns regarding Israel’s participation. However, should member broadcasters—including BBC Director General Tim Davie—deem the measures insufficient, a direct vote on Israel’s Eurovision future will proceed.

    Natalija Gorščak of Slovenian broadcaster RTV stated her country would refuse participation regardless of the outcome, emphasizing moral principles over musical diplomacy. Eurovision analyst Paul Jordan described the situation as ‘a real crisis point’ for an event designed to transcend politics.

    The decision carries practical implications for the 2026 contest in Vienna, where Austrian broadcaster ORF has already declared Israel ‘an inseparable part of Eurovision.’ Meanwhile, Spanish RTVE’s president has condemned Israel’s participation as ‘untenable’ given Gaza casualties, which Hamas-run health authorities report exceed 70,000.

    With the EBU attempting to balance artistic unity against deepening geopolitical fractures, Thursday’s meeting may determine whether the contest can preserve its apolitical ethos or succumb to irreversible politicization.

  • Rashmika Mandanna slams AI misuse for creating ‘vulgar’ content

    Rashmika Mandanna slams AI misuse for creating ‘vulgar’ content

    Bollywood actress Rashmika Mandanna has launched a powerful critique against the malicious use of artificial intelligence technology to create fabricated explicit imagery targeting film industry personalities. The prominent star of ‘Pushpa’ and ‘Animal’ took to social media platform X on Wednesday to voice her concerns regarding what she described as a disturbing trend of ‘moral decline’ disproportionately affecting women.

    In her detailed statement, Mandanna emphasized the urgent need for establishing accountability frameworks and responsible practices in handling AI-generated content. She highlighted how digital spaces have become breeding grounds for deceptive visual materials that can be easily mistaken for authentic imagery. ‘When truth can be manufactured, discernment becomes our greatest defense,’ the actress wrote, underscoring the challenges of navigating increasingly manipulated online environments.

    While acknowledging AI’s potential as a transformative force for societal progress, Mandanna pointed to its misuse for creating vulgar content as indicative of deeper ethical deficiencies. She called for stricter legal measures against perpetrators, stating that ‘if people cannot act like humans, then strict & unforgiving punishment must be served to them.’ The actress advocated for using artificial intelligence to foster a more dignified and progressive digital society rather than weaponizing it against individuals.

    The timing of Mandanna’s statement coincides with her preparations for the upcoming sequel ‘Cocktail 2,’ directed by Homi Adajania. The original 2012 film was celebrated for its contemporary exploration of relationships and friendship dynamics, featuring performances by Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty. This sequel marks another significant project in Mandanna’s expanding filmography as she continues to establish herself as a leading voice in the Indian entertainment industry both on and off screen.

  • Mohanlal’s ‘Drishyam 3’ shoot wraps up, actor shares celebratory video

    Mohanlal’s ‘Drishyam 3’ shoot wraps up, actor shares celebratory video

    The highly anticipated third installment of the acclaimed Indian thriller franchise ‘Drishyam’ has officially completed principal photography. Production concluded on December 3rd, 2025, with lead actor Mohanlal and director Jeethu Joseph commemorating the milestone through a heartfelt social media announcement.

    The celebration was captured in an Instagram video shared by Mohanlal himself, showcasing authentic moments of camaraderie among the creative team. The footage reveals the precise instant when director Joseph confirmed approval of the final shot, triggering an emotional reaction from the veteran actor. The video further documents warm embraces between Mohanlal, producer Antony Perumbavoor, and Joseph, followed by a traditional cake-cutting ceremony with the entire cast and crew on set.

    Helmed by director Joseph, ‘Drishyam 3’ continues the narrative of Georgekutty, portrayed by Dadasaheb Phalke Award-winning actor Mohanlal. The original 2013 film established the franchise’s premise centered on Georgekutty’s family, who face intense scrutiny when the son of a high-ranking police official mysteriously disappears.

    The franchise’s remarkable cross-cultural appeal has spawned successful remakes in multiple Indian languages and Sinhala, including Kannada (‘Drishya’, 2014), Telugu (‘Drushyam’, 2014), Tamil (‘Papanasam’, 2015), Hindi (‘Drishyam’, 2015), and Sinhala (‘Dharmayuddhaya’, 2017). This pan-Indian success story underscores the universal resonance of the thriller’s core themes and narrative structure.

  • Look: Aamir Khan’s next production ‘Happy Patel’ to be directed by Vir Das

    Look: Aamir Khan’s next production ‘Happy Patel’ to be directed by Vir Das

    Bollywood icon Aamir Khan’s production house has unveiled its latest project, “Happy Patel,” marking a significant career transition for internationally acclaimed comedian Vir Das who will make his directorial debut with the spy comedy. The unconventional announcement on December 3rd featured a humorous skit between Khan and Das that playfully addressed past professional setbacks while generating substantial buzz for the upcoming film.

    The announcement video showcased brilliant comedic timing as Khan expressed mock frustration with Das’s directorial choices, particularly questioning his approach to action sequences, romantic elements, and even performing his own item number. The banter took a self-deprecating turn when Das referenced Khan’s commercially unsuccessful film “Laal Singh Chaddha,” resulting in a physical comedy bit that delighted viewers.

    Das, who has gained global recognition through his Netflix comedy specials, will star alongside Mona Singh in the lead roles. This collaboration represents a reunion between Aamir Khan Productions and Das after their successful partnership in the 2011 cult classic “Delhi Belly,” which starred Imran Khan and received critical acclaim for its bold content and innovative storytelling.

    Aamir Khan Productions boasts an impressive portfolio of critically and commercially successful films including “Lagaan” (nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards), “Taare Zameen Par,” the record-breaking “Dangal,” and “Secret Superstar.” The production house has established itself as a brand synonymous with quality content and innovative storytelling techniques.

    Fan reactions to the announcement have been overwhelmingly positive, with social media platforms buzzing with excitement. Comments on the announcement video include expressions of eager anticipation and support for this unconventional pairing. “Happy Patel” is scheduled for theatrical release on January 16, 2026, positioning itself as a major early-year release in the Indian film industry.

  • Taylor Swift unveils trailer for ‘The Eras Tour: The Final Show’

    Taylor Swift unveils trailer for ‘The Eras Tour: The Final Show’

    Global music phenomenon Taylor Swift has officially unveiled the trailer for her highly anticipated concert film, ‘Taylor Swift/The Eras Tour/The Final Show,’ alongside an accompanying six-part docuseries titled ‘The End of an Era.’ The project captures the monumental final performance from her record-shattering tour in Vancouver on December 8, 2024.

    The comprehensive film package, set to premiere exclusively on Disney+, promises an immersive experience for fans. It will feature the complete live performance of songs from her 2024 studio album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ which was seamlessly integrated into the tour’s setlist following its release. The announcement, initially made via Swift’s Instagram in October 2025, reveals the project was meticulously documented to preserve the final chapter of what she describes as ‘the most important and intense chapter of our lives.’

    Beyond the concert footage, the behind-the-scenes docuseries will offer unprecedented access to the tour’s inner workings. Viewers can expect appearances from special guests including Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Florence Welch, alongside intimate moments with Swift’s band, dancers, crew, and family members. The release strategy involves a weekly rollout of two episodes beginning December 12, creating an extended celebration of the tour’s legacy. In the emotional trailer, Swift is seen expressing profound gratitude to her audience, stating, ‘I want to thank every single one of you for being a part of the most thrilling chapter of my entire life to date.’

  • Inside Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum: 300,000 years of UAE history come to life

    Inside Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum: 300,000 years of UAE history come to life

    Abu Dhabi’s highly anticipated Zayed National Museum officially opened its doors to the public today, offering an unprecedented journey through 300,000 years of Emirati history. The institution stands as a monumental tribute to the nation’s rich cultural legacy, blending archaeological marvels with community narratives in a groundbreaking approach to heritage preservation.

    At the heart of the museum’s atrium rests an extraordinary reconstruction of a 4,000-year-old Mesopotamian cargo boat—an 18-meter vessel meticulously crafted without nails using ancient techniques. Museum organizers conducted an authentic sea trial, successfully sailing this replica across the Arabian Gulf at speeds reaching five knots. This experimental archaeology project demonstrates the vessel’s seaworthiness while honoring ancient maritime traditions.

    The galleries showcase remarkable discoveries including the burial site of an 8,000-year-old woman from Marawah Island, accompanied by a shark-tooth necklace and traces of what experts believe to be ancient henna. According to Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the sophistication of her burial suggests she held significant status, possibly as a community leader. Alongside this ancient resting place, visitors can examine a Bronze Age sword recently unearthed in Al Ain, providing new insights into burial customs where weapons accompanied the deceased.

    Beyond physical artifacts, the museum pioneers an innovative ‘vault’ system where visitors can contribute personal memories and family histories, ensuring the preservation of intangible heritage. This commitment to oral history reflects Sheikh Zayed’s philosophy that ‘if you do not know your past, you cannot know your future’—a guiding principle throughout the institution’s narrative.

    The museum’s architecture, designed by Norman Foster, features five towers evoking falcon wings—symbolizing the UAE’s aspirations toward great heights. Interior spaces maintain a warm sand-colored palette that seamlessly blends past and future aesthetics.

    Six permanent galleries present Emirati history from a distinctly local perspective, covering maritime heritage, early Arab navigation, pearling economies, and trade networks. Interactive elements include scent stations featuring traditional spice mixes and a pearling water tank highlighting women’s contributions to coastal economies.

    The institution also serves as a research hub, offering scholarships to young Emiratis in archaeology, geology, and related fields while continuing archaeological excavations throughout the region. This dual focus on preservation and education ensures the museum will remain a living institution that grows alongside the nation it represents.

  • Rare Fabergé egg fetches record £22.9m at London auction

    Rare Fabergé egg fetches record £22.9m at London auction

    A magnificent diamond-encrusted Fabergé egg, originally crafted for Russia’s imperial Romanov dynasty, has achieved a historic auction milestone, fetching an unprecedented £22.9 million ($30.2 million) at Christie’s in London. The anonymous purchaser secured the legendary Winter Egg, widely regarded as one of master jeweler Carl Fabergé’s most exquisite creations, during Tuesday’s bidding session.

    Commissioned in 1913 by Tsar Nicholas II as an Easter gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, the masterpiece showcases extraordinary craftsmanship with approximately 4,500 meticulously placed diamonds adorning its rock crystal shell. The 8.2-centimeter (3.2-inch) treasure features elaborate platinum snowflake motifs crafted from rose-cut diamonds, embodying its wintry theme. Upon opening, the egg reveals an intricate surprise—a delicate basket containing white quartz blossoms.

    This transaction substantially surpasses the previous auction record for Fabergé eggs, which stood at £8.9 million established in 2007. Margo Oganesian of Christie’s remarked to AFP that the result ‘reaffirms the enduring significance of this masterpiece’ within the art market.

    The Winter Egg represents exceptional historical and artistic significance, designed by Alma Theresia Pihl—one of only two female master artisans at Fabergé’s St. Petersburg workshop. Of the fifty imperial eggs created between 1885 and 1917, when Nicholas II abdicated, the Winter Egg is among merely seven remaining in private ownership, with others residing in museum collections or considered lost.

  • Crystal Fabergé egg crafted for Russian royalty shatters record and sells for $30.2 million

    Crystal Fabergé egg crafted for Russian royalty shatters record and sells for $30.2 million

    LONDON — An extraordinary piece of imperial Russian history achieved unprecedented auction success on Tuesday when the legendary Winter Egg by Fabergé commanded a staggering £22.9 million ($30.2 million) at Christie’s London. This monumental sale establishes a new world record for any Fabergé creation ever sold at auction.

    Crafted in 1913 during the final years of the Romanov dynasty, the Winter Egg represents one of only seven imperial Fabergé eggs remaining in private ownership. The masterpiece stands merely 4 inches (10 centimeters) tall yet embodies extraordinary craftsmanship with its exquisitely carved rock crystal shell adorned with a delicate platinum snowflake pattern set with approximately 4,500 brilliant diamonds.

    The egg’s magical design reveals an intricate surprise interior—a removable basket crafted from bejeweled quartz flowers symbolizing the arrival of spring. This artistic marvel was originally commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II as an Easter gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, continuing a royal tradition initiated by his father Alexander III in 1885.

    Notably, the Winter Egg holds distinction as one of only two imperial Fabergé eggs designed by a female artist, Alma Pihl, whose other creation remains in the possession of the British royal family. The egg’s journey through history reflects Russia’s turbulent past—sold by communist authorities in the 1920s for merely £450, it disappeared for decades before resurfacing at auction in 1994 for 7 million Swiss francs.

    Margo Oganesian, head of Christie’s Russian art department, described the piece as ‘the Mona Lisa of decorative arts,’ emphasizing its unparalleled significance in the world of collectible art objects. Of the 50+ imperial eggs created by Peter Carl Fabergé between 1885-1917, only 43 survive today, with most residing in museum collections, making this private sale particularly exceptional.

  • Ranveer Singh’s sorry for mimicking Rishab Shetty’s role from ‘Kantara’

    Ranveer Singh’s sorry for mimicking Rishab Shetty’s role from ‘Kantara’

    Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has issued a formal apology following widespread criticism of his on-stage impersonation of Rishab Shetty’s performance from the acclaimed film ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’. The incident occurred during the closing ceremonies of the 2025 International Film Festival of India in Goa, where Singh’s spontaneous recreation of a spiritual possession scene sparked immediate controversy.

    Addressing the backlash through his Instagram Stories, Singh expressed contrition while clarifying his artistic intentions. ‘My purpose was solely to emphasize Rishab’s extraordinary portrayal in the film,’ the actor explained. ‘As one performer to another, I recognize the immense dedication required to execute that specific scene with such conviction—a achievement that commands my profound respect.’

    Singh further elaborated on his cultural sensitivities: ‘I have consistently maintained deep reverence for all cultural traditions and beliefs within our nation. Should my actions have inadvertently offended anyone, I extend my heartfelt apologies.’

    The controversial moment unfolded as Singh praised Shetty’s performance before live audiences, specifically referencing the supernatural sequence where a female entity inhabits the protagonist’s physical form. While Shetty himself responded with apparent amusement during the live event, digital platforms subsequently erupted with critiques condemning the imitation as culturally insensitive.

    ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ explores the historical foundations of Daiva worship practices within Tulunadu’s indigenous communities, tracing spiritual lineages to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Shetty portrays Berme—guardian of Kantara’s woodland territories and protector of tribal inhabitants—alongside co-stars Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram. The narrative centers upon conflicts between aristocratic families seeking dominion over sacred lands and local populations defending their ancestral traditions.

    Looking forward, Singh is scheduled to appear in ‘Dhurandhar,’ an espionage thriller directed by Aditya Dhar featuring ensemble cast members Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. The project represents a collaborative production between Jio Studios and B62 Studios.

  • Gotham Awards: Jafar Panahi pays tribute to filmmakers ‘deprived of right to see and be seen’

    Gotham Awards: Jafar Panahi pays tribute to filmmakers ‘deprived of right to see and be seen’

    Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi delivered a powerful tribute to oppressed creators worldwide during his acceptance speech at the Gotham Awards in New York, even as he faced fresh legal persecution from Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Court. The acclaimed director, who received three major awards for his Palme d’Or-winning drama “It Was Just An Accident,” dedicated his honors to independent filmmakers systematically “deprived of the right to see and be seen.”

    Panahi’s recognition came on the same day his lawyer, Mustafa Nili, revealed through social media that the Tehran court had sentenced the director in absentia to one-year imprisonment, a two-year travel prohibition, and banned him from political and social group membership. The charges cited “propaganda activities against the system” as justification for these punitive measures.

    Despite these developments, Panahi chose to focus his acceptance remarks on the broader struggle faced by artists operating under repression. “This dedication stands as a small tribute to all filmmakers who have been deprived of the right to see and to be seen but continue to create and to exist,” he stated, acknowledging those who work “in silence, without support, and at times, by risking everything they have.”

    The award-winning film itself represents Panahi’s resilience against artistic suppression. Having previously endured two prison terms and a twenty-year filmmaking ban that forced him to work clandestinely, “It Was Just An Accident” explores themes of justice and moral confrontation through the story of an ordinary mechanic who recognizes his potential torturer from prison days.

    Currently, Panahi is engaged in a United States city tour promoting the film, which has been selected as France’s official submission for the 2026 Academy Awards. Distribution company Neon, which released the film theatrically in October, is producing a documentary short about Panahi’s travels scheduled for early 2026 release.

    At a recent New York Film Festival appearance alongside Martin Scorsese, Panahi reflected on the devastating impact of Iran’s artistic exodus, noting: “All the backbones of Iranian filmmaking are out. I really miss all those films that they could have made in Iran and they never did.” Despite the personal risks, the director affirmed his commitment to remaining in his homeland, stating: “I don’t have the courage and I don’t have the ability to leave Iran and stay out of Iran. I have stayed there, and I’m going to work there.”