Salman Rushdie reveals the extent of his wounds from a knife attack, Kirsten Dunst speaks out about Hollywood's gender pay gap, the Gladiators finalists prepare for their ultimate challenge, and Meghan Markle criticizes social media bullying while Cate Blanchett praises her co-star. Additionally, the entertainment world mourns the loss of fashion icon Iris Apfel and The Office actor Ewen MacIntosh.
Comedian Ed Gamble had to change his tour posters on the London Underground after they violated Transport for London's ban on junk food advertising by featuring a hot dog, which was swapped for a cucumber. Gamble mentioned that the ban has brought extra publicity to his posters, extending their reach beyond their original value.
Actor Nick Offerman, known for his role in The Last of Us, condemned homophobic hate during his awards speech at the Independent Spirit Awards, where he won best supporting performance in a new scripted series. Offerman defended the show's portrayal of a love story involving a gay couple, receiving applause from the audience. The event also saw Netflix's Beef winning two awards in the TV categories, while Past Lives and American Fiction were recognized in the film section. Additionally, a pro-Palestinian protester disrupted the ceremony, and Oppenheimer won the top prize at the Producers Guild of America Awards.
Wizards of the Coast and Respawn's Apex Legends are facing backlash for allegedly using AI-generated art in promotional materials. Wizards of the Coast, after claiming their art was human-made, faced criticism and inconsistencies pointing towards AI involvement, leading to artist Dave Rapoza cutting ties with them. Apex Legends also encountered fan complaints about AI artifacts in their promotions. Both incidents highlight the growing tension between the use of AI in art creation and the traditional art community, with unresolved responses from the companies involved.
David Soul, best known for his role as "Hutch" in the iconic 1970s TV series "Starsky & Hutch," has passed away at the age of 80. Soul, who also had a successful singing career with hits like "Don't Give Up on Us," had been battling lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. His career spanned acting, singing, and directing, with a notable turn on stage as Jerry Springer. Despite personal struggles, including with alcohol and domestic violence, Soul later advocated against domestic abuse. He leaves behind a legacy in entertainment, with a diverse body of work that includes television, music, and theater.
The BAFTA Film Awards longlists for 2024 have been announced, with 'Barbie,' 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' and 'Oppenheimer' leading the pack with 15 mentions each. 'Poor Things' and 'Maestro' also received significant recognition, while there were notable snubs for actors Charles Melton and Natalie Portman. The longlists will be narrowed down to final nominations, which will be announced on January 18, and the winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on February 18, hosted by David Tennant. Voting for the awards is conducted by BAFTA's global membership, with the public voting for the EE Rising Star Award.
Glynis Johns, renowned for her role as Mrs. Banks in "Mary Poppins" and her Tony-winning performance in "A Little Night Music," passed away at the age of 100. Celebrated for her distinctive voice and vibrant screen presence, Johns had a prolific career spanning stage, film, and television, leaving a legacy that touched many in the industry. Her passing marks a poignant moment for those who remember the golden age of Hollywood.
As 2024 begins, a variety of classic works have entered the public domain alongside "Steamboat Willie," including other Mickey Mouse shorts like "Plane Crazy" and "The Galloping Gaucho," as well as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoons. Tigger from A.A. Milne's "The House At Pooh Corner" is now free to use, and notable books such as Virginia Woolf's "Orlando" and Erich Maria Remarque’s "All Quiet On The Western Front" are also available for new adaptations. Films from 1928 like "The Singing Fool" and "The Cameraman" have become public property, and songs like "Mack The Knife" and "When You’re Smiling" can now be covered without paying royalties, although some recorded versions may still be copyrighted. This shift opens the door for creators to explore and reinvent these classic works without legal restrictions.
Maurice Hines, a renowned tap dancer, actor, and choreographer known for his Broadway performances and his role in "The Cotton Club," has passed away at the age of 80. He began his career as a child and achieved fame alongside his brother Gregory Hines and their father. Hines' career spanned television, film, and stage, earning him a Tony nomination in 1986. His passing was mourned by friends and fans, including Debbie Allen, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media.
The 2023 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards showcased a collection of humorous animal photographs, with over 5,300 entries from 1,800 photographers. Australian photographer Jason Moore won the overall prize with his image of a kangaroo appearing to play air guitar. Other notable winners included photos of a ballet-dancing otter, a faceplanting bird, and a cartoon-like angry bird. The competition, founded in 2015, aims to celebrate wildlife and promote conservation through the joy of nature.
Maurice Hines Jr., a celebrated tap dancer, actor, and choreographer, has passed away at the age of 80. He was known for his dynamic performances with his brother Gregory Hines, including their Broadway debut as children and later as a duo with their father. Maurice's career included a Tony nomination and performances in clubs, on television, and in films like "The Cotton Club." After a period of estrangement, the brothers reconciled before Gregory's death in 2003. Maurice's passing marks the end of an era for the iconic tap dancing family.
Euronews Culture commemorates the arts and entertainment figures we lost in 2023, including "Friends" star Matthew Perry, fashion designer Paco Rabanne, and actors Raquel Welch and Lance Reddick. The article pays tribute to their contributions to film, television, fashion, and culture, highlighting their memorable roles and achievements. Other notable figures mentioned include Michael Lerner, Barry Humphries, Jerry Springer, Martin Amis, Glenda Jackson, Alan Arkin, Jane Birkin, Angus Cloud, Mark Margolis, William Friedkin, David McCallum, Geneviève de Fontenay, Michael Gambon, Terence Davies, Burt Young, Richard Roundtree, Benjamin Zephaniah, Ryan O'Neal, and Andre Braugher.
The UK's New Year Honors list for 2023 recognized notable figures including singer Shirley Bassey, who was appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honor, and director Ridley Scott, who was made a Knight Grand Cross for his contributions to film. Other honorees included "The Great British Bake Off" judge Paul Hollywood, "Game of Thrones" actor Emilia Clarke for her charity work, and England goalkeeper Mary Earps for her sports achievements. The list celebrated over 1,000 individuals for their services across various fields, with a diverse group of recipients, including the youngest awardee, 9-year-old Tony Hudgell, and train station assistant Rizwan Javed for his life-saving actions.
