<p>Breaking all the suspense, Miley Cyrus has confirmed that she will release her new music album 'She is Coming'&nbsp;this Friday in the form of an extended play featuring several new tracks.</p>

<p>According to Entertainment Weekly, the pop star also revealed the black-and-white cover art for the EP, which sees the 26-year-old posing in a crop top with the words "Never mind the bollocks" splashed across the front.</p>

<p>Posting the cover art on her Instagram, the singer wrote, "SHE IS COMING, 5/ 31 Pre Save now! Or live with regret for the rest of your existence."</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByAErc5gDaK/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">She Is Coming ! 5/31 ! 💦🍌🍒👅#DontFuckWithFreedom #SHEISMC</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mileycyrus/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Miley Cyrus</a> (@mileycyrus) on <time datetime="2019-05-28T09:29:01+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 28, 2019 at 2:29am PDT</time></p>
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<p>The announcement comes after Cyrus performed three new songs at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/miley-cyrus-debuts-3-songs-at-bbc-radio-1s-big-weekend-221714">BBC Radio 1`s Big Weekend show</a> Saturday in the United Kingdom, including 'Mother's Daughter,' 'Dream,'&nbsp;and an electronic-infused banger titled 'Cattitude,'&nbsp;in which she references the alleged Cardi B/Nicki Minaj feud by rapping "I love you Nicki, but I listen to Cardi."</p>

<p>Cyrus previously teased her fans with various 'She Is Coming'&nbsp;teasers on social media after unveiling a snippet of a new song called 'Bad Karma'&nbsp;in a video filmed as she and husband Liam Hemsworth made their way to the 2019 Met Gala on May 6.</p>

<p>The EP will mark Cyrus'&nbsp;first collection of new music since 2017's full-length album 'Younger Now', which spawned the top-10 hit 'Malibu'&nbsp;and reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.</p>

<p>In addition to working on her new project, the singer also appeared in several television projects in recent months.</p>

<p>In February, she went undercover as a boy to surprise the RuPaul's Drag Race Werk Room show during the Emmy-winning reality competition's season 11 premiere, and is<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/watch-black-mirror-season-5-trailer-has-miley-cyrus-anthony-mackie-and-more-219153"> next set to appear on a season 5 episode of Netflix's popular sci-fi series 'Black Mirror.'</a></p>


Breaking all the suspense, Miley Cyrus has confirmed that she will release her new music album 'She is Coming' this Friday in the form of an extended play featuring several new tracks.

Breaking all the suspense, Miley Cyrus has confirmed that she will release her new music album 'She is Coming' this Friday in the form of an extended play featuring several new tracks. According to Entertainment Weekly, the pop star also revealed the black-and-white cover art for the EP, which sees the 26-year-old posing in a crop top with the words "Never mind the bollocks" splashed across the front. Posting the cover art on her Instagram, the singer wrote, "SHE IS COMING, 5/ 31 Pre Save now! Or live with regret for the rest of your existence." View this post on Instagram She Is Coming ! 5/31 ! 💦🍌🍒👅#DontFuckWithFreedom #SHEISMC A post shared by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus) on May 28, 2019 at 2:29am PDT × The announcement comes after Cyrus performed three new songs at BBC Radio 1`s Big Weekend show Saturday in the United Kingdom, including 'Mother's Daughter,' 'Dream,' and an electronic-infused banger titled 'Cattitude,' in which she references the alleged Cardi B/Nicki Minaj feud by rapping "I love you Nicki, but I listen to Cardi." Cyrus previously teased her fans with various 'She Is Coming' teasers on social media after unveiling a snippet of a new song called 'Bad Karma' in a video filmed as she and husband Liam Hemsworth made their way to the 2019 Met Gala on May 6. The EP will mark Cyrus' first collection of new music since 2017's full-length album 'Younger Now', which spawned the top-10 hit 'Malibu' and reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart. In addition to working on her new project, the singer also appeared in several television projects in recent months. In February, she went undercover as a boy to surprise the RuPaul's Drag Race Werk Room show during the Emmy-winning reality competition's season 11 premiere, and is next set to appear on a season 5 episode of Netflix's popular sci-fi series 'Black Mirror.'

Miley Cyrus confirms the release date of her music album 'She Is Coming'

<p><strong>By Evelyn Alsultany</strong></p>

<p>Though critically acclaimed and widely beloved, the 1992 animated “Aladdin” feature had some serious issues with stereotyping.</p>

<p>Disney wanted to avoid repeating these same problems in the live action version of “Aladdin,” which came out on May 24. So they sought advice from a Community Advisory Council comprised of Middle Eastern, South Asian and Muslim scholars, activists and creatives. I was asked to be a part of the group because of my expertise on representations of Arabs and Muslims in the US media.</p>

<p>The fact that a major studio wants to hear from the community reflects Hollywood’s growing commitment to diversity.</p>

<p>But while the live-action “Aladdin” does succeed in rectifying some aspects of Hollywood’s long history of stereotyping and whitewashing Middle Easterners, it still leaves much to be desired.</p>

<p><strong>Magical genies and lecherous sheikhs</strong></p>

<p>In his seminal 1978 book “Orientalism,” literature professor Edward Said argued that Western cultures historically stereotyped the Middle East to justify exerting control over it.</p>

<p>Orientalism in Hollywood has a long history. Early Hollywood films such as “The Sheik” and “Arabian Nights” portrayed the Middle East as a monolithic fantasy land – a magical desert filled with genies, flying carpets and rich men living in opulent palaces with their harem girls.</p>

<p>While these depictions were arguably silly and harmless, they flattened the differences among Middle Eastern cultures, while portraying the region as backwards and in need of civilizing by the West.</p>

<p>Then came a series of Middle Eastern conflicts and wars: The Arab-Israeli war of 1967, the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973, the Iran Hostage Crisis and the Gulf War. In American media, the exotic Middle East faded; replacing it was depictions of violence and ominous terrorists.</p>

<p>As media scholar Jack G. Shaheen observed, hundreds of Hollywood films over the last 50 years have linked Islam with holy war and terrorism, while depicting Muslims as either “hostile alien intruders” or “lecherous, oily sheikhs intent on using nuclear weapons.”</p>

<p><strong>Cringeworthy moments in the original ‘Aladdin’</strong></p>

<p>Against this backdrop, the Orientalism of Disney’s 1992 animated “Aladdin” wasn’t all that surprising.</p>

<p>The opening song lyrics described a land “Where they cut off your ear if they don’t like your face” and declared, “It’s barbaric, but hey, it’s home!”</p>

<p>When the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee protested the lyrics, Disney removed the reference to cutting off ears in the home video version but left in the descriptor “barbaric.”</p>

<p>Then there were the ways the characters were depicted. As many have noted, the bad Arabs are ugly and have foreign accents while the good Arabs – Aladdin and Jasmine – possess European features and white American accents.</p>

<p>The film also continued the tradition of erasing distinctions between Middle Eastern cultures. For example, Jasmine, who is supposed to be from Agrabah – originally Baghdad but fictionalised because of the Gulf War in 1991 – has an Indian-named tiger, Rajah.</p>

<p><strong>Questionable progress</strong></p>

<p>After 9/11, a spate of films emerged that rehashed many of the old terrorist tropes. But surprisingly, some positive representations of Middle Eastern and Muslim characters emerged.</p>

<p>In 2012, I published my book “Arabs and Muslims in the Media: Race and Representation after 9/11.” In it, I detail the strategies that writers and producers used after 9/11 to offset stereotyping.</p>

<p>The most common one involved including a patriotic Middle Eastern or Muslim American to counterbalance depictions as terrorists. In the TV drama, “Homeland,” for example, Fara Sherazi, an Iranian American Muslim CIA analyst, is killed by a Muslim terrorist, showing that “good” Muslim Americans are willing to die for the United States.</p>

<p>But this didn’t change the fact that Middle Easterners and Muslims were, by and large, portrayed as threats to the West. Adding a ‘good’ Middle Eastern character doesn’t do much to upend stereotypes when the vast majority are still appearing in stories about terrorism.</p>

<p>Another strategy also emerged: reverting to old Orientalist tropes of the exotic, romantic Middle East. Maybe writers and producers assumed that depicting the Middle East as exotic would be an improvement over associating it with terrorism.</p>

<p>The 2004 film “Hidalgo,” for example, tells the story of an American cowboy who travels to the Arabian desert in 1891 to participate in a horse race. In classic Orientalist fashion, he saves the rich sheik’s daughter from his evil, power-hungry nephew.</p>

<p>The 2017 movie “Victoria and Abdul” depicts an unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria and her Indian-Muslim servant, Abdul Karim. While the film does critique the racism and Islamophobia of 19th-century England, it also infantilizes and exoticizes Abdul.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, some glaring problems persisted. Jake Gyllenhaal was cast in the lead role of “The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” (2010), while Christian Bale and Joel Edgerton were cast in “Exodus: Gods and Kings” (2014) as Egyptian characters.</p>

<p>Why were white actors assuming these roles?</p>

<p>When challenged, producer Ridley Scott infamously said that he can’t “say that my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such. I’m just not going to get it financed.”</p>

<p><strong>Does the new ‘Aladdin’ make strides?</strong></p>

<p>Perhaps in a desire to avoid the mistakes of the past, Disney executives sought advice from cultural consultants like me.</p>

<p>There’s certainly some notable progress made in the live-action “Aladdin.”</p>

<p>Egyptian Canadian actor Mena Massoud plays Aladdin. Given the dearth of people of Middle Eastern descent in lead roles, the significance of casting Massoud cannot be overstated. And despite the fact that some white extras had their skin darkened during filming, Disney did cast actors of Middle Eastern descent in most of the main roles.</p>

<p>Casting Indian British actress Naomi Scott as Jasmine was controversial; many hoped to see an Arab or Middle Eastern actress in this role and wondered whether casting someone of Indian descent would simply reinforce notions of “Oriental” interchangeability. Nonetheless, the film does note that Jasmine’s mother is from another land.</p>

<p>The biggest problem with the 2019 “Aladdin” is that it perpetuates the trend of reverting to magical Orientalism – as if that’s a noteworthy improvement over terrorist portrayals. In truth, it’s not exactly a courageous move to trade explicit racism for cliched exoticism.</p>

<p>To be fair, “Aladdin” distinguishes itself from “Hidalgo” and other Orientalist films of this trend by not revolving around the experiences of a white protagonist.</p>

<p>However, once again, characters with American accents are the “good guys” while those with non-American accents are mostly, but not entirely, “bad.” And audiences today will be as hard-pressed as those in 1992 – or 1922, for that matter – to identify any distinct Middle Eastern cultures beyond that of an overgeneralized “East.” Belly dancing and Bollywood dancing, turbans and keffiyehs, Iranian and Arab accents all appear in the film interchangeably.</p>

<p>Just as making positive tweaks within a story about terrorism doesn’t accomplish much, so does making positive tweaks within a story about the exotic East. Diversifying representations requires moving beyond these tired tropes and expanding the kinds of stories that are told.</p>

<p>“Aladdin,” of course, is a fantastical tale, so questions about representational accuracy might seem overblown. It is also a really fun movie in which Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott and Will Smith all shine in their roles. But over the last century, Hollywood has produced over 900 films that stereotype Arabs and Muslims – a relentless drumbeat of stereotypes that influences public opinion and policies.</p>

<p>If there were 900 films that didn’t portray Arabs, Iranians and Muslims as terrorists or revert to old Orientalist tropes, then films like “Aladdin” could be “just entertainment.”</p>

<p>Until then, we’ll just have to wait for the genie to let more nuanced and diverse portrayals out of the lamp.</p>

<p><br />
<em>(Evelyn Alsultany is Associate Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity, University of Southern California)</em></p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-the-new-aladdin-stacks-up-against-a-century-of-hollywood-stereotyping-115608">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


By Evelyn Alsultany Though critically acclaimed and widely beloved, the 1992 animated “Aladdin” feature had some serious issues with stereotyping. Disney wanted to avoid repeating these same problems in the live action version of “Aladdin,” which came out on May 24.

By Evelyn Alsultany Though critically acclaimed and widely beloved, the 1992 animated “Aladdin” feature had some serious issues with stereotyping. Disney wanted to avoid repeating these same problems in the live action version of “Aladdin,” which came out on May 24. So they sought advice from a Community Advisory Council comprised of Middle Eastern, South Asian and Muslim scholars, activists and creatives. I was asked to be a part of the group because of my expertise on representations of Arabs and Muslims in the US media. The fact that a major studio wants to hear from the community reflects Hollywood’s growing commitment to diversity. But while the live-action “Aladdin” does succeed in rectifying some aspects of Hollywood’s long history of stereotyping and whitewashing Middle Easterners, it still leaves much to be desired. Magical genies and lecherous sheikhs In his seminal 1978 book “Orientalism,” literature professor Edward Said argued that Western cultures historically stereotyped the Middle East to justify exerting control over it. Orientalism in Hollywood has a long history. Early Hollywood films such as “The Sheik” and “Arabian Nights” portrayed the Middle East as a monolithic fantasy land – a magical desert filled with genies, flying carpets and rich men living in opulent palaces with their harem girls. While these depictions were arguably silly and harmless, they flattened the differences among Middle Eastern cultures, while portraying the region as backwards and in need of civilizing by the West. Then came a series of Middle Eastern conflicts and wars: The Arab-Israeli war of 1967, the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973, the Iran Hostage Crisis and the Gulf War. In American media, the exotic Middle East faded; replacing it was depictions of violence and ominous terrorists. As media scholar Jack G. Shaheen observed, hundreds of Hollywood films over the last 50 years have linked Islam with holy war and terrorism, while depicting Muslims as either “hostile alien intruders” or “lecherous, oily sheikhs intent on using nuclear weapons.” Cringeworthy moments in the original ‘Aladdin’ Against this backdrop, the Orientalism of Disney’s 1992 animated “Aladdin” wasn’t all that surprising. The opening song lyrics described a land “Where they cut off your ear if they don’t like your face” and declared, “It’s barbaric, but hey, it’s home!” When the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee protested the lyrics, Disney removed the reference to cutting off ears in the home video version but left in the descriptor “barbaric.” Then there were the ways the characters were depicted. As many have noted, the bad Arabs are ugly and have foreign accents while the good Arabs – Aladdin and Jasmine – possess European features and white American accents. The film also continued the tradition of erasing distinctions between Middle Eastern cultures. For example, Jasmine, who is supposed to be from Agrabah – originally Baghdad but fictionalised because of the Gulf War in 1991 – has an Indian-named tiger, Rajah. Questionable progress After 9/11, a spate of films emerged that rehashed many of the old terrorist tropes. But surprisingly, some positive representations of Middle Eastern and Muslim characters emerged. In 2012, I published my book “Arabs and Muslims in the Media: Race and Representation after 9/11.” In it, I detail the strategies that writers and producers used after 9/11 to offset stereotyping. The most common one involved including a patriotic Middle Eastern or Muslim American to counterbalance depictions as terrorists. In the TV drama, “Homeland,” for example, Fara Sherazi, an Iranian American Muslim CIA analyst, is killed by a Muslim terrorist, showing that “good” Muslim Americans are willing to die for the United States. But this didn’t change the fact that Middle Easterners and Muslims were, by and large, portrayed as threats to the West. Adding a ‘good’ Middle Eastern character doesn’t do much to upend stereotypes when the vast majority are still appearing in stories about terrorism. Another strategy also emerged: reverting to old Orientalist tropes of the exotic, romantic Middle East. Maybe writers and producers assumed that depicting the Middle East as exotic would be an improvement over associating it with terrorism. The 2004 film “Hidalgo,” for example, tells the story of an American cowboy who travels to the Arabian desert in 1891 to participate in a horse race. In classic Orientalist fashion, he saves the rich sheik’s daughter from his evil, power-hungry nephew. The 2017 movie “Victoria and Abdul” depicts an unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria and her Indian-Muslim servant, Abdul Karim. While the film does critique the racism and Islamophobia of 19th-century England, it also infantilizes and exoticizes Abdul. Nonetheless, some glaring problems persisted. Jake Gyllenhaal was cast in the lead role of “The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” (2010), while Christian Bale and Joel Edgerton were cast in “Exodus: Gods and Kings” (2014) as Egyptian characters. Why were white actors assuming these roles? When challenged, producer Ridley Scott infamously said that he can’t “say that my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such. I’m just not going to get it financed.” Does the new ‘Aladdin’ make strides? Perhaps in a desire to avoid the mistakes of the past, Disney executives sought advice from cultural consultants like me. There’s certainly some notable progress made in the live-action “Aladdin.” Egyptian Canadian actor Mena Massoud plays Aladdin. Given the dearth of people of Middle Eastern descent in lead roles, the significance of casting Massoud cannot be overstated. And despite the fact that some white extras had their skin darkened during filming, Disney did cast actors of Middle Eastern descent in most of the main roles. Casting Indian British actress Naomi Scott as Jasmine was controversial; many hoped to see an Arab or Middle Eastern actress in this role and wondered whether casting someone of Indian descent would simply reinforce notions of “Oriental” interchangeability. Nonetheless, the film does note that Jasmine’s mother is from another land. The biggest problem with the 2019 “Aladdin” is that it perpetuates the trend of reverting to magical Orientalism – as if that’s a noteworthy improvement over terrorist portrayals. In truth, it’s not exactly a courageous move to trade explicit racism for cliched exoticism. To be fair, “Aladdin” distinguishes itself from “Hidalgo” and other Orientalist films of this trend by not revolving around the experiences of a white protagonist. However, once again, characters with American accents are the “good guys” while those with non-American accents are mostly, but not entirely, “bad.” And audiences today will be as hard-pressed as those in 1992 – or 1922, for that matter – to identify any distinct Middle Eastern cultures beyond that of an overgeneralized “East.” Belly dancing and Bollywood dancing, turbans and keffiyehs, Iranian and Arab accents all appear in the film interchangeably. Just as making positive tweaks within a story about terrorism doesn’t accomplish much, so does making positive tweaks within a story about the exotic East. Diversifying representations requires moving beyond these tired tropes and expanding the kinds of stories that are told. “Aladdin,” of course, is a fantastical tale, so questions about representational accuracy might seem overblown. It is also a really fun movie in which Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott and Will Smith all shine in their roles. But over the last century, Hollywood has produced over 900 films that stereotype Arabs and Muslims – a relentless drumbeat of stereotypes that influences public opinion and policies. If there were 900 films that didn’t portray Arabs, Iranians and Muslims as terrorists or revert to old Orientalist tropes, then films like “Aladdin” could be “just entertainment.” Until then, we’ll just have to wait for the genie to let more nuanced and diverse portrayals out of the lamp. (Evelyn Alsultany is Associate Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity, University of Southern California) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

How the new ‘Aladdin’ stacks up against a century of Hollywood stereotyping

<p>John Bailey, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, on Saturday encouraged the idea of representation of Indian cinema in new Academy museum in Los Angeles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also stated that opening an office in India is an "excellent idea".</p>

<p>"We have an office in London and in New York. India is the largest film-making country in the world. India makes up to 1,800 movies a year, which is more than four numbers of times that we make (Hollywood) in the US. It's an excellent idea... Mumbai would be such a strong connection to all of South-East Asia. It makes a lot of sense," Bailey, who is in India along with his wife Carol Littleton, told media here.</p>

<p>"The Academy is not a company or a corporation... The reason to have an office anywhere is based upon the services the Academy can provide to the membership. So, the key to having an office in Mumbai or in India would be to being able to service the members and the community and expand the outreach. Last year, the Academy accepted 928 new members from 56 countries... The Academy is not just a Hollywood bubble," he added.</p>

<p>Talking about the Academy museum, he said, "The Academy museum is going to open early next year. We hoped that it would open by the end of this year, but due to various events we have decided to open it in March or April probably."</p>

<p>He added, "I am very proud to be here as the first President of the Academy to visit India. Carol and I come from the ground level of film-making... We bring a perspective and an understanding of the film-making process."</p>

<p>Asked about representation India cinema abroad, Bailey said, "I think that they need a much broader distribution in large parts of the world. I know there are Indian films they continue to show at Cannes and in Venice. But it`s very hard certainly in Europe and the US for these films to get much of the exhibition in the theatres... It`s such a rich tradition. Most of us only know Indian cinema today from a very limited perspective of musical and dance films of Bollywood, but there is so much more. There are ways to do it."</p>

<p>Also present were State Cultural Affairs and Education Minister Vinod Tawde and Principal Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Bhushan Gagrani.&nbsp;</p>


John Bailey, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, on Saturday encouraged the idea of representation of Indian cinema in new Academy museum in Los Angeles.

John Bailey, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, on Saturday encouraged the idea of representation of Indian cinema in new Academy museum in Los Angeles. He also stated that opening an office in India is an "excellent idea". "We have an office in London and in New York. India is the largest film-making country in the world. India makes up to 1,800 movies a year, which is more than four numbers of times that we make (Hollywood) in the US. It's an excellent idea... Mumbai would be such a strong connection to all of South-East Asia. It makes a lot of sense," Bailey, who is in India along with his wife Carol Littleton, told media here. "The Academy is not a company or a corporation... The reason to have an office anywhere is based upon the services the Academy can provide to the membership. So, the key to having an office in Mumbai or in India would be to being able to service the members and the community and expand the outreach. Last year, the Academy accepted 928 new members from 56 countries... The Academy is not just a Hollywood bubble," he added. Talking about the Academy museum, he said, "The Academy museum is going to open early next year. We hoped that it would open by the end of this year, but due to various events we have decided to open it in March or April probably." He added, "I am very proud to be here as the first President of the Academy to visit India. Carol and I come from the ground level of film-making... We bring a perspective and an understanding of the film-making process." Asked about representation India cinema abroad, Bailey said, "I think that they need a much broader distribution in large parts of the world. I know there are Indian films they continue to show at Cannes and in Venice. But it`s very hard certainly in Europe and the US for these films to get much of the exhibition in the theatres... It`s such a rich tradition. Most of us only know Indian cinema today from a very limited perspective of musical and dance films of Bollywood, but there is so much more. There are ways to do it." Also present were State Cultural Affairs and Education Minister Vinod Tawde and Principal Secretary, Cultural Affairs, Bhushan Gagrani.

Oscars president says Academy not Hollywood bubble, vouches for Indian representation abroad

<p>The makers of the live-action reboot of 'Sonic the Hedgehog'&nbsp;have shifted the release date of the film to February 14, 2020.</p>

<p>Earlier, the film was eyeing a release in November 2019. After the trailer of `Sonic the Hedgehog` was released earlier this month, Twitterati criticised the director over the character`s look.</p>

<p>Director Jeff Fowler on Friday tweeted in this regard and said, " Taking a little more time to make Sonic just right." He shared a graphic indicating the new release date of the film.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Taking a little more time to make Sonic just right.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/novfxartistswereharmedinthemakingofthismovie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#novfxartistswereharmedinthemakingofthismovie</a> <a href="https://t.co/gxhu9lhU76">pic.twitter.com/gxhu9lhU76</a></p>
— Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) <a href="https://twitter.com/fowltown/status/1131937685700980736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>After the huge outcry of fans on Sonic`s looks, the director accepted the feedback and tweeted, " Thank you for the support. And the criticism."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you for the support. And the criticism. The message is loud and clear... you aren't happy with the design &amp; you want changes. It's going to happen. Everyone at Paramount &amp; Sega are fully committed to making this character the BEST he can be... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sonicmovie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sonicmovie</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gottafixfast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gottafixfast</a> 🔧✌️</p>
— Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) <a href="https://twitter.com/fowltown/status/1124056098925944832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>He added, "The message is loud and clear. You aren`t happy with the design &amp; you want changes. It`s going to happen. Everyone at Paramount &amp; Sega are fully committed to making this character the BEST he can be."</p>

<p>The trailer which released on 1st May&nbsp;opens with Sonic whizzing by police sheriff Tom Wachowski, played by James Marsden.</p>

<p>The trailer also features Jim Carrey as Sonic`s arch-nemesis, Dr. Robotnik. Sporting a cartoonish moustache, and shooting funny dialogues, Carrey keeps his charters both humorous and villainous at the same time.</p>

<p>The plot of the film revolves around the journey of Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz, and Marsden`s Tom Wachowski, as they try to defeat Sonic`s arch-nemesis, Dr Robotnik.&nbsp;</p>


The makers of the live-action reboot of 'Sonic the Hedgehog' have shifted the release date of the film to February 14, 2020. Earlier, the film was eyeing a release in November 2019.

The makers of the live-action reboot of 'Sonic the Hedgehog' have shifted the release date of the film to February 14, 2020. Earlier, the film was eyeing a release in November 2019. After the trailer of `Sonic the Hedgehog` was released earlier this month, Twitterati criticised the director over the character`s look. Director Jeff Fowler on Friday tweeted in this regard and said, " Taking a little more time to make Sonic just right." He shared a graphic indicating the new release date of the film. Taking a little more time to make Sonic just right.#novfxartistswereharmedinthemakingofthismovie pic.twitter.com/gxhu9lhU76 — Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) May 24, 2019 × After the huge outcry of fans on Sonic`s looks, the director accepted the feedback and tweeted, " Thank you for the support. And the criticism." Thank you for the support. And the criticism. The message is loud and clear... you aren't happy with the design & you want changes. It's going to happen. Everyone at Paramount & Sega are fully committed to making this character the BEST he can be... #sonicmovie #gottafixfast 🔧✌️ — Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) May 2, 2019 × He added, "The message is loud and clear. You aren`t happy with the design & you want changes. It`s going to happen. Everyone at Paramount & Sega are fully committed to making this character the BEST he can be." The trailer which released on 1st May opens with Sonic whizzing by police sheriff Tom Wachowski, played by James Marsden. The trailer also features Jim Carrey as Sonic`s arch-nemesis, Dr. Robotnik. Sporting a cartoonish moustache, and shooting funny dialogues, Carrey keeps his charters both humorous and villainous at the same time. The plot of the film revolves around the journey of Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz, and Marsden`s Tom Wachowski, as they try to defeat Sonic`s arch-nemesis, Dr Robotnik.

'Sonic the Hedgehog' release date shifted to February 2020

<p>The makers of 'Star Trek: Picard'&nbsp;have finally dropped the trailer of the CBS show which features Patrick Stewart reprising his role as Jean-Luc Picard.</p>

<p>Sharing the trailer on Instagram, Stewart wrote, "The end is only the beginning. First look: Star Trek Picard." The one-minute-ten-second trailer opens with a picturesque scene of a vineyard.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0AqXzhtS-/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">The end is only the beginning. First look: #StarTrekPicard.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sirpatstew/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Patrick Stewart</a> (@sirpatstew) on <time datetime="2019-05-23T17:01:45+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 23, 2019 at 10:01am PDT</time></p>
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<p>A beautiful montage of clips from the show is also shown. "Commanded the greatest rescue armada in history," a woman describes Picard as he is seen working at the vineyard.</p>

<p>The trailer ends with the line, "The End is only the beginning.`Star Trak: Picard` is set to release exclusively on CBS All Access and will get an international distribution on Amazon Prime Video and on Cable networks Space and Z, in Canada, Variety reported. Other than Patrick, Alison Pill, Michelle Hurd, Evan Evagora, Isa Briones, Santiago Cabrera and Harry Treadway will also be seen in pivotal roles.</p>

<p>Stewart, Alex Kurtzman, Michael Chabon, Akiva Goldsman, James Duff, Heather Kadin, Rod Roddenberry, and Trevor Roth are executive producing the upcoming show.</p>

<p>The first two episodes will be directed by Hanelle Culpepper. The previous `Star Trek: The Next Generation` series ran for a whopping seven seasons with around 170 episodes, which helped them earn 19 Emmy Awards. Stewart starred in `Star Trek: Insurrection` released in 1998 and `Star Trek: Nemesis as Picard` released 2002. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The makers of 'Star Trek: Picard' have finally dropped the trailer of the CBS show which features Patrick Stewart reprising his role as Jean-Luc Picard. Sharing the trailer on Instagram, Stewart wrote, "The end is only the beginning.

The makers of 'Star Trek: Picard' have finally dropped the trailer of the CBS show which features Patrick Stewart reprising his role as Jean-Luc Picard. Sharing the trailer on Instagram, Stewart wrote, "The end is only the beginning. First look: Star Trek Picard." The one-minute-ten-second trailer opens with a picturesque scene of a vineyard. View this post on Instagram The end is only the beginning. First look: #StarTrekPicard. A post shared by Patrick Stewart (@sirpatstew) on May 23, 2019 at 10:01am PDT × A beautiful montage of clips from the show is also shown. "Commanded the greatest rescue armada in history," a woman describes Picard as he is seen working at the vineyard. The trailer ends with the line, "The End is only the beginning.`Star Trak: Picard` is set to release exclusively on CBS All Access and will get an international distribution on Amazon Prime Video and on Cable networks Space and Z, in Canada, Variety reported. Other than Patrick, Alison Pill, Michelle Hurd, Evan Evagora, Isa Briones, Santiago Cabrera and Harry Treadway will also be seen in pivotal roles. Stewart, Alex Kurtzman, Michael Chabon, Akiva Goldsman, James Duff, Heather Kadin, Rod Roddenberry, and Trevor Roth are executive producing the upcoming show. The first two episodes will be directed by Hanelle Culpepper. The previous `Star Trek: The Next Generation` series ran for a whopping seven seasons with around 170 episodes, which helped them earn 19 Emmy Awards. Stewart starred in `Star Trek: Insurrection` released in 1998 and `Star Trek: Nemesis as Picard` released 2002.

First trailer of Patrick Stewart starrer 'Star Trek: Picard' releases

<p>Actors Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross have been roped to star in the upcoming comedy film titled 'Covers'.</p>

<p>The comedy film revolves around the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood's music scene.</p>

<p>'Late Night'&nbsp;fame director Nisha Ganatra is helming the movie from a screenplay by Flora Greeson, reported Deadline. Focus Features is partnering with Working Title Films for the film.</p>

<p>Working Title's Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce the upcoming flick along with Alexandra Loewy, who will serve as the executive producer.</p>

<p>Johnson was last seen in the 'Fifty Shades of Grey'&nbsp;franchise as Anastasia Steele. She also starred in Luca Guadagnino 'Suspiria'&nbsp;and Fox's 'Bad Times at the El Royale'.</p>

<p>She will next appear in an adventure film 'The Peanut Butter Falcon'&nbsp;and Babak Anvari's psychological horror film 'Wounds'.</p>

<p>'Covers'&nbsp;marks the first big-screen role for Ross since 2007's 'Daddy's Little Girls', that also starred Idris Elba and Gabrielle Union. Ross is best known for her role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on the series 'Black-ish', a role that earned her a Golden Globe for best actress in a comedy series.</p>

<p>Before that, she starred as Joan Clayton on the long-running series 'Girlfriends'&nbsp;and also appeared in the HBO movie 'Life Support'&nbsp;opposite Queen Latifah.</p>

<p>"Together Dakota and Tracee are an undeniable force of comedic talent, and along with our friends at Working Title and our director Nisha, we can't wait to see them go head to head on this new project," said Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski.</p>

<p>Other details about the film including the release date are being kept under wraps.&nbsp;</p>


Actors Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross have been roped to star in the upcoming comedy film titled 'Covers'. The comedy film revolves around the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood's music scene.

Actors Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross have been roped to star in the upcoming comedy film titled 'Covers'. The comedy film revolves around the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood's music scene. 'Late Night' fame director Nisha Ganatra is helming the movie from a screenplay by Flora Greeson, reported Deadline. Focus Features is partnering with Working Title Films for the film. Working Title's Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce the upcoming flick along with Alexandra Loewy, who will serve as the executive producer. Johnson was last seen in the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' franchise as Anastasia Steele. She also starred in Luca Guadagnino 'Suspiria' and Fox's 'Bad Times at the El Royale'. She will next appear in an adventure film 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' and Babak Anvari's psychological horror film 'Wounds'. 'Covers' marks the first big-screen role for Ross since 2007's 'Daddy's Little Girls', that also starred Idris Elba and Gabrielle Union. Ross is best known for her role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on the series 'Black-ish', a role that earned her a Golden Globe for best actress in a comedy series. Before that, she starred as Joan Clayton on the long-running series 'Girlfriends' and also appeared in the HBO movie 'Life Support' opposite Queen Latifah. "Together Dakota and Tracee are an undeniable force of comedic talent, and along with our friends at Working Title and our director Nisha, we can't wait to see them go head to head on this new project," said Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski. Other details about the film including the release date are being kept under wraps.

Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross to star in 'Covers'

<p>Late actor Tim Conway's widow Charlene Conway termed her marriage and the time she spent with the actor as '35 years of heaven.'</p>

<p>Tim died on May 15 in Los Angeles.</p>

<p>"We were just one mind and heart. And it was 35 years of heaven. People say that nothing is perfect and truly nothing ever is. But we had a marriage that... I feel that the two of us were meant to be together. I know that sounds cheesy, but it`s true," Charlene told People.</p>

<p>She also termed her husband as 'truly a gift'. Charlene also told that Tim was a very 'funny'&nbsp;and 'devoted'&nbsp;husband and father.</p>

<p>She said, "He instilled in the family, all the kids, the grandkids that humour does help us deal with horrific experiences."</p>

<p>"It's a way out. For him, it was a way out. It didn't mean he felt or grieved any less. That was his outlet for it," she added</p>

<p>Charlene claimed that Tim was always shocked when other celebrities used to recognize him.</p>

<p>She said, "He was always shocked and surprised when other celebrities knew who he was," she explains.</p>

<p>"He and Harvey [Korman] toured for ten years doing this two-man show in theatres all across the country, and he was always surprised that there were standing ovations and crowds around the stage door, entrance and exit," added Charlene.</p>

<p>Calling Tim a humble person, she said, "That's how humble he was. He never took his celebrity for granted, nor did he wallow in it."</p>

<p>"Tim's been out of the limelight for four, five years, but I'm just amazed at the outpouring of love from his fans and everybody," she said.</p>

<p>"And I'm so proud of him, and the man that he was."</p>

<p>On asked about how would she like to remember her husband, Charlene said, "Just as he was. Funny. I mean, his brain, his body, everything is funny. A very sweet, kind, humble guy."</p>

<p>The actor, popularly known for 'The Carol Burnett Show', was suffering complications from Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) and had no signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.&nbsp;</p>


Late actor Tim Conway's widow Charlene Conway termed her marriage and the time she spent with the actor as '35 years of heaven.' Tim died on May 15 in Los Angeles.

Late actor Tim Conway's widow Charlene Conway termed her marriage and the time she spent with the actor as '35 years of heaven.' Tim died on May 15 in Los Angeles. "We were just one mind and heart. And it was 35 years of heaven. People say that nothing is perfect and truly nothing ever is. But we had a marriage that... I feel that the two of us were meant to be together. I know that sounds cheesy, but it`s true," Charlene told People. She also termed her husband as 'truly a gift'. Charlene also told that Tim was a very 'funny' and 'devoted' husband and father. She said, "He instilled in the family, all the kids, the grandkids that humour does help us deal with horrific experiences." "It's a way out. For him, it was a way out. It didn't mean he felt or grieved any less. That was his outlet for it," she added Charlene claimed that Tim was always shocked when other celebrities used to recognize him. She said, "He was always shocked and surprised when other celebrities knew who he was," she explains. "He and Harvey [Korman] toured for ten years doing this two-man show in theatres all across the country, and he was always surprised that there were standing ovations and crowds around the stage door, entrance and exit," added Charlene. Calling Tim a humble person, she said, "That's how humble he was. He never took his celebrity for granted, nor did he wallow in it." "Tim's been out of the limelight for four, five years, but I'm just amazed at the outpouring of love from his fans and everybody," she said. "And I'm so proud of him, and the man that he was." On asked about how would she like to remember her husband, Charlene said, "Just as he was. Funny. I mean, his brain, his body, everything is funny. A very sweet, kind, humble guy." The actor, popularly known for 'The Carol Burnett Show', was suffering complications from Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) and had no signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.

Charlene Conway remembers husband Tim Conway, says 'we were one mind and heart'

Keanu Reeves celebrated movies and his fans as he placed his handprints in cement outside the famed Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Tuesday. Reeves wore an all-black suit and was joined by his "The Matrix" and "John Wick" franchise co-star Laurence Fishburne at the ceremony.

'Gosh, I love movies:' Keanu Reeves puts handprints outside Chinese Theatre in Hollywood

Actress Doris Day, who became one of the greatest box-office attractions of her time as the cheery, freckle-faced personification of wholesomeness, died on Monday at the age of 97.

Hollywood singer and actress Doris Day dies at 97

<p>Hollywood star Doris Day who died on Monday at the age of 97, will not be receiving a funeral.</p>

<p>Day's manager made it clear stating that she&nbsp;mentioned this in her will.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No funeral, no memorial and no (grave) marker," Bob Bashara told People.</p>

<p>"She didn't like death, and she couldn't be with her animals if they had to be put down. She had difficulty accepting death," added Bashara.</p>

<p>Recalling her conversation with Day about her dogs post her death, Bashara said, "I'd say we need to provide for her dogs [after she died], and she'd say, 'I don't want to think about it' and she said,&nbsp;''Well, you just take care of them."</p>

<p>"I think it was because she was a very shy person."</p>

<p>Bob also added that Doris never liked to talk about any kind of funeral or a memorial.</p>

<p>Doris Day who devoted her fifty years of career as an actor as well as a singer, and earned immense fame for her 1956 box office hit 'Que Sera, Sera' (Whatever Will Be, Will Be).</p>

<p>Bashara told that Day was a spiritual person. She was brought up as a Catholic and she became a practising Christian Scientist after marrying producer Martin Melcher.</p>

<p>"She believed in God, and she thought her voice was God-given. She would say, 'God gave me a voice, and I just used it.' ''</p>

<p>"She knew her fans loved her from all the letters, and that meant a lot to her," he added.</p>

<p>He also told that Day's estate will go to charity as per her will and on her Doris Day Animal Foundation, he added, "The ultimate thing for it is to keep the foundation going.</p>

<p>Born as Doris Mary Ann von Kappelhoff on April 3, 1922, in Cincinnati, she was named in honour of Doris Kenyon, a silent screen star.</p>

<p>Among her other well-known songs were 'Secret Love'&nbsp;and 'Everybody Loves a Lover.'</p>

<p>Among her most popular films were three romantic comedies: 'Pillow Talk'&nbsp;1959, which brought her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, 'Lover Come Back'&nbsp;1961 and 'Send Me No Flowers'&nbsp;(1964).</p>


Hollywood star Doris Day who died on Monday at the age of 97, will not be receiving a funeral. Day's manager made it clear stating that she mentioned this in her will.

Hollywood star Doris Day who died on Monday at the age of 97, will not be receiving a funeral. Day's manager made it clear stating that she mentioned this in her will. "No funeral, no memorial and no (grave) marker," Bob Bashara told People. "She didn't like death, and she couldn't be with her animals if they had to be put down. She had difficulty accepting death," added Bashara. Recalling her conversation with Day about her dogs post her death, Bashara said, "I'd say we need to provide for her dogs [after she died], and she'd say, 'I don't want to think about it' and she said, ''Well, you just take care of them." "I think it was because she was a very shy person." Bob also added that Doris never liked to talk about any kind of funeral or a memorial. Doris Day who devoted her fifty years of career as an actor as well as a singer, and earned immense fame for her 1956 box office hit 'Que Sera, Sera' (Whatever Will Be, Will Be). Bashara told that Day was a spiritual person. She was brought up as a Catholic and she became a practising Christian Scientist after marrying producer Martin Melcher. "She believed in God, and she thought her voice was God-given. She would say, 'God gave me a voice, and I just used it.' '' "She knew her fans loved her from all the letters, and that meant a lot to her," he added. He also told that Day's estate will go to charity as per her will and on her Doris Day Animal Foundation, he added, "The ultimate thing for it is to keep the foundation going. Born as Doris Mary Ann von Kappelhoff on April 3, 1922, in Cincinnati, she was named in honour of Doris Kenyon, a silent screen star. Among her other well-known songs were 'Secret Love' and 'Everybody Loves a Lover.' Among her most popular films were three romantic comedies: 'Pillow Talk' 1959, which brought her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, 'Lover Come Back' 1961 and 'Send Me No Flowers' (1964).

Hollywood legend Doris Day mentioned in her will: No funeral, no memorial and no grave

<p>Pop superstar Madonna on Tuesday explained her decision to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel this week, saying that she will always speak up to defend human rights and hopes to see "a new path toward peace."</p>

<p>Madonna will make a guest appearance on Saturday during the Eurovision finals in Tel Aviv.</p>

<p>The venue has prompted calls for a boycott by pro-Palestinian activists who want companies, performers and governments to disengage from Israel.</p>

<p>The popular Eurovision competition features musicians from more than 40 nations and was watched last year by some 189 million viewers in around 50 European countries.</p>

<p>In her first comment on her decision to sing at the event, Madonna said she was a supporter of all human rights.</p>

<p>"I`ll never stop playing music to suit someone`s political agenda nor will I stop speaking out against violations of human rights wherever in the world they may be," the singer said in a statement to Reuters.</p>

<p>"My heart breaks every time I hear about the innocent lives that are lost in this region and the violence that is so often perpetuated to suit the political goals of people who benefit from this ancient conflict. I hope and pray that we will soon break free from this terrible cycle of destruction and create a new path towards peace," she added.</p>

<p>Israel is hosting the Eurovision contest after local singer Netta Barzilai won last year.</p>

<p>The winning country customarily hosts the following year.</p>

<p>Madonna, 60, is expected to perform two songs in Tel Aviv, one from her upcoming 'Madame X' album to be released in June.</p>

<p>She had taken her world tours to Israel in 2009 and 2012, and is a follower of the mystical form of Judaism called Kabbalah.</p>

<p>The singer`s Ray of Light foundation, which promotes social justice and women`s empowerment worldwide, supports a number of Palestinian projects.</p>

<p>They include funding teachers` salaries at schools in the Gaza Strip through the United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency UNRWA and micro loans to female farmers through the Palestine Fair Trade Association.</p>

<p>The foundation also supports Americans for Peace Now, which campaigns for a diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.</p>

<p>Israel has launched a PR campaign to counter calls for a boycott of the Eurovision contest by the international Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.</p>

<p>Security has been tight in Tel Aviv amid fears that activists may seek to disrupt the competition.</p>


Pop superstar Madonna on Tuesday explained her decision to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel this week, saying that she will always speak up to defend human rights and hopes to see "a new path toward peace.

Pop superstar Madonna on Tuesday explained her decision to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel this week, saying that she will always speak up to defend human rights and hopes to see "a new path toward peace." Madonna will make a guest appearance on Saturday during the Eurovision finals in Tel Aviv. The venue has prompted calls for a boycott by pro-Palestinian activists who want companies, performers and governments to disengage from Israel. The popular Eurovision competition features musicians from more than 40 nations and was watched last year by some 189 million viewers in around 50 European countries. In her first comment on her decision to sing at the event, Madonna said she was a supporter of all human rights. "I`ll never stop playing music to suit someone`s political agenda nor will I stop speaking out against violations of human rights wherever in the world they may be," the singer said in a statement to Reuters. "My heart breaks every time I hear about the innocent lives that are lost in this region and the violence that is so often perpetuated to suit the political goals of people who benefit from this ancient conflict. I hope and pray that we will soon break free from this terrible cycle of destruction and create a new path towards peace," she added. Israel is hosting the Eurovision contest after local singer Netta Barzilai won last year. The winning country customarily hosts the following year. Madonna, 60, is expected to perform two songs in Tel Aviv, one from her upcoming 'Madame X' album to be released in June. She had taken her world tours to Israel in 2009 and 2012, and is a follower of the mystical form of Judaism called Kabbalah. The singer`s Ray of Light foundation, which promotes social justice and women`s empowerment worldwide, supports a number of Palestinian projects. They include funding teachers` salaries at schools in the Gaza Strip through the United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency UNRWA and micro loans to female farmers through the Palestine Fair Trade Association. The foundation also supports Americans for Peace Now, which campaigns for a diplomatic solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel has launched a PR campaign to counter calls for a boycott of the Eurovision contest by the international Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. Security has been tight in Tel Aviv amid fears that activists may seek to disrupt the competition.

Madonna on Eurovision: Won't bow to suit someone's political agenda

<p>Justin Timberlake along with Missy Elliot and composer Alex Lacamoire received honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music in Boston.</p>

<p>On Saturday, the actor shared an image of him in a graduation gown and cap as he flashes his doctorate.</p>

<p>"No Dream is too big!!! Keep chasing!!! Trust me... I`m a DOCTOR!! But, for real... THANK YOU to Berklee College for this incredible honor--I`m very humbled and grateful," Timberlake captioned the post.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxVvL1NBWpG/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">No Dream is too big!!! Keep chasing!!! Trust me... I’m a DOCTOR!! 🤣👨‍🎓 But, for real... THANK YOU to @berkleecollege for this incredible honor—I’m very humbled and grateful.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justintimberlake/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Justin Timberlake</a> (@justintimberlake) on <time datetime="2019-05-11T22:50:55+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 11, 2019 at 3:50pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Soon, his wife Jessica Biel congratulated him and commented, "literally every hat looks good on you, but this is my favourite one."</p>

<p>As Timberlake called himself a doctor on an Instagram post, Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock made a teasing comment.</p>

<p>He said, "Congrats my friend. So technically, you can now examine a new "rash" I`ve developed."</p>

<p>After receiving his honorary doctorate&nbsp;the, 'Can`t Stop The Feeling` singer is all set to be the second recipient of Songwriters Hall of Fame's&nbsp;`Contemporary Icon` award.</p>

<p>The Hall of Fame for 2019 has Dallas Austin, Missy Elliott, Tom T. Hall, John Prine, Jack Tempchin and Yusuf, aka Cat Stevens as the official inductees.&nbsp;</p>


Justin Timberlake along with Missy Elliot and composer Alex Lacamoire received honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music in Boston. On Saturday, the actor shared an image of him in a graduation gown and cap as he flashes his doctorate.

Justin Timberlake along with Missy Elliot and composer Alex Lacamoire received honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music in Boston. On Saturday, the actor shared an image of him in a graduation gown and cap as he flashes his doctorate. "No Dream is too big!!! Keep chasing!!! Trust me... I`m a DOCTOR!! But, for real... THANK YOU to Berklee College for this incredible honor--I`m very humbled and grateful," Timberlake captioned the post. View this post on Instagram No Dream is too big!!! Keep chasing!!! Trust me... I’m a DOCTOR!! 🤣👨‍🎓 But, for real... THANK YOU to @berkleecollege for this incredible honor—I’m very humbled and grateful. A post shared by Justin Timberlake (@justintimberlake) on May 11, 2019 at 3:50pm PDT × Soon, his wife Jessica Biel congratulated him and commented, "literally every hat looks good on you, but this is my favourite one." As Timberlake called himself a doctor on an Instagram post, Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock made a teasing comment. He said, "Congrats my friend. So technically, you can now examine a new "rash" I`ve developed." After receiving his honorary doctorate the, 'Can`t Stop The Feeling` singer is all set to be the second recipient of Songwriters Hall of Fame's `Contemporary Icon` award. The Hall of Fame for 2019 has Dallas Austin, Missy Elliott, Tom T. Hall, John Prine, Jack Tempchin and Yusuf, aka Cat Stevens as the official inductees.

Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliot can now call themselves 'doctors'

<p>The first trailer of upcoming Judy Garland biopic starring Renee Zellweger as the late actress, has been released by Roadside Attractions.</p>

<p>The film is set to hit theatres on 27 September this year.</p>

<p>The one-minute and twenty-nine-second trailer which released on Friday features Renee, touching down in London for a series of sold-out concerts at the Talk of the Town nightclub.</p>

<p>According to Hollywood Reporter, the film portrays Judy Garland`s final days before she died from an accidental drug overdose at age 47 in June 1969, while living in the U.K.</p>

<p>Renee Zellweger revealed in an interview that she involved two hours per day to transform into the Hollywood icon, Judy Garland.</p>

<p>The procedure included undergoing hair, makeup application, including contact lenses, wigs, and a near-identical wardrobe.</p>

<p>"It was such a joy learning about the magnificence of this person. I always admired her. She was so quick and so funny. She could hit the ball back with the best of them," Zellweger concluded.&nbsp;</p>


The first trailer of upcoming Judy Garland biopic starring Renee Zellweger as the late actress, has been released by Roadside Attractions. The film is set to hit theatres on 27 September this year.

The first trailer of upcoming Judy Garland biopic starring Renee Zellweger as the late actress, has been released by Roadside Attractions. The film is set to hit theatres on 27 September this year. The one-minute and twenty-nine-second trailer which released on Friday features Renee, touching down in London for a series of sold-out concerts at the Talk of the Town nightclub. According to Hollywood Reporter, the film portrays Judy Garland`s final days before she died from an accidental drug overdose at age 47 in June 1969, while living in the U.K. Renee Zellweger revealed in an interview that she involved two hours per day to transform into the Hollywood icon, Judy Garland. The procedure included undergoing hair, makeup application, including contact lenses, wigs, and a near-identical wardrobe. "It was such a joy learning about the magnificence of this person. I always admired her. She was so quick and so funny. She could hit the ball back with the best of them," Zellweger concluded.

Hollywood icon Judy Garland biopic's trailer out

<p>Hollywood veteran Russell Crowe has signed up for Derrick Borte`s road-rage thriller `Unhinged`.</p>

<p>Borte, who directed `American Thriller`, has been signed up to direct the psychological thriller that has been scripted by Carl Ellsworth, reports Variety.</p>

<p>Lisa Ellzey who has made films like `Warrior`, `Kingdom of Heaven` will produce `Unhinged` set to go on floors on July 15 in New Orleans.</p>

<p>Solstice Studios, set up in October 2018, will see `Unhinged` as their first film to go into production and are eyeing a release in the third quarter of 2020.</p>

<p>`Unhinged` takes an ordinary incident and takes it to its most horrifying outcome.</p>

<p>It tells the story of a mother who depends on the wrong guy at the wrong time.</p>

<p>Crowe is famed for best actor Academy award-winning role in `Gladiator` and has been nominated for his work in `The Insider` and `A Beautiful Mind`.</p>

<p>Crowe was last seen in Joel Edgerton`s `Boy Erased` and will next be seen in `The True History of the Kelly Gang`.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Hollywood veteran Russell Crowe has signed up for Derrick Borte`s road-rage thriller `Unhinged`. Borte, who directed `American Thriller`, has been signed up to direct the psychological thriller that has been scripted by Carl Ellsworth, reports Variety.

Hollywood veteran Russell Crowe has signed up for Derrick Borte`s road-rage thriller `Unhinged`. Borte, who directed `American Thriller`, has been signed up to direct the psychological thriller that has been scripted by Carl Ellsworth, reports Variety. Lisa Ellzey who has made films like `Warrior`, `Kingdom of Heaven` will produce `Unhinged` set to go on floors on July 15 in New Orleans. Solstice Studios, set up in October 2018, will see `Unhinged` as their first film to go into production and are eyeing a release in the third quarter of 2020. `Unhinged` takes an ordinary incident and takes it to its most horrifying outcome. It tells the story of a mother who depends on the wrong guy at the wrong time. Crowe is famed for best actor Academy award-winning role in `Gladiator` and has been nominated for his work in `The Insider` and `A Beautiful Mind`. Crowe was last seen in Joel Edgerton`s `Boy Erased` and will next be seen in `The True History of the Kelly Gang`.

Russell Crowe's next in psycho thriller 'Unhinged'

<p>After making a striking appearance at the Met Gala 2019 in New York, Priyanka Chopra Jonas opened up about starting a family with her husband and singer Nick Jonas.</p>

<p>In an interview with E-News, the 36-year-old talks about her future plans of entering into motherhood and the equation the couple shares.</p>

<p>When asked if she herself was looking forward to becoming a mom someday, the actor said, "Yeah. Always. I`ve always wanted to," she said. "I think, you know, whenever God wants it to happen."</p>

<p>In October, two months before her wedding, Priyanka told E-News, "I just have a few of my friends who are having babies right now and I`m like, `God I need to catch up!`"</p>

<p>In an interview to Spotify`s The Rewind with Guy Raz and as cited by E-News, Nick also opened up about his willingness to become a father someday.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"I definitely want to be a father someday, I think that`s a real dream, and I think I have had to grow up pretty quick. With that, you could look at it two ways, you could say that was unfair, or you could say it has given me some real perspective at an early age. And I have seen a lot of life at an early age and I hope to be able to share that with a kid of my own someday."</p>

<p>Priyanka and the 26-year-old Nick tied the knot in India in December last year.</p>

<p>They had first sparked romance rumours when they posed for Ralph Lauren designs at the 2017 Met Gala.</p>

<p>The two appeared together at the annual star-studded fashion event this year too.<br />
In her E-News interview on Thursday,</p>

<p>Priyanka revealed she and Nick consult each other on their outfits in general.</p>

<p>"I definitely ask his opinion. I think he`s extremely stylish and his choices of clothes are so great and I love a man</p>

<p>who`s well turned out," PeeCee said.</p>

<p>"My late father was that always well turned out, like took care of himself, and that shows that you care about your wife! It really does. Do it for your wives, guys. Take care of yourselves. I love that about Nick," she added.</p>

<p>"So whenever I`m stuck between a choice of two shoes or like what jewellery or how I want to style something, I always ask him," she continued. "I specifically call him; he doesn`t ask me as much. Nick buys me stuff all the time, he really does. He bought me this really cute Dior dress...it was like in my anticipation of summer. I like when he dresses me, he`s very chic," she said.</p>

<p>Also in attendance at the 2019 Met Gala was Nick`s brother Joe Jonas and his wife, Sophie Turner.</p>

<p>Joe and the Game of Thrones actor had a surprise wedding ceremony in Las Vegas.</p>

<p>The Jonas brothers including Nick, Joe and Kevin and their wives have spent much time together in recent months as their band prepares for a tour following their recent reunion.</p>

<p>The women, dubbed as J sisters, will join them.</p>

<p>The three have grown close over the past year.</p>

<p>"I don`t know what our collective talent is yet," PeeCee said. "We`re funny, we`re cute, but I dunno... we love each other so much and we get on really well, thank God. Whenever we come together, we make a night of it and that`s what really the J sisters are about to me, just like, a family that are friends."&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


After making a striking appearance at the Met Gala 2019 in New York, Priyanka Chopra Jonas opened up about starting a family with her husband and singer Nick Jonas.

After making a striking appearance at the Met Gala 2019 in New York, Priyanka Chopra Jonas opened up about starting a family with her husband and singer Nick Jonas. In an interview with E-News, the 36-year-old talks about her future plans of entering into motherhood and the equation the couple shares. When asked if she herself was looking forward to becoming a mom someday, the actor said, "Yeah. Always. I`ve always wanted to," she said. "I think, you know, whenever God wants it to happen." In October, two months before her wedding, Priyanka told E-News, "I just have a few of my friends who are having babies right now and I`m like, `God I need to catch up!`" In an interview to Spotify`s The Rewind with Guy Raz and as cited by E-News, Nick also opened up about his willingness to become a father someday. "I definitely want to be a father someday, I think that`s a real dream, and I think I have had to grow up pretty quick. With that, you could look at it two ways, you could say that was unfair, or you could say it has given me some real perspective at an early age. And I have seen a lot of life at an early age and I hope to be able to share that with a kid of my own someday." Priyanka and the 26-year-old Nick tied the knot in India in December last year. They had first sparked romance rumours when they posed for Ralph Lauren designs at the 2017 Met Gala. The two appeared together at the annual star-studded fashion event this year too. In her E-News interview on Thursday, Priyanka revealed she and Nick consult each other on their outfits in general. "I definitely ask his opinion. I think he`s extremely stylish and his choices of clothes are so great and I love a man who`s well turned out," PeeCee said. "My late father was that always well turned out, like took care of himself, and that shows that you care about your wife! It really does. Do it for your wives, guys. Take care of yourselves. I love that about Nick," she added. "So whenever I`m stuck between a choice of two shoes or like what jewellery or how I want to style something, I always ask him," she continued. "I specifically call him; he doesn`t ask me as much. Nick buys me stuff all the time, he really does. He bought me this really cute Dior dress...it was like in my anticipation of summer. I like when he dresses me, he`s very chic," she said. Also in attendance at the 2019 Met Gala was Nick`s brother Joe Jonas and his wife, Sophie Turner. Joe and the Game of Thrones actor had a surprise wedding ceremony in Las Vegas. The Jonas brothers including Nick, Joe and Kevin and their wives have spent much time together in recent months as their band prepares for a tour following their recent reunion. The women, dubbed as J sisters, will join them. The three have grown close over the past year. "I don`t know what our collective talent is yet," PeeCee said. "We`re funny, we`re cute, but I dunno... we love each other so much and we get on really well, thank God. Whenever we come together, we make a night of it and that`s what really the J sisters are about to me, just like, a family that are friends."

When will Priyanka Chopra have a baby? Here's what she has to say

Anne Hathaway got emotional on Thursday remembering the late director Jonathan Demme as she accepted a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Demme directed Hathaway in the 2008 drama "Rachel Getting Married" and died two years ago at age 73. Hathaway appeared to wipe away a tear as she remembered the man she called her "most beloved teacher."

Anne Hathaway remembers Jonathan Demme at Walk of Fame ceremony

Costume Institute Gala, more commonly known as the Met Gala, to kick off the beginning of its popular fashion show at The Costume Institute. Stars put on their best to match the theme of the year at the red carpet, and this year would be no different.

Costume Institute Gala, more commonly known as the Met Gala, to kick off the beginning of its popular fashion show at The Costume Institute. Stars put on their best to match the theme of the year at the red carpet, and this year would be no different. As reported by People, Met Gala`s 2019 theme has no resemblance to the literal meaning of `Camp` that involves pitching a tent. In pics: Lady Gaga's makes a grand entrance at New York's annual Met Gala 2019 View this post on Instagram Rita Ora and Kate Moss - Marc Jacobs Credit: Getty #metgala #met #metgala2019 #gala #themetgala A post shared by Met Gala (@themetgalaofficial) on May 6, 2019 at 6:44pm PDT × The theme is rather taken from American writer-filmmaker Susan Sontag`s essay `Notes on Camp` from 1964, which begins by defining the term as "its love of the unnatural, of artifice and exaggeration. Here the term is not in relation to beauty but with the degree of stylisation, the degree of artifice. View this post on Instagram Ella Balinska Credit: Getty #metgala #met #metgala2019 #gala #themetgala A post shared by Met Gala (@themetgalaofficial) on May 6, 2019 at 6:17pm PDT × The essay continues in 58 bullet points that just converge to one single term, `Camp`. Susan explained that not everything can be `camp` but a lot of things can be `campy` which may include songs, films, costumes and people, all can be confined to `Camp`. Susan also threw light upon some of her preferred examples, `Swan Lake`, `King Kong`. 'Whether it`s pop camp, queer camp, high camp or political camp - Trump is a very camp figure - I think it`s very timely. Much of high camp is a reaction to something.' The curator of the institute, Andrew Bolton, told the New York Times, as cited by People. It seems like `Camp` theme has been in trend lately. View this post on Instagram Cardi B Credit: Getty #metgala #met #metgala2019 #gala #themetgala A post shared by Met Gala (@themetgalaofficial) on May 6, 2019 at 6:12pm PDT × Alessandro Michele, Gucci`s creative director who is co-chairing 2019 Met Gala has a staunch inclination towards `Camp` theme, which is evident with his gender-bending suits or dramatic theatrics at his shows. When you come across quotation marks in a fashion line, know that you have just witnessed `Camp`, which believes quotation marks to be its significant component. American fashion designer, Virgil Abloh also relied on the use of the marks on pieces throughout his Off-White line in the last few seasons. He quoted terms like 'Fine Arts', as he shared his latest designs on Instagram. View this post on Instagram @Off____White™ items commissioned by the @metmuseum & @metcostumeinstitute in honor of The Met Gala theme “Camp”. inspired by Susan Sontag “Notes on Camp” and forever Marcel Duchamp. available today @metmuseum and eventually @em___pty___gallery A post shared by @ virgilabloh on May 6, 2019 at 10:55am PDT × Susan highlighted in her essay that `spirit of extravagance` is the hallmark of `Camp` and so does the brand Viktor & Rolf, which has imbibed the theme in their large tiered gowns with phrases like `Less is More`. Celebrities are buckling up for their Met Gala looks. Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga have already shared their pre - Gala preparation with the fans. The fashion jamboree will be held inside New York City`s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The show will include 175 pieces from men`s and women`s wear.

Met Gala: All you need to know about the 2019 'Camp' theme

Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore were among the stars who turned out to see Lucy Liu honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Wednesday (1 MAY 2019).

'Charlie's Angels' reunite as Lucy Liu honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame star

<p>'The Wire'&nbsp;creator David Simon, seven other writers, and the Writers Guild of America sued the four major Hollywood talent agencies on Wednesday for getting paid in such a way that the agencies` financial interests prevail over those of their clients.<br />
<br />
The plaintiffs are trying to establish that talent agency "packaging fees," in which an agent is paid directly by the writer`s employer instead of getting paid a 10 percent commission fee from the writer, are illegal under both California and federal law.<br />
<br />
In recent decades, packaging fees have become the standard form of compensation for the four largest talent agencies, which have grown in power and reach amid a wave of consolidation.<br />
<br />
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that because packaging fees are generally tied to a show`s revenue and profits, the agencies are incentivized to reduce the amount production companies pay writers and other talent on a show.<br />
<br />
As such, packaging fees violate California fiduciary law, the suit claims, because they pit the interests of the agency against those of its writer client. The fees also violate the state`s Unfair Competition Law, the suit maintains, because they amount to an illegal "kickback" from production companies to agencies.</p>

<p>The four agencies named in the complaint - William Morris Endeavor, Creative Artists Agency, United Talent Agency and ICM Partners - receive over 80 percent of the packaging fees paid by Hollywood studios and networks, according to the WGA.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Association of Talent Agencies (ATA), whose members include the four defendants in Wednesday`s lawsuit, said the filing was a sign that the WGA "is on a predetermined path to chaos that never included any intention to negotiate."<br />
<br />
"Knowing that it could take months or even years for this litigation to be resolved, WGA leaders are unnecessarily forcing their members and our industry into long-term uncertainty," ATA executive director Karen Stuart said in a statement.<br />
<br />
The relationship between the WGA and the Association of Talent Agencies, has been governed by a 43-year-old agreement that regulates how agents represent writers. After negotiations over a new, updated agreement fell apart, the WGA asked agents to sign a new code of contact that would eliminate packaging fees.</p>

<p>The majority of agents refused, and on Friday the WGA told its members to fire agents that had not signed the new code.&nbsp;</p>


'The Wire' creator David Simon, seven other writers, and the Writers Guild of America sued the four major Hollywood talent agencies on Wednesday for getting paid in such a way that the agencies` financial interests prevail over those of their clients.

'The Wire' creator David Simon, seven other writers, and the Writers Guild of America sued the four major Hollywood talent agencies on Wednesday for getting paid in such a way that the agencies` financial interests prevail over those of their clients. The plaintiffs are trying to establish that talent agency "packaging fees," in which an agent is paid directly by the writer`s employer instead of getting paid a 10 percent commission fee from the writer, are illegal under both California and federal law. In recent decades, packaging fees have become the standard form of compensation for the four largest talent agencies, which have grown in power and reach amid a wave of consolidation. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that because packaging fees are generally tied to a show`s revenue and profits, the agencies are incentivized to reduce the amount production companies pay writers and other talent on a show. As such, packaging fees violate California fiduciary law, the suit claims, because they pit the interests of the agency against those of its writer client. The fees also violate the state`s Unfair Competition Law, the suit maintains, because they amount to an illegal "kickback" from production companies to agencies. The four agencies named in the complaint - William Morris Endeavor, Creative Artists Agency, United Talent Agency and ICM Partners - receive over 80 percent of the packaging fees paid by Hollywood studios and networks, according to the WGA. The Association of Talent Agencies (ATA), whose members include the four defendants in Wednesday`s lawsuit, said the filing was a sign that the WGA "is on a predetermined path to chaos that never included any intention to negotiate." "Knowing that it could take months or even years for this litigation to be resolved, WGA leaders are unnecessarily forcing their members and our industry into long-term uncertainty," ATA executive director Karen Stuart said in a statement. The relationship between the WGA and the Association of Talent Agencies, has been governed by a 43-year-old agreement that regulates how agents represent writers. After negotiations over a new, updated agreement fell apart, the WGA asked agents to sign a new code of contact that would eliminate packaging fees. The majority of agents refused, and on Friday the WGA told its members to fire agents that had not signed the new code.

Writers Guild of America sues four major Hollywood talent agencies

<p>A "meteor" that tore across the Los Angeles skyline set Twitter alight with speculation it was a real life "Deep Impact".</p>

<p>A bright orange fireball that arced over Hollywood —&nbsp;home of countless disaster movies —&nbsp;sent people scrambling to capture the scene for social media —&nbsp;even if it later turned out to be more fiction than fact.</p>

<p>"Anyone else just see the Meteor over LA?", one person wrote on Twitter. "Incredible. Coolest thing I’ve seen."</p>

<p>"Anyone else see a giant meteor or fireball in the middle of downtown Los Angeles like a few minutes ago? It looked like a meteor but it was WAY too low to the ground," wrote Kasey Clark.</p>

<p>The Los Angeles Police Department weighed in to calm people's nerves with a Public Service Announcement, and remind them that theirs is the city of fantasy and dreams.</p>

<p>"PSA: A meteor did not crash into Downtown Los Angeles, and no, it's not an alien invasion ... just a film shoot. This is Tinseltown after all," the LAPD wrote on Twitter.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WAS THAT A METEOR, DTLA?! Caught this from my balcony— it burned out right behind the Intercontinental! <a href="https://t.co/BtbvbwzcVV">pic.twitter.com/BtbvbwzcVV</a></p>
— Celeste M. Perez (@_empressLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/_empressLA/status/1108558052465111041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The phenomenon was a publicity stunt by Red Bull, which fitted skydivers with LEDs and pyrotechnics as they plunged out of a helicopter 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above the city.</p>

<p>Still -- for a few moments at least -- the people of Los Angeles were allowed to dream.</p>

<p>"Is Captain Marvel back?" wrote Twitter user @MightyMisterX.</p>


A "meteor" that tore across the Los Angeles skyline set Twitter alight with speculation it was a real life "Deep Impact". A bright orange fireball that arced over Hollywood — home of countless disaster movies — sent people scrambling to capture the scene for social media — even if it later turned out to be more fiction than fact.

A "meteor" that tore across the Los Angeles skyline set Twitter alight with speculation it was a real life "Deep Impact". A bright orange fireball that arced over Hollywood — home of countless disaster movies — sent people scrambling to capture the scene for social media — even if it later turned out to be more fiction than fact. "Anyone else just see the Meteor over LA?", one person wrote on Twitter. "Incredible. Coolest thing I’ve seen." "Anyone else see a giant meteor or fireball in the middle of downtown Los Angeles like a few minutes ago? It looked like a meteor but it was WAY too low to the ground," wrote Kasey Clark. The Los Angeles Police Department weighed in to calm people's nerves with a Public Service Announcement, and remind them that theirs is the city of fantasy and dreams. "PSA: A meteor did not crash into Downtown Los Angeles, and no, it's not an alien invasion ... just a film shoot. This is Tinseltown after all," the LAPD wrote on Twitter. WAS THAT A METEOR, DTLA?! Caught this from my balcony— it burned out right behind the Intercontinental! pic.twitter.com/BtbvbwzcVV — Celeste M. Perez (@_empressLA) March 21, 2019 × The phenomenon was a publicity stunt by Red Bull, which fitted skydivers with LEDs and pyrotechnics as they plunged out of a helicopter 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above the city. Still -- for a few moments at least -- the people of Los Angeles were allowed to dream. "Is Captain Marvel back?" wrote Twitter user @MightyMisterX.

Deep impact? Los Angeles 'meteor' sets internet alight

<p>It is the first Marvel female superhero movie, steered by an Oscar-winning actor, equally known for being a vocal women's rights activist. It is also the first time a female director, Anna Boden, is driving a superhero film in Marvel's stable with her "equal" collaborator of 20 years, Ryan Fleck.&nbsp;<br />
Larson, in an interview in Singapore, had told PTI that the film gave her a bigger platform to talk about feminism, a cause close to her heart.<br />
"I feel so lucky that I made my first blockbuster movie and I just get to talk about feminism all day.</p>

<p>&nbsp;I never would have thought that was like a possibility for me. That's like my dream," the actor said last month.</p>

<p>Boden said as challenging as directing the film was, it was also empowering to be at the helm of big studio production.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She, however, hoped that there comes a time when a female director for a superhero film becomes a norm rather than an exception.<br />
<br />
"It's 2019... And everybody here looks for the day when it is not newsworthy that a woman is directing this kind of movie," she said at press conference in Singapore.</p>

<p>The theatrical release in India and the US on International Women's Day is an obvious move but the film is clear in its projection and reflection of a world that is going through campaigns like Time's Up.</p>

<p>But the risks, no matter how calculated, cannot be ignored.</p>

<p>It is the first attempt at a studio film as big as Marvel for the directors, who have indie, character-driven films like "Half Nelson" and "Mississippi Grind" to their credit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shouldering a stand-alone introductory film of a female hero in the aftermath of Harvey Weinstein scandal is a big responsibility.</p>

<p>The director duo said they did an "all expenses paid" course at 'Marvel University', where they were supported by the team well-versed with the MCU history, which was unfamiliar terrain for them.</p>

<p>Despite the training, directing "Captain Marvel" was a "scary and humbling" experience for Boden though the directors don't feel any obligation towards "Endgame" where Captain Marvel is already set to play an integral role as the post-credit scenes in "Infinity War" revealed.</p>

<p>"Honestly, since they won't tell us anything about 'Avengers'? They have a lock and key on that, we feel no commitment and responsibility to that movie at all. We're just focused on our movie," she told PTI.</p>

<p>The film spells out its goal, clearly aided by dialogues that check all the trending words - feminism, female representation, diversity, racism and xenophobia moulded in signature Marvel-esque humour.</p>

<p>The world of "Captain Marvel" is populated by Samuel L Jackson's younger, simpler Nick Fury; multi-layered women in Gemma Chan's no-nonsense Min-Nerva, Lashana Lynch's instinctive Maria, Annette Bening's double stunner, Jude Law's focused Yon-Rogg and Ben Mendelsohn's Talos who one ends up rooting for.</p>

<p>But what helps the film most is Larson's earnestness as the new hero on the horizon, who is capable of taking on Thanos in "Endgame".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film has its flaws like the character herself, but she is a suitable role model for female fans of the superhero genre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All in all, a Marvel fan will walk out from the theatres with lots of trivia and '90s nostalgia.</p>

<p><br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the views published by the News Agency PTI, and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


It is the first Marvel female superhero movie, steered by an Oscar-winning actor, equally known for being a vocal women's rights activist. It is also the first time a female director, Anna Boden, is driving a superhero film in Marvel's stable with her "equal" collaborator of 20 years, Ryan Fleck.

It is the first Marvel female superhero movie, steered by an Oscar-winning actor, equally known for being a vocal women's rights activist. It is also the first time a female director, Anna Boden, is driving a superhero film in Marvel's stable with her "equal" collaborator of 20 years, Ryan Fleck. Larson, in an interview in Singapore, had told PTI that the film gave her a bigger platform to talk about feminism, a cause close to her heart. "I feel so lucky that I made my first blockbuster movie and I just get to talk about feminism all day. I never would have thought that was like a possibility for me. That's like my dream," the actor said last month. Boden said as challenging as directing the film was, it was also empowering to be at the helm of big studio production. She, however, hoped that there comes a time when a female director for a superhero film becomes a norm rather than an exception. "It's 2019... And everybody here looks for the day when it is not newsworthy that a woman is directing this kind of movie," she said at press conference in Singapore. The theatrical release in India and the US on International Women's Day is an obvious move but the film is clear in its projection and reflection of a world that is going through campaigns like Time's Up. But the risks, no matter how calculated, cannot be ignored. It is the first attempt at a studio film as big as Marvel for the directors, who have indie, character-driven films like "Half Nelson" and "Mississippi Grind" to their credit. Shouldering a stand-alone introductory film of a female hero in the aftermath of Harvey Weinstein scandal is a big responsibility. The director duo said they did an "all expenses paid" course at 'Marvel University', where they were supported by the team well-versed with the MCU history, which was unfamiliar terrain for them. Despite the training, directing "Captain Marvel" was a "scary and humbling" experience for Boden though the directors don't feel any obligation towards "Endgame" where Captain Marvel is already set to play an integral role as the post-credit scenes in "Infinity War" revealed. "Honestly, since they won't tell us anything about 'Avengers'? They have a lock and key on that, we feel no commitment and responsibility to that movie at all. We're just focused on our movie," she told PTI. The film spells out its goal, clearly aided by dialogues that check all the trending words - feminism, female representation, diversity, racism and xenophobia moulded in signature Marvel-esque humour. The world of "Captain Marvel" is populated by Samuel L Jackson's younger, simpler Nick Fury; multi-layered women in Gemma Chan's no-nonsense Min-Nerva, Lashana Lynch's instinctive Maria, Annette Bening's double stunner, Jude Law's focused Yon-Rogg and Ben Mendelsohn's Talos who one ends up rooting for. But what helps the film most is Larson's earnestness as the new hero on the horizon, who is capable of taking on Thanos in "Endgame". The film has its flaws like the character herself, but she is a suitable role model for female fans of the superhero genre. All in all, a Marvel fan will walk out from the theatres with lots of trivia and '90s nostalgia. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the views published by the News Agency PTI, and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

'Captain Marvel' makes timely landing in post #MeToo Hollywood

<p><strong>By Claire Jenkins</strong><br />
<br />
Another year, another Oscars Ceremony. Red-carpeted self-congratulations, the popping of flashes and the anticipation of the popping of corks at the many after parties for the rich and famous. And, once again, another Academy Awards in which no women were mentioned in the important category of best director.</p>

<p>In the 91 years that the awards have been running, only five women have been nominated for this coveted award – and only one, Kathryn Bigelow, has come away with the statuette: this represents about 1 per cent of nominees and winners. It’s a shockingly low statistic, even when you take into account that a mere 8 per cent of Hollywood’s top 250 films in 2018 were directed by women. In 2017 America’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found Hollywood to be guilty of discrimination against female directors, but as yet there have been no significant shifts in the number of women directing.</p>

<p>But while there is clearly much to do, there may be some small tremors discernible on Hollywood’s Geiger counter. Take Mimi Leder‘s newest film 'On the Basis of Sex', about the career of US Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Leder was effectively ostracised by Hollywood after the commercial failure of Pay it Forward (2000), so her return to directing with a biopic of one of America’s most prominent feminist icons suggests that Hollywood is softening in its treatment of women on, and off, screen.</p>

<p>Leder’s return to the director’s chair comes alongside the impressive success of Ava DuVernay, who has been breaking ground for women of colour in the film industry. DuVernay became the first African-American woman to make over $100 million at the American domestic box office with A Wrinkle in Time (2018) and was subsequently offered a $100m deal with Warner Bros. This deal came despite the film’s lukewarm critical reception, and claims that it was helped to box office success by 'The Incredibles 2', with which it was paired at various drive-ins in the US. It should be noted that DuVernay’s deal with Warner Bros was to develop television content.</p>

<p>It is on the television and streaming sectors that women seem to have more opportunities. It was as a television director that Leder has been working since her film career faltered, gaining acclaim for her work on 'The Leftovers', and 'DuVernay' has oscillated between television and film – taking on a number of producing roles for the small screen.</p>

<p>The current Hollywood climate continues to favour male filmmakers, with its penchant for high-octane action blockbusters and superhero movies that are more often than not films for – and about – men. Coverage of the forthcoming Captain Marvel movie may be trying to draw on the film’s feminist credentials – with its female lead and female director – but Anna Boden is only one half of the directorial team (she shares the role with Ryan Fleck). So despite Marvel boss Kevin Feige’s claims that “many” of the upcoming Marvel films will be directed by women, as yet no movie from what is known as the “Marvel Cinematic Universe” (MCU) has a female director, although Australian director Cate Shortland is expected to helm the Black Widow film.</p>

<p>Even if MCU and other action-producers continue to hire women directors, though, this will not necessarily affect the Oscars – 'Black Panther' currently standing as the only MCU movie to be nominated.</p>

<p><strong>Hooray for ‘Indiewood’</strong></p>

<p>Big-budget, but low-brow action movies are generally overlooked during awards season – instead, it’s those films that we might term “Indiewood”, independent-style films funded or distributed by specialist arms of the major studios, that tend to be celebrated. In 2019, two of the three English language films nominated for best director were distributed by major studios or their specialist arms. 'The Favourite' was distributed by Fox Searchlight, and 'BlacKkKlansman' was distributed by Focus Features, a subsidiary of Universal.</p>

<p>Independent filmmaking has, historically, offered more opportunities for women directors, and therefore the lack of women nominated for the Best Director award seems even more pronounced. Although figures for women working within the independent sector are less well publicised, the Celluloid Ceiling Report suggested that women are better represented in the independent sector, making up 23 per cent of the directors of narrative features screened at festivals in 2017 and 2018.</p>

<p>Statistics such as these demonstrate that women directors are working in the American industry, but the big studios are failing to hire them and the Academy is failing to recognise them.</p>

<p>Women directors slated for nods this awards season all made films that fall into the independent or Indiewood category: Debra Granik’s 'Leave No Trace', Lynne Ramsay’s 'You Were Never Really Here' and Marielle Heller’s 'Can You Ever Forgive Me'.</p>

<p><strong>#OscarsSoMale</strong></p>

<p>Anne Fletcher’s latest film 'Dumplin’ was independently produced and distributed by Netflix. Fletcher had box office success with mainstream rom-coms including '27 Dresses' (2008) and 'The Proposal' (2009) but after the failure of 'Hot Pursuit' it appears that she too has been pushed out of the mainstream.</p>

<p>'That Dumplin’ was distributed by Netflix, and 'You Were Never Really Here' was distributed by Amazon Studios, demonstrates that there are different outlets for women within the changing media culture – but there is still a lack of support for women in the mainstream – the big studios. And even those women who have had success in Hollywood are rarely recognised for their achievements.</p>

<p>The death of Penny Marshall in December was met with a public outpouring of grief via social media and popular press. She was hailed as a trailblazer as the first woman to make over $100 million at the American domestic box office with 'Big' (1988). But Marshall is not a household name. 'Big' is remembered as the film that made Tom Hanks’ name, not Marshall’s. Marshall is just the first in a long string of women who have changed Hollywood, but they are not recognised for their achievements.</p>

<p>The American film industry must do better – in hiring women directors, in rewarding women directors and in highlighting and protecting their legacies.</p>

<p><br />
<em>(Claire Jenkins is Lecturer in Film and Television Studies, University of Leicester)</em></p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on the Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/oscars-2019-olivia-colman-wins-best-actress-but-yet-again-hollywood-shows-it-thinks-film-making-is-a-man-thing-109534">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


By Claire Jenkins Another year, another Oscars Ceremony. Red-carpeted self-congratulations, the popping of flashes and the anticipation of the popping of corks at the many after parties for the rich and famous.

By Claire Jenkins Another year, another Oscars Ceremony. Red-carpeted self-congratulations, the popping of flashes and the anticipation of the popping of corks at the many after parties for the rich and famous. And, once again, another Academy Awards in which no women were mentioned in the important category of best director. In the 91 years that the awards have been running, only five women have been nominated for this coveted award – and only one, Kathryn Bigelow, has come away with the statuette: this represents about 1 per cent of nominees and winners. It’s a shockingly low statistic, even when you take into account that a mere 8 per cent of Hollywood’s top 250 films in 2018 were directed by women. In 2017 America’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found Hollywood to be guilty of discrimination against female directors, but as yet there have been no significant shifts in the number of women directing. But while there is clearly much to do, there may be some small tremors discernible on Hollywood’s Geiger counter. Take Mimi Leder‘s newest film 'On the Basis of Sex', about the career of US Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Leder was effectively ostracised by Hollywood after the commercial failure of Pay it Forward (2000), so her return to directing with a biopic of one of America’s most prominent feminist icons suggests that Hollywood is softening in its treatment of women on, and off, screen. Leder’s return to the director’s chair comes alongside the impressive success of Ava DuVernay, who has been breaking ground for women of colour in the film industry. DuVernay became the first African-American woman to make over $100 million at the American domestic box office with A Wrinkle in Time (2018) and was subsequently offered a $100m deal with Warner Bros. This deal came despite the film’s lukewarm critical reception, and claims that it was helped to box office success by 'The Incredibles 2', with which it was paired at various drive-ins in the US. It should be noted that DuVernay’s deal with Warner Bros was to develop television content. It is on the television and streaming sectors that women seem to have more opportunities. It was as a television director that Leder has been working since her film career faltered, gaining acclaim for her work on 'The Leftovers', and 'DuVernay' has oscillated between television and film – taking on a number of producing roles for the small screen. The current Hollywood climate continues to favour male filmmakers, with its penchant for high-octane action blockbusters and superhero movies that are more often than not films for – and about – men. Coverage of the forthcoming Captain Marvel movie may be trying to draw on the film’s feminist credentials – with its female lead and female director – but Anna Boden is only one half of the directorial team (she shares the role with Ryan Fleck). So despite Marvel boss Kevin Feige’s claims that “many” of the upcoming Marvel films will be directed by women, as yet no movie from what is known as the “Marvel Cinematic Universe” (MCU) has a female director, although Australian director Cate Shortland is expected to helm the Black Widow film. Even if MCU and other action-producers continue to hire women directors, though, this will not necessarily affect the Oscars – 'Black Panther' currently standing as the only MCU movie to be nominated. Hooray for ‘Indiewood’ Big-budget, but low-brow action movies are generally overlooked during awards season – instead, it’s those films that we might term “Indiewood”, independent-style films funded or distributed by specialist arms of the major studios, that tend to be celebrated. In 2019, two of the three English language films nominated for best director were distributed by major studios or their specialist arms. 'The Favourite' was distributed by Fox Searchlight, and 'BlacKkKlansman' was distributed by Focus Features, a subsidiary of Universal. Independent filmmaking has, historically, offered more opportunities for women directors, and therefore the lack of women nominated for the Best Director award seems even more pronounced. Although figures for women working within the independent sector are less well publicised, the Celluloid Ceiling Report suggested that women are better represented in the independent sector, making up 23 per cent of the directors of narrative features screened at festivals in 2017 and 2018. Statistics such as these demonstrate that women directors are working in the American industry, but the big studios are failing to hire them and the Academy is failing to recognise them. Women directors slated for nods this awards season all made films that fall into the independent or Indiewood category: Debra Granik’s 'Leave No Trace', Lynne Ramsay’s 'You Were Never Really Here' and Marielle Heller’s 'Can You Ever Forgive Me'. #OscarsSoMale Anne Fletcher’s latest film 'Dumplin’ was independently produced and distributed by Netflix. Fletcher had box office success with mainstream rom-coms including '27 Dresses' (2008) and 'The Proposal' (2009) but after the failure of 'Hot Pursuit' it appears that she too has been pushed out of the mainstream. 'That Dumplin’ was distributed by Netflix, and 'You Were Never Really Here' was distributed by Amazon Studios, demonstrates that there are different outlets for women within the changing media culture – but there is still a lack of support for women in the mainstream – the big studios. And even those women who have had success in Hollywood are rarely recognised for their achievements. The death of Penny Marshall in December was met with a public outpouring of grief via social media and popular press. She was hailed as a trailblazer as the first woman to make over $100 million at the American domestic box office with 'Big' (1988). But Marshall is not a household name. 'Big' is remembered as the film that made Tom Hanks’ name, not Marshall’s. Marshall is just the first in a long string of women who have changed Hollywood, but they are not recognised for their achievements. The American film industry must do better – in hiring women directors, in rewarding women directors and in highlighting and protecting their legacies. (Claire Jenkins is Lecturer in Film and Television Studies, University of Leicester) (This article was originally published on the Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Oscars 2019: Yet again, Hollywood shows it thinks film-making is a man thing

As awards race heats up, molten metal is forged into BAFTA statues

<p>Actor Demi Moore wonders why female actors are typecast as "evil, bitter villains" in Hollywood after they attain a certain age.</p>

<p>The 56-year-old actor currently stars in horror comedy 'Corporate Animals' where she plays an egotistical CEO of an MNC.</p>

<p>In an interview with IndieWire, Moore, who ruled the 90s with her films like 'A Few Good Men', 'Disclosure', 'Ghost' and 'Indecent Proposal', stressed that older women can play romantic leads in movies.</p>

<p>"I do want to be careful not to play into a cliche, which is that all older women are evil, bitter villains, which is one of the next kind of things that needs to be overcome. We want romance too! We want all those things!" she said.</p>

<p>Moore said she is very 'picky' about the projects she chooses these days.</p>

<p>"I think I'm pretty picky. And now after working with all of these guys, it's gonna be really tough, because this was so good. Truly, it was one of the best experiences of my whole career," she added.</p>

<p>'Corporate Animals', directed by Patrick Brice, also features Ed Helms, Jessica Williams and Karan Soni.</p>


Actor Demi Moore wonders why female actors are typecast as "evil, bitter villains" in Hollywood after they attain a certain age. The 56-year-old actor currently stars in horror comedy 'Corporate Animals' where she plays an egotistical CEO of an MNC.

Actor Demi Moore wonders why female actors are typecast as "evil, bitter villains" in Hollywood after they attain a certain age. The 56-year-old actor currently stars in horror comedy 'Corporate Animals' where she plays an egotistical CEO of an MNC. In an interview with IndieWire, Moore, who ruled the 90s with her films like 'A Few Good Men', 'Disclosure', 'Ghost' and 'Indecent Proposal', stressed that older women can play romantic leads in movies. "I do want to be careful not to play into a cliche, which is that all older women are evil, bitter villains, which is one of the next kind of things that needs to be overcome. We want romance too! We want all those things!" she said. Moore said she is very 'picky' about the projects she chooses these days. "I think I'm pretty picky. And now after working with all of these guys, it's gonna be really tough, because this was so good. Truly, it was one of the best experiences of my whole career," she added. 'Corporate Animals', directed by Patrick Brice, also features Ed Helms, Jessica Williams and Karan Soni.

Demi Moore laments portrayal of older women as 'evil, bitter villains' in films

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