Arden Cho, the actress who voiced Rumi in Netflix’s animated film ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ has shared her personal journey of identity and acceptance. The film, which topped Netflix charts in 93 countries, tells the story of a female K-Pop trio saving the world from evil forces. Cho, a Korean-American, found resonance in Rumi’s struggle with her dual identity as part human, part demon. Growing up in Texas as the eldest daughter of Korean immigrant parents, Cho faced challenges in American society, often feeling alienated due to her Asian appearance. ‘I hated that I looked Asian, that I didn’t have blue eyes and blonde hair, because that’s what was beautiful at the time,’ she recalls. The film’s success, with 33 million views in just two weeks, has made Cho a role model for Asian-American children, something she lacked in her own childhood. She believes the film has contributed to a greater appreciation of Korean culture globally. Despite the challenges faced by Asian-led projects, Cho’s personal efforts to connect with the film’s team and her hope for humanity’s respect for authentic art have been pivotal. The film’s soundtrack has also dominated global music charts, with seven tracks on the Billboard Hot 100, and fans are eagerly anticipating a sequel. Cho remains hopeful, emphasizing the film’s ability to bring hope and unity to diverse communities.
分类： entertainment
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New coin honors Freddie Mercury and his 4-octave range
The Royal Mint of Britain has unveiled a special commemorative coin honoring the legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his iconic Live Aid performance in 1985. The coin, designed with meticulous detail, features Mercury in his signature pose—head thrown back, gripping the microphone stand—capturing the essence of his electrifying stage presence. A musical stave encircling the coin symbolizes his extraordinary four-octave vocal range, a testament to his unparalleled talent. The first coin was ceremoniously struck by Mercury’s sister, Kashmira Bulsara, at the Royal Mint in Wales. Bulsara expressed her delight, stating, ‘This coin is a fitting tribute to Freddie’s legacy and the joy he brought to millions through his music.’ Rebecca Morgan, the Royal Mint’s director of commemorative coins, emphasized the perfect timing of the release, noting that fans had long awaited such a tribute. The coin’s launch coincides with the 40th anniversary of Mercury’s solo album, ‘Mr Bad Guy,’ and follows the Mint’s tradition of honoring music legends like David Bowie and Paul McCartney. Available for purchase on the Royal Mint’s website, the coins range from 18.50 pounds for an uncirculated version to 9,350 pounds for a 2 oz. gold proof edition. Additionally, a special gold edition will be donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity established in Mercury’s memory to support those affected by HIV and AIDS.
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Tom Cruise on his first Oscar: Making films ‘is who I am’
Hollywood legend Tom Cruise has finally clinched his first Oscar, receiving an honorary award at the annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles. The 63-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles in ‘Top Gun’ and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series, was celebrated alongside other luminaries such as singer Dolly Parton, choreographer Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Cruise reflected on his 45-year career, emphasizing his deep connection to cinema. ‘Making films is not what I do, it is who I am,’ he declared, drawing a prolonged standing ovation from an audience that included Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jerry Bruckheimer. Cruise, who has been nominated for four Oscars in the past, paid tribute to the collaborative nature of filmmaking, acknowledging both on-screen and behind-the-scenes contributors. He also highlighted the unifying power of movies, stating, ‘In that theatre, we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together, we dream together.’ The Academy recognized Cruise for his unwavering dedication to the film industry, particularly his advocacy for theatrical experiences and his commitment to performing his own stunts. Despite his numerous accolades, Cruise remains passionate about supporting emerging talent and preserving the essence of cinema. Earlier this year, he reportedly declined an invitation to be honored by former President Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center Honors due to scheduling conflicts.
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Lost Bach pieces performed for first time in 320 years
Two previously unknown organ compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach have been unveiled and performed in Germany for the first time in over three centuries. The pieces, identified as the Chaconne in D minor BWV 1178 and Chaconne in G minor BWV 1179, were discovered by Peter Wollny, a renowned Bach scholar, while cataloging manuscripts at the Royal Library of Belgium in Brussels in 1992. After three decades of meticulous research, Wollny confirmed their authenticity, attributing them to Bach’s early career when he served as an organ teacher in Arnstadt, Thuringia. The compositions were performed at Leipzig’s St. Thomas Church, where Bach is buried and where he worked as a cantor for 27 years. Dutch organist Ton Koopman, who premiered the works, praised their high quality and suitability for smaller organs. Wollny, now director of the Leipzig Bach Archive, highlighted stylistic elements unique to Bach’s early period, further solidifying their attribution. The pieces, believed to have been transcribed by Bach’s pupil Salomon Günther John in 1705, have been added to the official catalogue of Bach’s works. Germany’s Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer hailed the discovery as a monumental moment for the global music community.
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Tom Cruise to receive honorary Oscar in career first
Hollywood icon Tom Cruise is set to receive an honorary Oscar at the 16th Governors Awards in November 2025, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the decision on Tuesday, recognizing Cruise’s unparalleled contributions to cinema, alongside choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas. Cruise, 62, has been nominated for four Oscars but has yet to secure a win, despite his global fame for blockbuster franchises like ‘Mission: Impossible’ and ‘Top Gun.’ The Academy lauded Cruise for his dedication to the theatrical experience, his groundbreaking work in stunt performance, and his enduring impact on the film industry. Debbie Allen, 75, was honored for her five-decade career, including her choreography of the Academy Awards ceremony seven times, while Wynn Thomas was celebrated for his production design in critically acclaimed films such as ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Do the Right Thing.’ Additionally, country music legend Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her extensive philanthropic efforts. The awards ceremony will take place in November, ahead of the 2026 Academy Awards.
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Look: UAE flag colours sky at Dubai Airshow 2025 as crowds wowed by flying displays
The Dubai Airshow 2025 kicked off in grand style on November 17, captivating audiences with an array of breathtaking aerial performances. The event, held at Dubai World Central, featured 19 teams and aircraft types on its opening day, making it one of the busiest schedules in the airshow’s history. The lineup included national aerobatic teams, military formations, next-generation fighters, and commercial aircraft, offering a diverse and thrilling experience for attendees. The skies were painted with the colours of the UAE flag as Fursan Al Emarat, the national aerobatic team, performed a stunning vertical climb, releasing trails of red, white, black, and green smoke. The Emirates A380 also made a dramatic low pass, drawing gasps and applause from the crowd. Adding to the excitement, a flying taxi made its debut in the flying programme, signaling a leap toward future mobility solutions. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, graced the event, emphasizing the UAE’s pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry. The airshow continues to showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovations, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global hub for aviation and aerospace.
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Farhan Akhtar’s ‘120 Bahadur’ to release across 800 defence theatres in India
Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated war drama, ‘120 Bahadur,’ is set to make cinematic history as it becomes the first film to be released exclusively across 800 defence theatres in India. The film, which is based on the heroic Battle of Rezang La, will premiere on November 21, offering a unique cinematic experience to the nation’s armed forces and their families. Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar (Excel Entertainment), and Amit Chandra (Trigger Happy Studios), the movie features an ensemble cast including Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena, and Dhanveer Singh. Akhtar portrays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, a valiant leader of the 13 Kumaon Regiment, whose unwavering courage and determination are central to the narrative. The film’s trailer captures pivotal moments, including a powerful dialogue where Akhtar’s character declares, ‘Main ladey bina haar nahi manna chahta’ (I don’t want to accept defeat without fighting). The initiative, spearheaded by PictureTime in collaboration with GenSync Brat Media, aims to bridge the gap between the entertainment industry and India’s defence community. Sushil Chaudhary, founder and CEO of PictureTime, emphasized the significance of this move, stating that it seeks to expand access to cinematic experiences for the underserved 70% of India’s 20-million-strong veteran and family audience. This groundbreaking release underscores the film’s resonance with the armed forces and its potential to inspire audiences nationwide.
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Watch: BTS member J-hope touches down in Dubai, sends UAE fans into frenzy
BTS member J-hope, whose real name is Jung Hoseok, has arrived in Dubai, sending fans into a frenzy. The K-pop superstar landed in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, and shared a photo from his Emirates flight on his Instagram Story. Known for his active social media presence, J-hope frequently updates fans on his activities, making this trip no exception. While the purpose of his visit remains unclear, fans speculate he might be attending Dubai Watch Week, which begins on November 19. The event, held at Dubai Mall, features a special exhibition by Audemars Piguet, celebrating its 150th anniversary. Additionally, the presence of J-hope’s dance team members in Dubai has fueled rumors of a potential performance, though no official confirmation has been made. The Dream Concert UAE, scheduled for November 22 in Abu Dhabi, features several K-pop acts but does not list any BTS members. Fans are eagerly anticipating any surprises J-hope might have in store, making this one of the most talked-about topics in the K-pop community.
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Look: UAE-based Indian artist recreates Emirati heritage, past with paper installations
Masarratfatima Sulaimani, a Sharjah-based Indian artist and former graphic designer, has captivated audiences with her intricate paper installations that celebrate Emirati heritage and architecture. Her latest work, ‘Rooted Memories: A Journey Through Paper,’ is a month-long exhibition at Hotel Indigo, Dubai Downtown, showcasing her handmade paper recreations of Dubai’s Al Fahidi neighbourhood, complete with traditional wind towers and paper figurines of Emiratis and tourists. Sulaimani’s art, which explores themes of memory, migration, and journey, is crafted from recycled materials, including food waste collected at the hotel, reflecting her commitment to sustainability. Her innovative techniques—cutting, folding, and layering—breathe life into paper, transforming it into immersive, large-scale installations. Sulaimani’s work has been featured at prestigious venues such as the Shanghai International Biennale, the Al Murabbaa Arts Festival, and the Sikka Art Festival. Her art not only captures the essence of Emirati culture but also reflects her personal journey as an Indian expatriate finding belonging in the UAE. Through her creations, she explores the cycles of life, the resilience of paper, and the universal themes of homecoming and acceptance.
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Tom Cruise promises support for cinema as he accepts honorary Oscar
In a star-studded ceremony celebrating his illustrious career, Tom Cruise was awarded an honorary Oscar, recognizing his contributions to cinema spanning over four decades. The 63-year-old actor, a four-time Oscar nominee but never a winner, was honored for his iconic roles in films such as ‘Risky Business,’ the ‘Top Gun’ series, and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. The event, held on Sunday, also saw director Alejandro Inarritu praising Cruise’s precision and dedication, emphasizing that his talent extends far beyond the daring stunts he is renowned for. Cruise, in his acceptance speech, reflected on his lifelong passion for cinema, recounting how childhood experiences in theaters inspired him to pursue a career in filmmaking. ‘Making films is not what I do. It’s who I am,’ he declared, vowing to continue supporting the art form and nurturing new voices in the industry. The gala also honored Dolly Parton with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic work, including her efforts to provide millions of books to children. Other recipients included Debbie Allen and Wynn Thomas, celebrated for their contributions to the arts.