Madonna‘s live performances take a lot of inspiration from the theatrical rock of the 1970s, so it makes sense that her “provocative performances” started with one song by The Who. In middle school, she performed one of The Who’s most famous songs in school and was shunned by her peers. Eventually, that sort of controversy would work out in her favor. However, this doesn’t mean Madonna ever looked at herself as cool or a trendsetter.
Madonna said her brothers introduced her to songs by The Who and The Rolling Stones
During a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone, the Queen of Pop revealed that she has a rockin’ side. “Everyone thinks I was born in a disco,” she said. “My older brothers were in the basement listening to The Who and The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, [Led] Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love,’ The Who’s ‘Baba O’Riley.'...
Madonna said her brothers introduced her to songs by The Who and The Rolling Stones
During a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone, the Queen of Pop revealed that she has a rockin’ side. “Everyone thinks I was born in a disco,” she said. “My older brothers were in the basement listening to The Who and The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, [Led] Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love,’ The Who’s ‘Baba O’Riley.'...
- 4/11/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
FKA Twigs experienced a significant change in scenery when she relocated to Prague, where she encountered the key influence for her upcoming album: techno. In a series of posts on Discord, the musician teased the project, which will mark her first since 2022’s Caprisongs. “I moved to Prague a couple summers ago, fell in love with techno,” she wrote. “The album isn’t techno but the spirit is there fr [for real].”
Explaining the record’s tone, Twigs shared: “It’s deep but not sad … I’m not sad anymore.” The announcement of new music,...
Explaining the record’s tone, Twigs shared: “It’s deep but not sad … I’m not sad anymore.” The announcement of new music,...
- 1/17/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
FKA twigs, the British singer who will star in a reboot of The Crow, has slammed a decision by the UK’s advertising watchdog to ban her semi-nude Calvin Klein ad.
The Advertising Standards Authority ruled that the ad must not appear again in its current form because it portrayed FKA twigs (real name Tahliah Debrett Barnett) as a “stereotypical sexual object.”
In an Instagram post, FKA twigs (Honey Boy) said the ruling displayed “double standards” after “past and current” campaigns featured scantily clad models.
She did not explicitly reference other ads, but recent examples include The Bear star Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein photoshoot, in which he is dressed in nothing but underwear.
“I do not see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that they have labelled me,” FKA twigs said. “I see a beautiful strong woman of colour whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine.
The Advertising Standards Authority ruled that the ad must not appear again in its current form because it portrayed FKA twigs (real name Tahliah Debrett Barnett) as a “stereotypical sexual object.”
In an Instagram post, FKA twigs (Honey Boy) said the ruling displayed “double standards” after “past and current” campaigns featured scantily clad models.
She did not explicitly reference other ads, but recent examples include The Bear star Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein photoshoot, in which he is dressed in nothing but underwear.
“I do not see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that they have labelled me,” FKA twigs said. “I see a beautiful strong woman of colour whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine.
- 1/11/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Nearly a year after a partially nude FKA Twigs starred in a Calvin Klein campaign, the ad was banned in the U.K. as it apparently made the singer a “stereotypical sexual object.”
The artist responded to the ban on Wednesday, taking to social media to share her thought. “I do not see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that they have labelled me. i see a beautiful strong woman of colour whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine,” wrote Twigs on Instagram alongside an image of the ad.
The artist responded to the ban on Wednesday, taking to social media to share her thought. “I do not see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that they have labelled me. i see a beautiful strong woman of colour whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine,” wrote Twigs on Instagram alongside an image of the ad.
- 1/11/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
FKA Twigs is taking a stand after the U.K.’s Advertising Standards Authority banned a photo from her 2023 Calvin Klein ad campaign.
The 36-year-old singer was one of several stars to feature in the campaign, which also included the likes of Kendall Jenner. One of her photos featured her wearing nothing but a jacket.
In its ruling, the Asa ruled that “The ad used nudity and centered on FKA Twigs’ physical features rather than the clothing, to the extent that it presented her as a stereotypical sexual object.”
FKA Twigs took to social media to weigh in on the decision.
Read FKA Twigs’ response…
“i do not see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that they have labelled me. i see a beautiful strong woman of colour whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine,” the hitmaker wrote on Instagram, where she re-posted the controversial photo.
She continued,...
The 36-year-old singer was one of several stars to feature in the campaign, which also included the likes of Kendall Jenner. One of her photos featured her wearing nothing but a jacket.
In its ruling, the Asa ruled that “The ad used nudity and centered on FKA Twigs’ physical features rather than the clothing, to the extent that it presented her as a stereotypical sexual object.”
FKA Twigs took to social media to weigh in on the decision.
Read FKA Twigs’ response…
“i do not see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that they have labelled me. i see a beautiful strong woman of colour whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine,” the hitmaker wrote on Instagram, where she re-posted the controversial photo.
She continued,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Fans of 1980s pop music rejoice! Cher and Cyndi Lauper have blessed us with a duet! During an interview, the “If I Could Turn Back Time” singer discussed how the song came to be. Lauper also revealed what she thought of Cher back in the day.
Cyndi Lauper was the 1st singer Cher called to work on her Christmas album
During a 2023 interview with Paper, Cher discussed her debut Christmas album, Christmas. “All of a sudden, the Christmas album came up again,” she said. “I mean, it’d been coming up my whole life and I’d always been going, ‘Yeah, no,’ and somehow this was different. When I started, I was totally into it. I called Cyndi first and then I called Stevie [Wonder] and then Darlene [Love].”
Two other stars appeared on Christmas: traditional pop revivalist Michael Bublé and rapper Tyga. Cher was surprised she was able to work with both artists.
Cyndi Lauper was the 1st singer Cher called to work on her Christmas album
During a 2023 interview with Paper, Cher discussed her debut Christmas album, Christmas. “All of a sudden, the Christmas album came up again,” she said. “I mean, it’d been coming up my whole life and I’d always been going, ‘Yeah, no,’ and somehow this was different. When I started, I was totally into it. I called Cyndi first and then I called Stevie [Wonder] and then Darlene [Love].”
Two other stars appeared on Christmas: traditional pop revivalist Michael Bublé and rapper Tyga. Cher was surprised she was able to work with both artists.
- 12/25/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“She sat down, stubbed out a cigarette, tossing her long hair and from then on I watched her expecting something — I didn’t know what. Apparently she did not eat, nor did she clap for any of the other speakers. She smoldered and smoked.”
That passage is First Lady Lady Bird Johnson’s description of Eartha Kitt at a White House luncheon — a meal that would come to define both women’s legacies — from her White House diaries, a meticulous account of Lyndon B. Johnson’s five years as president. As shown in “The Lady Bird Diaries,” a gorgeous and haunting new documentary from Dawn Porter (“John Lewis: Good Trouble”), the First Lady was right to expect something.
Recreated thanks to an uncanny combination of Lady Bird and Kitt’s own voices, footage filmed at the event, and evocative illustrations from Molly Schwartz, we see history come to life as...
That passage is First Lady Lady Bird Johnson’s description of Eartha Kitt at a White House luncheon — a meal that would come to define both women’s legacies — from her White House diaries, a meticulous account of Lyndon B. Johnson’s five years as president. As shown in “The Lady Bird Diaries,” a gorgeous and haunting new documentary from Dawn Porter (“John Lewis: Good Trouble”), the First Lady was right to expect something.
Recreated thanks to an uncanny combination of Lady Bird and Kitt’s own voices, footage filmed at the event, and evocative illustrations from Molly Schwartz, we see history come to life as...
- 11/14/2023
- by Mark Peikert
- Indiewire
Throughout the five years in which Lyndon B. Johnson was the President of the United States, his First Lady––Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson––took note of everything. The Lady Bird Diaries, directed by Dawn Porter, is built on archival photo and video as well as audio from Lady Bird herself. For the duration of the Johnson Administration, Mrs. Johnson recorded 123 hours of audible diary entries. From these revealing documents, Porter forms a sympathetic yet clear-eyed portrait of a compassionate woman in an extraordinary position.
Based on Julia E. Sweig’s biography Lady Bird Johnson: Hiding in Plain Sight and the podcast In Plain Sight: Lady Bird Johnson, The Lady Bird Diaries opens on November 22nd, 1963 in Dallas. “It all began so beautifully…,” Lady Bird recalls. The immediate aftermath of the JFK Assassination is described in great detail by the new First Lady, thrust into a role she was never eager to play.
Based on Julia E. Sweig’s biography Lady Bird Johnson: Hiding in Plain Sight and the podcast In Plain Sight: Lady Bird Johnson, The Lady Bird Diaries opens on November 22nd, 1963 in Dallas. “It all began so beautifully…,” Lady Bird recalls. The immediate aftermath of the JFK Assassination is described in great detail by the new First Lady, thrust into a role she was never eager to play.
- 11/13/2023
- by Dan Mecca
- The Film Stage
The thing that strikes you first is her voice.
Lady Bird Johnson recorded 123 hours of audio tapes recounting the ins and outs of her husband Lyndon Johnson’s administration. The recordings form the spine of Dawn Porter’s illuminating new documentary, “The Lady Bird Diaries,” but they don’t just give a chronological sequence of events. These recordings are an artistic achievement in their own right, primary-source history executed with insight and wit, and as a kind of diaristic blank verse. It helps that Johnson had worked as a journalist; she has a way with words that’s deceptive because she’s not (overly) flowery, though her vocabulary is immense. Instead, she’s direct, spare in her descriptions, with her Texas drawl giving musicality to her prose. The space between the drama of her saying “I want to know what is going on, even if to know is to suffer...
Lady Bird Johnson recorded 123 hours of audio tapes recounting the ins and outs of her husband Lyndon Johnson’s administration. The recordings form the spine of Dawn Porter’s illuminating new documentary, “The Lady Bird Diaries,” but they don’t just give a chronological sequence of events. These recordings are an artistic achievement in their own right, primary-source history executed with insight and wit, and as a kind of diaristic blank verse. It helps that Johnson had worked as a journalist; she has a way with words that’s deceptive because she’s not (overly) flowery, though her vocabulary is immense. Instead, she’s direct, spare in her descriptions, with her Texas drawl giving musicality to her prose. The space between the drama of her saying “I want to know what is going on, even if to know is to suffer...
- 11/13/2023
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
If films and series about queer Americans in the 20th century can sometimes feel like a march through collective trauma, well, much of the 20th century was traumatic for the LGBTQ community. And Showtime’s new limited series “Fellow Travelers” (adapted from Thomas Mallon’s novel by Ron Nyswaner) includes a lot of it, from the lavender panic of the McCarthy era through the White Night riots in the aftermath of Harvey Milk’s assassination to the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. But woven throughout those momentous events, along with the star-crossed romance between Hawkins Fuller (Matt Bomer) and Tim Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey), are historically accurate moments of queer joy. Yes, gay culture existed (and thrived!) pre-Stonewall.
“I was the only person employed longer on the show than our researcher, Louis Gropman,” Nyswaner told IndieWire. That attention to detail shows throughout, from the opening credits (a montage of real photos...
“I was the only person employed longer on the show than our researcher, Louis Gropman,” Nyswaner told IndieWire. That attention to detail shows throughout, from the opening credits (a montage of real photos...
- 10/30/2023
- by Mark Peikert
- Indiewire
WME has signed the Estate of Nigerian bandleader, composer, political activist and Afrobeat creator Fela Kuti for management worldwide under its WME Legends division.
WME’s Legends division focuses on estate and legacy brand management with the objective of managing and growing the legacies of artists and brands. Kuti, whose music was celebrated in the 2009-2011 Broadway musical Fela!, died of complications related to AIDS In 1997.
The WME Legends team will manage Kuti’s name, image, likeness, as well as life, IP, music and publishing rights across WME and parent company Endeavor’s departments and companies worldwide in partnership with the administrators of Fela’s Estate.
Specifically, the agency says, a focus will be on projects to grow the estate’s legacy for a new generation via a definitive scripted biopic, expansion of the Fela! stage musical franchise, previously unreleased masters and unpublished songs, licensing and merchandising along with commercials,...
WME’s Legends division focuses on estate and legacy brand management with the objective of managing and growing the legacies of artists and brands. Kuti, whose music was celebrated in the 2009-2011 Broadway musical Fela!, died of complications related to AIDS In 1997.
The WME Legends team will manage Kuti’s name, image, likeness, as well as life, IP, music and publishing rights across WME and parent company Endeavor’s departments and companies worldwide in partnership with the administrators of Fela’s Estate.
Specifically, the agency says, a focus will be on projects to grow the estate’s legacy for a new generation via a definitive scripted biopic, expansion of the Fela! stage musical franchise, previously unreleased masters and unpublished songs, licensing and merchandising along with commercials,...
- 10/24/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
With the temperature dropping, the days getting shorter, and the start of sweater weather, Christmas - and the holiday season - is just on the horizon. And if you're a Christmas-music-lover like us, you're starting to put together your playlists of seasonal hits to prepare for another celebration of joy, love, and festive bops.
With so many Christmas songs out there, it can be overwhelming to create a solid holiday-music playlist. To make things easier, we're gifting you 75 of the best Christmas songs of all time. Some of the biggest artists of today have released some amazing Christmas tracks, including Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, and Ariana Grande. Then there are classic songs from artists like Eartha Kitt, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra that we love listening to every year. And of course, there's the No. 1 Christmas bop of all time, Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You.
With so many Christmas songs out there, it can be overwhelming to create a solid holiday-music playlist. To make things easier, we're gifting you 75 of the best Christmas songs of all time. Some of the biggest artists of today have released some amazing Christmas tracks, including Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, and Ariana Grande. Then there are classic songs from artists like Eartha Kitt, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra that we love listening to every year. And of course, there's the No. 1 Christmas bop of all time, Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You.
- 10/18/2023
- by Madison Tyler
- Popsugar.com
Just hours after Lizzo was hit with a second lawsuit with claims of creating a hostile work environment, the star accepted the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award at the Black Music Action Coalition (Bmac) gala in Los Angeles.
After skipping the red carpet portion of the evening, Lizzo took the stage at the Beverly Hilton hotel following an introduction by a group of her Big Grrrl dancers. Wiping away tears, she told the crowd, “I really needed this right now. God’s timing is on time.”
“I didn’t write a speech because I don’t know what to say in times like these,” Lizzo continued, thanking Bmac for the honor and noting that this award was different than others she has won because “humanitarianism in its nature is thankless, it’s selfless. To be kind to someone isn’t a talent; everyone can do it, it’s a gift that you give.
After skipping the red carpet portion of the evening, Lizzo took the stage at the Beverly Hilton hotel following an introduction by a group of her Big Grrrl dancers. Wiping away tears, she told the crowd, “I really needed this right now. God’s timing is on time.”
“I didn’t write a speech because I don’t know what to say in times like these,” Lizzo continued, thanking Bmac for the honor and noting that this award was different than others she has won because “humanitarianism in its nature is thankless, it’s selfless. To be kind to someone isn’t a talent; everyone can do it, it’s a gift that you give.
- 9/22/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hope that Smokey’s glow-up was worth it, Emmett!
Before The Chi‘s Season 6 premiere is over, Ej’s dad gets a firsthand lesson in how ruthless, exacting and horrifyingly violent his new business partner can be. But will a cold-blooded killing committed within feet of Emmett’s shocked face be enough for him to end his financial dealings with Douda?
More from TVLineHeartstopper Finale Recap: Did You 'Love' Season 2's Ending?The Chi Premiere Sneak Peek: Douda Makes Emmett an Offer He Really Can't Refuse (Exclusive)Heartstopper Season 2 Premiere Recap: Nick Comes Out to [Spoiler]
Read on to catch up...
Before The Chi‘s Season 6 premiere is over, Ej’s dad gets a firsthand lesson in how ruthless, exacting and horrifyingly violent his new business partner can be. But will a cold-blooded killing committed within feet of Emmett’s shocked face be enough for him to end his financial dealings with Douda?
More from TVLineHeartstopper Finale Recap: Did You 'Love' Season 2's Ending?The Chi Premiere Sneak Peek: Douda Makes Emmett an Offer He Really Can't Refuse (Exclusive)Heartstopper Season 2 Premiere Recap: Nick Comes Out to [Spoiler]
Read on to catch up...
- 8/4/2023
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
How ‘The Perfect Find’ Director Numa Perrier Honored and Updated Tia Williams’ Book At the Same Time
Netflix’s “The Perfect Find” director Numa Perrier collected generational references in her film adaptation of Tia Williams’ novel.
The story follows Jenna Jones (Gabrielle Union) and Eric Combs (Keith Powers) who gravitate toward each other despite a substantial age gap and the fact that Eric is the son of Jenna’s boss Darcy (Gina Torres).
The two pair up for a creative project for Darzine, Darcy’s fashion magazine. The project, which eventually becomes “The Perfect Find” highlights fashions inspired by Black starlets of Hollywood’s past. Jenna and Eric also bond over their love for old Hollywood — like Nina Mae McKinney, who pops up throughout the film with clips from “Hallelujah!,” a Greta Garbo clip from “The Flesh and Devil” and Spike Lee’s “School Daze,” featured at a drive-in movie date.
Perrier explained the process behind making references to classic Black Hollywood, first during Jenna’s swap meet browsing,...
The story follows Jenna Jones (Gabrielle Union) and Eric Combs (Keith Powers) who gravitate toward each other despite a substantial age gap and the fact that Eric is the son of Jenna’s boss Darcy (Gina Torres).
The two pair up for a creative project for Darzine, Darcy’s fashion magazine. The project, which eventually becomes “The Perfect Find” highlights fashions inspired by Black starlets of Hollywood’s past. Jenna and Eric also bond over their love for old Hollywood — like Nina Mae McKinney, who pops up throughout the film with clips from “Hallelujah!,” a Greta Garbo clip from “The Flesh and Devil” and Spike Lee’s “School Daze,” featured at a drive-in movie date.
Perrier explained the process behind making references to classic Black Hollywood, first during Jenna’s swap meet browsing,...
- 7/20/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Even though Ego Nwodim joined “Saturday Night Live” in 2018, in many ways, this current 2022-23 season is her breakthrough year. In fact, I’d go so far as to say she deserves her first-ever Emmy nomination for Best Comedy Supporting Actress. And it’s all thanks to steak.
The sketch in question, “Lisa from Temecula,” aired February 4 with first-time host Pedro Pascal. Nwodim plays the titular woman who shocks her sister’s friends at dinner with her obsession over “extra, extra well-done” steak. “I’m about to tear this thing up,” Lisa declares when she starts cutting into the blackened piece of meat. Soon the entire table is shaking under the force of her knife and fork, and the cast members all completely break character, “Debbie Downer”-style. Watch the sketch below.
See‘SNL’: 35 athletes who hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’
Our fingers are crossed that Lisa becomes one of Nwodim’s recurring “SNL” characters,...
The sketch in question, “Lisa from Temecula,” aired February 4 with first-time host Pedro Pascal. Nwodim plays the titular woman who shocks her sister’s friends at dinner with her obsession over “extra, extra well-done” steak. “I’m about to tear this thing up,” Lisa declares when she starts cutting into the blackened piece of meat. Soon the entire table is shaking under the force of her knife and fork, and the cast members all completely break character, “Debbie Downer”-style. Watch the sketch below.
See‘SNL’: 35 athletes who hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’
Our fingers are crossed that Lisa becomes one of Nwodim’s recurring “SNL” characters,...
- 4/1/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Veteran entertainment publicist Andrew Freedman died Feb. 8 in New York after being diagnosed with liver cancer in August. He was 67.
Freedman worked with clients including Gayle King, Barbara Walters, Joan Collins, Margo Martindale, Christopher McDonald and Harry Shearer. Prior to his career as a publicist, Freedman served as communications specialist to Sen. Ted Kennedy during his 1980 presidential campaign, which was followed by his campaign work for Sen. George McGovern in South Dakota and Reps. Jim Howard and Andy Maguire in New Jersey.
Following his campaigning involvement, from 1984-1991 Freedman worked at NBC and served as a spokesman for the network’s programming. Freedman oversaw the network’s press operation for the U.S.-Russian Reykjavík and Geneva summits, the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the network’s presidential election coverage and managed media relations for NBC Nightly News, “Meet the Press” and the “Today” show.
By 1990, Freedman launched Andrew E. Freedman Public Relations,...
Freedman worked with clients including Gayle King, Barbara Walters, Joan Collins, Margo Martindale, Christopher McDonald and Harry Shearer. Prior to his career as a publicist, Freedman served as communications specialist to Sen. Ted Kennedy during his 1980 presidential campaign, which was followed by his campaign work for Sen. George McGovern in South Dakota and Reps. Jim Howard and Andy Maguire in New Jersey.
Following his campaigning involvement, from 1984-1991 Freedman worked at NBC and served as a spokesman for the network’s programming. Freedman oversaw the network’s press operation for the U.S.-Russian Reykjavík and Geneva summits, the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the network’s presidential election coverage and managed media relations for NBC Nightly News, “Meet the Press” and the “Today” show.
By 1990, Freedman launched Andrew E. Freedman Public Relations,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Andrew Freedman, the veteran news and entertainment publicist whose clients included Gayle King, Barbara Walters, Joan Collins, Margo Martindale, Christopher McDonald and Harry Shearer, has died. He was 67.
Freedman died Feb. 8 at Mount Sinai West hospital in New York, his son Chris told The Hollywood Reporter. He was diagnosed with liver cancer in August.
Freedman served as a senior spokesman for all NBC News programming from 1984-91 — managing media relations for NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press and the Today show — then was vp corporate communications for Special Olympics International for a year.
Those jobs overlapped with the launch of Andrew E. Freedman Public Relations in 1990 in New York.
His wife of 30 years and business partner, actress Patty Dworkin, died in February 2017 of breast cancer at age 64. She appeared on Broadway with Jackie Gleason, on TV shows including Eight Is Enough and The Love Boat and in such films as Airplane II and Mr. Mom.
Freedman died Feb. 8 at Mount Sinai West hospital in New York, his son Chris told The Hollywood Reporter. He was diagnosed with liver cancer in August.
Freedman served as a senior spokesman for all NBC News programming from 1984-91 — managing media relations for NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press and the Today show — then was vp corporate communications for Special Olympics International for a year.
Those jobs overlapped with the launch of Andrew E. Freedman Public Relations in 1990 in New York.
His wife of 30 years and business partner, actress Patty Dworkin, died in February 2017 of breast cancer at age 64. She appeared on Broadway with Jackie Gleason, on TV shows including Eight Is Enough and The Love Boat and in such films as Airplane II and Mr. Mom.
- 2/16/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alan Cumming is busy. He’s been touring his one-man show “Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age,” he’s the host of Peacock’s U.S. version of the hit Netherlands reality competition show “The Traitors” – think an elaborate game of Mafia in a Scottish castle with pseudo-celebs and real people — and he’ll be stateside in Los Angeles on Jan. 28 to return as host of AARP’s Movies for Grownups Awards.
I caught up with the Tony winner for a chat on this week’s “Just for Variety” podcast.
When did you first feel like you were a grownup?
It’s so funny because I talk about this in my show that I’m doing here, about this exact thing. And I actually only felt I was a grownup when I was asked to play Eli Gold in “The Good Wife,” because I actually remember thinking, “Why are...
I caught up with the Tony winner for a chat on this week’s “Just for Variety” podcast.
When did you first feel like you were a grownup?
It’s so funny because I talk about this in my show that I’m doing here, about this exact thing. And I actually only felt I was a grownup when I was asked to play Eli Gold in “The Good Wife,” because I actually remember thinking, “Why are...
- 1/26/2023
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
At the Musée Rodin, on a frigid cold Jan. 23 with highs in the 30s, the House of Dior unveiled their Spring Summer 2023 Haute Couture collection.
In a packed room of celebrities, buyers, media, top clients, and friends of the brand, creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri unveiled a sartorial story inspired by American singer Josephine Baker. It was a presentation that paid homage to the breaking of racial barriers, which artist Mickalene Thomas sought to capture in the show’s staging. The room was surrounded by large images on the walls of Baker and other icons from Dorothy Dandridge, Eartha Kitt and Nina Simone to pianist Hazel Scott and models Naomi Sims and Donyale Luna.
Sitting front row were film director Baz Luhrmann and his Oscar-award winning costume and producer designer wife Catherine Martin. The Elvis director said of the collection, “It was elegant and glamorous and beautiful. The designs in...
In a packed room of celebrities, buyers, media, top clients, and friends of the brand, creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri unveiled a sartorial story inspired by American singer Josephine Baker. It was a presentation that paid homage to the breaking of racial barriers, which artist Mickalene Thomas sought to capture in the show’s staging. The room was surrounded by large images on the walls of Baker and other icons from Dorothy Dandridge, Eartha Kitt and Nina Simone to pianist Hazel Scott and models Naomi Sims and Donyale Luna.
Sitting front row were film director Baz Luhrmann and his Oscar-award winning costume and producer designer wife Catherine Martin. The Elvis director said of the collection, “It was elegant and glamorous and beautiful. The designs in...
- 1/24/2023
- by Allyson Portee
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
At last count, Disney Animation Studios has canonized 61 of their features. The central "Disney Canon" refers to an ill-defined section of the studio's animated feature output that, as far as one might surmise, serves as examples of the studio's preferred "house style." The Disney Animated Canon includes several animation styles and media, of course, but the 61 films in question are considered to be "official." Canonized Disney films cannot be co-productions, they must be pointedly toyetic, and are typically not auteur-driven. One might not be able to, for instance, recall the directors of "Cinderella" (1950) off the top of their head. Their names, incidentally, are Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske. The trio also directed Disney's animated films "Lady and the Tramp," "Peter Pan," and "Alice in Wonderland."
For Disney, though, the company is the auteur, and weird, smaller projects tend to be excluded from the Disney Canon. "A Goofy Movie,...
For Disney, though, the company is the auteur, and weird, smaller projects tend to be excluded from the Disney Canon. "A Goofy Movie,...
- 1/13/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
William Dozier's 1966 TV adaptation of "Batman" remains, even at this late date, the high water mark for all Batman media.
Colorful, whimsical, surreal, and borderline kinky, "Batman" served as an arch satire of the conservative underpinnings of most mainstream comic book heroes. Batman and Robin, played by the legendary Adam West and Burt Ward, were depicted as simultaneously heroic and terminally square, eschewing vice and indecency in favor of painfully wholesome, all-American activities such as camping, chess, drinking milk, birdwatching, and engaging in proper hygiene. Batman and Robin were walking 1950s classroom scare films, living in a bizarre universe of costumed vigilantes and horny criminals. The brilliance of the show came largely from West and Ward, who were able to deliver some of the strangest dialogue ever written without once ever winking or cracking a smile. "Batman" is a comedy masterpiece.
Of course, the most appealing aspect of "Batman" were its villains.
Colorful, whimsical, surreal, and borderline kinky, "Batman" served as an arch satire of the conservative underpinnings of most mainstream comic book heroes. Batman and Robin, played by the legendary Adam West and Burt Ward, were depicted as simultaneously heroic and terminally square, eschewing vice and indecency in favor of painfully wholesome, all-American activities such as camping, chess, drinking milk, birdwatching, and engaging in proper hygiene. Batman and Robin were walking 1950s classroom scare films, living in a bizarre universe of costumed vigilantes and horny criminals. The brilliance of the show came largely from West and Ward, who were able to deliver some of the strangest dialogue ever written without once ever winking or cracking a smile. "Batman" is a comedy masterpiece.
Of course, the most appealing aspect of "Batman" were its villains.
- 1/11/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
When I say hello to Marlene Parker, my neighbor of more than 20 years, I usually say, “Good to see you,” and she’ll reply with a smile and a laugh, “It’s good to be seen.”
She has lived on the same corner in West Hollywood for more than 40 years, even before the LGBTQ-friendly Los Angeles enclave officially became its own city. She’s hard to miss, with a boisterous energy that belies her 92 years and an insistence on dressing to the nines — jewelry, makeup, and fabulous hair, of course — even if it’s to walk the dog or go to the store. If she comes to a city meeting, she arrives fashionably late enough to make a grand entrance, apologizing in her distinctly throaty, German-accented voice.
Even if you know Marlene, you don’t know her whole story, which she was never willing to tell publicly. She’s turned...
She has lived on the same corner in West Hollywood for more than 40 years, even before the LGBTQ-friendly Los Angeles enclave officially became its own city. She’s hard to miss, with a boisterous energy that belies her 92 years and an insistence on dressing to the nines — jewelry, makeup, and fabulous hair, of course — even if it’s to walk the dog or go to the store. If she comes to a city meeting, she arrives fashionably late enough to make a grand entrance, apologizing in her distinctly throaty, German-accented voice.
Even if you know Marlene, you don’t know her whole story, which she was never willing to tell publicly. She’s turned...
- 1/6/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Merry Christmas, one and all, it's time to break out the mince pies (as if you haven't already), pour the prosecco and put on some festive music.
Christmas songs don't always have to be merry – among the most beloved festive tunes are "2,000 Miles" by The Pretenders, which is curiously bleak, and the heartbreak of Wham!'s "Last Christmas".
Of course, there are plenty of upbeat songs on our list, too, from Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" to Mariah Carey's"All I Want for Christmas is You".
Here are some of our favourites, from Forties classics to more recent pop hits, to get your Christmas celebrations into full swing.
18) “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” – John Lennon and Yoko Ono
There’s a caveat to the optimistic message of the song’s title. “War is over,” sing a choir of children over festive tambourines, but only, they add,...
Christmas songs don't always have to be merry – among the most beloved festive tunes are "2,000 Miles" by The Pretenders, which is curiously bleak, and the heartbreak of Wham!'s "Last Christmas".
Of course, there are plenty of upbeat songs on our list, too, from Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" to Mariah Carey's"All I Want for Christmas is You".
Here are some of our favourites, from Forties classics to more recent pop hits, to get your Christmas celebrations into full swing.
18) “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” – John Lennon and Yoko Ono
There’s a caveat to the optimistic message of the song’s title. “War is over,” sing a choir of children over festive tambourines, but only, they add,...
- 12/24/2022
- by Roisin O'Connor and Alexandra Pollard
- The Independent - Music
Merry Christmas, one and all, it's time to break out the mince pies (as if you haven't already), pour the prosecco and put on some festive music.
Christmas songs don't always have to be merry – among the most beloved festive tunes are "2,000 Miles" by The Pretenders, which is curiously bleak, and the heartbreak of Wham!'s "Last Christmas".
Of course, there are plenty of upbeat songs on our list, too, from Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" to Mariah Carey's"All I Want for Christmas is You".
Here are some of our favourites, from Forties classics to more recent pop hits, to get your Christmas celebrations into full swing.
18) “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” – John Lennon and Yoko Ono
There’s a caveat to the optimistic message of the song’s title. “War is over,” sing a choir of children over festive tambourines, but only, they add,...
Christmas songs don't always have to be merry – among the most beloved festive tunes are "2,000 Miles" by The Pretenders, which is curiously bleak, and the heartbreak of Wham!'s "Last Christmas".
Of course, there are plenty of upbeat songs on our list, too, from Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" to Mariah Carey's"All I Want for Christmas is You".
Here are some of our favourites, from Forties classics to more recent pop hits, to get your Christmas celebrations into full swing.
18) “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” – John Lennon and Yoko Ono
There’s a caveat to the optimistic message of the song’s title. “War is over,” sing a choir of children over festive tambourines, but only, they add,...
- 12/24/2022
- by Roisin O'Connor and Alexandra Pollard
- The Independent - Music
Britney Spears is offering an explanation about how her Instagram account was deactivated.
The singer on Friday posted a video in which she’s dancing in front of a Christmas tree, stuffing her face in a cake, smearing it all over herself, chugging some bubbly and plain ‘ol having a blast while keeping things festive. While she doesn’t say anything in the video, set to the tune of Eartha Kitt’s “Santa Baby”, Spears offers a bit of an explanation in her caption.
The 41-year-old borrowed a line from one of her more famous tracks and wrote in her caption, in part, “I know my Instagram has been down a few times but honestly I did the last two times myself !!! Oops … I accidentally pressed the wrong button … damn that stupid button !!!”
Read More: Britney Spears' Husband Sam Asghari Asks Fans to Respect Her Privacy Amid Concerns Over Social Media Behavior
Spears,...
The singer on Friday posted a video in which she’s dancing in front of a Christmas tree, stuffing her face in a cake, smearing it all over herself, chugging some bubbly and plain ‘ol having a blast while keeping things festive. While she doesn’t say anything in the video, set to the tune of Eartha Kitt’s “Santa Baby”, Spears offers a bit of an explanation in her caption.
The 41-year-old borrowed a line from one of her more famous tracks and wrote in her caption, in part, “I know my Instagram has been down a few times but honestly I did the last two times myself !!! Oops … I accidentally pressed the wrong button … damn that stupid button !!!”
Read More: Britney Spears' Husband Sam Asghari Asks Fans to Respect Her Privacy Amid Concerns Over Social Media Behavior
Spears,...
- 12/10/2022
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Michelle Pfeiffer Was Vacuum-Sealed Into Her Catwoman Suit Before Filming Every Batman Returns Scene
The wild 1992 film "Batman Returns" introduced a pretty memorable Catwoman with Michelle Pfeiffer. Shooting the Tim Burton-directed flick wasn't exactly a comfortable experience for Pfeiffer, though. Remember that costume she wore? Of course you do. How could you not? Pfeiffer not only gave a great performance as a woman who has had enough of being treated like crap by men, but the suit she wears is famous and has been replicated at Halloween every year since.
It's very likely the one you wore that one time at a college costume party was more comfortable than the one she has on in the film, though. The process of getting into it was really rough for the actor, and involved powder, silicone spray, and a diminishing of some of her senses, according to the 2004 "Catwoman: Her Many Lives" episode of the A&e program "Biography." Hosted by Eartha Kitt, who played...
It's very likely the one you wore that one time at a college costume party was more comfortable than the one she has on in the film, though. The process of getting into it was really rough for the actor, and involved powder, silicone spray, and a diminishing of some of her senses, according to the 2004 "Catwoman: Her Many Lives" episode of the A&e program "Biography." Hosted by Eartha Kitt, who played...
- 12/3/2022
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Robert Clary, the French actor, singer and Holocaust survivor who portrayed Corporal LeBeau on the World War II-set sitcom Hogan’s Heroes, has died. He was 96.
Clary, who was mentored by famed entertainer Eddie Cantor and married one of his five daughters, died Wednesday morning at his home in Los Angeles, his granddaughter Kim Wright told The Hollywood Reporter.
CBS’ Hogan’s Heroes, which aired over six seasons from September 1965 to April 1971, starred Bob Crane as Colonel Robert E. Hogan, an American who led an international group of Allied prisoners of war in a convert operation to defeat the Nazis from inside the Luft Stalag 13 camp.
As the patriotic Cpl. Louis LeBeau, the 5-foot-1 Clary hid in small spaces, dreamed about girls, got along great with the guard dogs and used his expert culinary skills to help the befuddled Nazi Colonel Wilhelm Klink (Werner Klemperer...
Robert Clary, the French actor, singer and Holocaust survivor who portrayed Corporal LeBeau on the World War II-set sitcom Hogan’s Heroes, has died. He was 96.
Clary, who was mentored by famed entertainer Eddie Cantor and married one of his five daughters, died Wednesday morning at his home in Los Angeles, his granddaughter Kim Wright told The Hollywood Reporter.
CBS’ Hogan’s Heroes, which aired over six seasons from September 1965 to April 1971, starred Bob Crane as Colonel Robert E. Hogan, an American who led an international group of Allied prisoners of war in a convert operation to defeat the Nazis from inside the Luft Stalag 13 camp.
As the patriotic Cpl. Louis LeBeau, the 5-foot-1 Clary hid in small spaces, dreamed about girls, got along great with the guard dogs and used his expert culinary skills to help the befuddled Nazi Colonel Wilhelm Klink (Werner Klemperer...
- 11/16/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
I could totally understand why people would have thought that last week’s episode of Ru Paul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race was the final episode in the season. The whole point of this season was that all the celebrities are secret and so starting the episode with making the top five reveal themselves was a rather strange creative choice. On top of this, the queens had to not only perform a solo number (which was a rendition of one of Ru Paul’s songs) but also a group number which is usually reserved for the final episodes of regular Drag Race. This homage to Ru would have made sense as the season finale as every performer would have gone through the drag race journey and so would be able to relate to the songs more so than they could have before. After reaching what can only be described as the...
- 9/27/2022
- by Rhys Payne
- Nerdly
There’s one “Batman Returns” scene Britney Spears just wants to watch one more time.
The “Baby One More Time” icon penned a tribute to another legendary blonde: Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman in Tim Burton’s classic 1992 film “Batman Returns.”
“I feel like she’s the most charming, sexy, and alluring woman,” Spears captioned on Instagram alongside the scene where Pfeiffer transforms into antihero Selina Kyle. “This scene is probably the hottest scene I’ve ever seen in my life!!! Of course, @michellepfeifferofficial whom I’ve never met is the character [cat emoji]. She is sick in this movie in the most conventional way possible!!!”
Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle hits a breaking point after enduring sexual harassment and surviving an attempted murder. Having had enough of being a professionally overlooked and overworked secretary, Selina sharpens her claws as Catwoman instead.
“The disaster she exposes before the gates of hell are revealed in...
The “Baby One More Time” icon penned a tribute to another legendary blonde: Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman in Tim Burton’s classic 1992 film “Batman Returns.”
“I feel like she’s the most charming, sexy, and alluring woman,” Spears captioned on Instagram alongside the scene where Pfeiffer transforms into antihero Selina Kyle. “This scene is probably the hottest scene I’ve ever seen in my life!!! Of course, @michellepfeifferofficial whom I’ve never met is the character [cat emoji]. She is sick in this movie in the most conventional way possible!!!”
Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle hits a breaking point after enduring sexual harassment and surviving an attempted murder. Having had enough of being a professionally overlooked and overworked secretary, Selina sharpens her claws as Catwoman instead.
“The disaster she exposes before the gates of hell are revealed in...
- 7/20/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Amusing, thought-provoking, or cute showbiz tweets, curated for you so you don't have to spend time on Twitter... we all need social media breaks at times!
When there's an Eartha Kitt biopic this wonderful and nuanced moment will be the Oscar clip https://t.co/gpl4WZPkZV
— Ronaldo Trancoso Jr (@ronaldotrancoso) June 15, 2022
More after the jump including Little Shop alum smooching, lesbian vampires, impatient conductors, and Gay Pride moments...
When there's an Eartha Kitt biopic this wonderful and nuanced moment will be the Oscar clip https://t.co/gpl4WZPkZV
— Ronaldo Trancoso Jr (@ronaldotrancoso) June 15, 2022
More after the jump including Little Shop alum smooching, lesbian vampires, impatient conductors, and Gay Pride moments...
- 6/18/2022
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
“I had an intuition,” reveals Gabby Beans on her approach to playing Sabina in “The Skin of Our Teeth.” The “very meta” role in the revival of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize winning play requires an immense stamina from the actress, as she takes the character across three acts full of allegory, physical comedy and apocalyptic disasters. Her intuition proved to be right on the money, as she earned a Tony Award nomination for Lead Actress in a Play, the first of her career, for her Broadway debut. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
Those who witnessed her performance as Sabina will be shocked to hear Beans’ actual speaking voice. It sits in a relaxed tone at the back of her throat. A far cry from the hyper-stylized, high-pitched dramatics she employed when making her entrance on “Teeth’s” mid century modern Act 1 set. The performer confesses she actually used...
Those who witnessed her performance as Sabina will be shocked to hear Beans’ actual speaking voice. It sits in a relaxed tone at the back of her throat. A far cry from the hyper-stylized, high-pitched dramatics she employed when making her entrance on “Teeth’s” mid century modern Act 1 set. The performer confesses she actually used...
- 6/6/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
With its recent release on HBO Max, The Batman continues to reshape the public’s perception of what a superhero movie can be. But it’s hardly the first time that the Dark Knight appeared on screen. In fact, outside of some serials of questionable quality in the 1940s, Batman’s feature film debut came with 1966’s Batman: The Movie.
For some viewers, there could not be a larger disparity between the pop art of the 60s movie and the gothic look of Matt Reeves’s film. But the Corridor Crew on YouTube found a way. A recently-posted video recreates The Batman’s first trailer, digitally replacing actors from the 2022 film with their 1966 counterparts. Instead of Robert Pattinson solving the clues of Paul Dano’s Riddler, we watch Adam West stare down Frank Gorshin. Now, it’s the 1955 Ford Lincoln Futura Batmobile instead of a ’69 Charger chasing down Burgess Meredith’s Penguin,...
For some viewers, there could not be a larger disparity between the pop art of the 60s movie and the gothic look of Matt Reeves’s film. But the Corridor Crew on YouTube found a way. A recently-posted video recreates The Batman’s first trailer, digitally replacing actors from the 2022 film with their 1966 counterparts. Instead of Robert Pattinson solving the clues of Paul Dano’s Riddler, we watch Adam West stare down Frank Gorshin. Now, it’s the 1955 Ford Lincoln Futura Batmobile instead of a ’69 Charger chasing down Burgess Meredith’s Penguin,...
- 4/25/2022
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Zoë Kravitz got a Catwoman-themed surprise during her SNL hosting debut this week: more Catwomen.
After Kravitz joked about how she “watched the movie musical Cats every day for a year” to prepare for her role as Catwoman in The Batman, Kate McKinnon appeared in a leather dominatrix suit asking, “Somebody out here talking about cats?”
McKinnon quickly revealed that she was “the Catwoman from the Nineties, the one with the whip.” She then revealed her origin story to Kravitz.
“Ok, I fell out of a window onto a pile of cats.
After Kravitz joked about how she “watched the movie musical Cats every day for a year” to prepare for her role as Catwoman in The Batman, Kate McKinnon appeared in a leather dominatrix suit asking, “Somebody out here talking about cats?”
McKinnon quickly revealed that she was “the Catwoman from the Nineties, the one with the whip.” She then revealed her origin story to Kravitz.
“Ok, I fell out of a window onto a pile of cats.
- 3/13/2022
- by Ilana Kaplan
- Rollingstone.com
Zoë Kravitz tonight made her debut appearance as host of SNL, speaking in her opening monologue about her new Warner Bros. film, The Batman.
“In the movie, I play Catwoman — sorry, the Catwoman,” Kravitz joked. “To prepare for the role, I watched the movie musical Cats every day for a year, which is actually the same way I heard Joaquin Phoenix prepared to play the Joker.”
More From Zoë Kravitz Hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’
“Somebody out here talking about cats?” asked Kate McKinnon, approaching the stage in a leather dominatrix suit with pointy cat ears.
“Hi, I was just doing my monologue. You’re also Catwoman?” asked Kravitz.
“Yes, I’m Catwoman from the ’90s, the one with the whip. You know, like cats have,” deadpanned McKinnon. “Zoë, you’re part of a proud lineage of Catwomen, each with their own origin story. Do you want to know mine?”
“Yeah,...
“In the movie, I play Catwoman — sorry, the Catwoman,” Kravitz joked. “To prepare for the role, I watched the movie musical Cats every day for a year, which is actually the same way I heard Joaquin Phoenix prepared to play the Joker.”
More From Zoë Kravitz Hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’
“Somebody out here talking about cats?” asked Kate McKinnon, approaching the stage in a leather dominatrix suit with pointy cat ears.
“Hi, I was just doing my monologue. You’re also Catwoman?” asked Kravitz.
“Yes, I’m Catwoman from the ’90s, the one with the whip. You know, like cats have,” deadpanned McKinnon. “Zoë, you’re part of a proud lineage of Catwomen, each with their own origin story. Do you want to know mine?”
“Yeah,...
- 3/13/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Matt Reeves’s “The Batman” opened on March 4, giving people a chance to see the amazing cast he was able to put together to reinvent DC Comics’ Dark Knight in a new and novel, yet still appropriately nocturnal way. The crazy thing about this cast, though, is that not a single one of the main actors has ever been nominated for an Academy Award, although their work in “The Batman” is certainly going to bring them more attention over the next several months.
Beginning with the new Batman/Bruce Wayne, Robert Pattinson has come a long way since his role as Edward Cullen in the “Twilight Saga,” which amassed $3.3 billion worldwide over the course of five movies. Pattinson starred in that franchise with Kristen Stewart, who finally received her very first Oscar nomination last month for “Spencer,” but Pattinson has also been doing his fair share of prestige films since leaving “Twilight.
Beginning with the new Batman/Bruce Wayne, Robert Pattinson has come a long way since his role as Edward Cullen in the “Twilight Saga,” which amassed $3.3 billion worldwide over the course of five movies. Pattinson starred in that franchise with Kristen Stewart, who finally received her very first Oscar nomination last month for “Spencer,” but Pattinson has also been doing his fair share of prestige films since leaving “Twilight.
- 3/10/2022
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Turns out that Zoë Kravitz brought an LGBTQ twist to her no-claws-barred interpretation of Catwoman.
Selina Kyle, Aka Catwoman, has been portrayed through the years by the likes of Eartha Kitt, Michelle Pfeiffer, Anne Hathaway, Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether, and Halle Berry (in the latter’s own divisive and critically reviled standalone film). Each has put her own spin on the character, and while Kravitz’s take is no exception, there’s one element that brings her Selina Kyle back to the basics of the comics: Kravitz interpreted her Catwoman as bisexual, which is often how she’s sketched in the source material.
As the actress discussed in a new interview with Australian outlet Pedestrian, there are moments in the film when Selina (Kravitz) calls her friend and roommate Anika, “baby.” As Kravitz explained, this opened the door to their relationship as being more intimate than just roommates.
“That’s...
Selina Kyle, Aka Catwoman, has been portrayed through the years by the likes of Eartha Kitt, Michelle Pfeiffer, Anne Hathaway, Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether, and Halle Berry (in the latter’s own divisive and critically reviled standalone film). Each has put her own spin on the character, and while Kravitz’s take is no exception, there’s one element that brings her Selina Kyle back to the basics of the comics: Kravitz interpreted her Catwoman as bisexual, which is often how she’s sketched in the source material.
As the actress discussed in a new interview with Australian outlet Pedestrian, there are moments in the film when Selina (Kravitz) calls her friend and roommate Anika, “baby.” As Kravitz explained, this opened the door to their relationship as being more intimate than just roommates.
“That’s...
- 3/1/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Selina Kyle/Catwoman is often depicted as bisexual in the comics, but the character’s LGBTQ sexuality has never crossed over onto the big screen in iterations of the character played by Eartha Kitt, Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry and Anne Hathaway. Zoë Kravitz is the latest actor to take on the role of Catwoman, starring opposite Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne in “The Batman.” Kravitz recently told Australia’s Pedestrian that she interpreted her Catwoman as bisexual in the film.
During one scene of “The Batman,” Selina Kyle enters her apartment in search of her friend Anika. Selina calls Anika her “baby,” a somewhat vague descriptor that leaves open the possibility that their relationship is more than just platonic.
When asked by Pedestrian if this scene was meant to spotlight Selina’s bisexuality, Kravitz answered, “That’s definitely the way I interpreted that, that they had some kind of romantic relationship.
During one scene of “The Batman,” Selina Kyle enters her apartment in search of her friend Anika. Selina calls Anika her “baby,” a somewhat vague descriptor that leaves open the possibility that their relationship is more than just platonic.
When asked by Pedestrian if this scene was meant to spotlight Selina’s bisexuality, Kravitz answered, “That’s definitely the way I interpreted that, that they had some kind of romantic relationship.
- 3/1/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
After five years in the making, Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ finally hits the big screen this coming Friday the 4th of March. Led by Robert Pattinson as the new face of the dark vigilante and set in the second year of his appearance on the streets of Gotham, Reeves has infused an edginess that propels this story from the typical comic book fair into an intriguing thriller for the ages.
The latest entry dives into the story when a killer targets Gotham’s elite with a series of sadistic machinations, a trail of cryptic clues sends the World’s Greatest Detective – Batman (Robert Pattinson) – on an investigation into the underworld, where he encounters such characters as Selina Kyle/aka Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), Oswald Cobblepot/aka the Penguin (Colin Farrell), Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), and Edward Nashton/aka the Riddler (Paul Dano). As the evidence begins to lead closer to home...
The latest entry dives into the story when a killer targets Gotham’s elite with a series of sadistic machinations, a trail of cryptic clues sends the World’s Greatest Detective – Batman (Robert Pattinson) – on an investigation into the underworld, where he encounters such characters as Selina Kyle/aka Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), Oswald Cobblepot/aka the Penguin (Colin Farrell), Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), and Edward Nashton/aka the Riddler (Paul Dano). As the evidence begins to lead closer to home...
- 2/28/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
On paper, last week’s episode of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK vs The World seemed like it should be made perfectly for me! Drag performers taking on a lip-sync performance inspired by an iconic musical theatre star which included parodies of Liza Minnelli in Cabaret and Tim Curry in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (which is one of my all-time favourite films) should be something that I would want to be a part of and at the bare minimum really enjoy but I have to say I thought that, compared to previous Ru-sical challenges, this one fell flat! When you think that the halftime show challenge from All-Stars 6 (which also had the queens impersonating iconic performers) had the highest production value, fantastic costumes and back-up dancers whereas the UK versus the world version just about had props, it does mean the overall package does pale in comparison! It...
- 2/24/2022
- by Rhys Payne
- Nerdly
Fresh off her directorial debut on Netflix’s upcoming mixed martial arts drama, Bruised, Halle Berry is ready for her next bout. The Oscar-winning actress also stars in the film, but she is not undefeated in her onscreen record, and she wants a rematch. Berry wishes she could not only remake Catwoman, but reimagine it in a subversive turnaround. Catwoman would come out on top.
“I would love to direct Catwoman,” Berry told Jake Hamilton on Jake’s Takes. “If I can get a hold of that now, knowing what I know, having had this experience and reimagine that world the way I reimagined this story. Bruised was written for a white, Irish Catholic like 25-year-old girl, and I got to reimagine it. I wish I could go back and reimagine Catwoman and redo that, have a redo on that.”
While it has amassed an avid cult following, Catwoman was...
“I would love to direct Catwoman,” Berry told Jake Hamilton on Jake’s Takes. “If I can get a hold of that now, knowing what I know, having had this experience and reimagine that world the way I reimagined this story. Bruised was written for a white, Irish Catholic like 25-year-old girl, and I got to reimagine it. I wish I could go back and reimagine Catwoman and redo that, have a redo on that.”
While it has amassed an avid cult following, Catwoman was...
- 11/15/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
WME Legends has signed a deal with Jlmp to co-represent the estate of Dr. Charles “Charlie” L. Sifford, the first Black PGA Tour golfer and PGA Hall of Famer.
The announcement comes on what would’ve been Sifford’s 99th birthday. Jlmp brokered the deal on behalf of the estate for WME to co-represent the late athlete’s assets including name, likeness, life and IP rights worldwide.
Sifford, who is often referred to as “The Jackie Robinson of Golf,” was the first African American athlete to earn a PGA Tour card and the first Black golfer to be inducted into the World Gold Hall of Fame in 2004. Sifford died in 2015 at the age of 92.
As part of WME and Jlmp’s objective to bring Sifford’s story to a new generation, the companies plan to honor the athlete’s legacy (and his 2022 centennial celebration) with the re-release of his autobiography “Just Let Me Play.
The announcement comes on what would’ve been Sifford’s 99th birthday. Jlmp brokered the deal on behalf of the estate for WME to co-represent the late athlete’s assets including name, likeness, life and IP rights worldwide.
Sifford, who is often referred to as “The Jackie Robinson of Golf,” was the first African American athlete to earn a PGA Tour card and the first Black golfer to be inducted into the World Gold Hall of Fame in 2004. Sifford died in 2015 at the age of 92.
As part of WME and Jlmp’s objective to bring Sifford’s story to a new generation, the companies plan to honor the athlete’s legacy (and his 2022 centennial celebration) with the re-release of his autobiography “Just Let Me Play.
- 6/2/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Immediately making good on its promise to sign superstar estates, WME’s Legends Group has brokered a deal to represent the assets of late rapper the Notorious B.I.G.
Born Christoper Wallace, the Brooklyn-raised icon’s enduring brand and all subsequent transactions around it will flow through the agency, which launched the speciality unit in March under Phil Sandhaus.
The deal was made with B.I.G.’s mother, Voletta Wallace, and family members, joining existing estate clients like Andy Kaufman, Eartha Kitt, Peter Tosh, the Cbgb brand and Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation.
Noted as one of the greatest rappers of all time, B.I.G. was a four-time Grammy nominee who gained solo success after releasing his first single, “Juicy,” followed by his 1994 debut solo album, “Ready to Die.” The album produced two further hits, which helped east coast hip-hop gain prominence in a chart landscape dominated by west coast stars.
Born Christoper Wallace, the Brooklyn-raised icon’s enduring brand and all subsequent transactions around it will flow through the agency, which launched the speciality unit in March under Phil Sandhaus.
The deal was made with B.I.G.’s mother, Voletta Wallace, and family members, joining existing estate clients like Andy Kaufman, Eartha Kitt, Peter Tosh, the Cbgb brand and Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation.
Noted as one of the greatest rappers of all time, B.I.G. was a four-time Grammy nominee who gained solo success after releasing his first single, “Juicy,” followed by his 1994 debut solo album, “Ready to Die.” The album produced two further hits, which helped east coast hip-hop gain prominence in a chart landscape dominated by west coast stars.
- 4/20/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Photo: Jessica Walter/Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock Hollywood Insider would like to send our condolences to Jessica Walter’s family – Rest in Peace! January 31st, 1941 made for a special day in Brooklyn, New York. Jessica Walter was born into quite a talented family. Her father, David Walter was an accomplished musician and member of the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Her brother, Richard Walter ended up becoming a successful author and screenwriter. There is no doubt that she had greatness rooted in her genes. In her youth, Jessica Walter attended a well-known performing arts high school in Manhattan, New York called, High School of Performing Arts. Self-explanatory name, we know. Related article: A Tribute to Beverly Cleary: Legendary Children’s Author and Writer of ‘Ramona Quimby’ Related article: What Is an Oscar Bait Film? How to Be Nominated for and Win an Academy Award Jessica Walter However, the school has birthed some incredibly...
- 3/31/2021
- by Danessa Naj'e Lopez
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
WME has launched a new division called WME Legends, which will focus on managing estates and brands.
Among the signings announced with the new unit’s formation are the estates of comedian and actor Andy Kaufman and singers Eartha Kitt and Peter Tosh. WME Legends will also oversee the brand of famed punk-rock venue Cbgb and the group that manages the intellectual property of spiritualist and philosopher Ram Dass.
Phil Sandhaus, a music and entertainment veteran, will run WME Legends. During a nearly four-decade run as an artist manager, record label executive, estate manager and consultant, he has worked with Buddy Holly, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Whitney Houston.
The new initiative builds on WME’s existing estate work across theater, books, music and other categories. That roster includes Agatha Christie, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Donna Summer, August Wilson, Isaac Asimov, Edward Albee,...
Among the signings announced with the new unit’s formation are the estates of comedian and actor Andy Kaufman and singers Eartha Kitt and Peter Tosh. WME Legends will also oversee the brand of famed punk-rock venue Cbgb and the group that manages the intellectual property of spiritualist and philosopher Ram Dass.
Phil Sandhaus, a music and entertainment veteran, will run WME Legends. During a nearly four-decade run as an artist manager, record label executive, estate manager and consultant, he has worked with Buddy Holly, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Whitney Houston.
The new initiative builds on WME’s existing estate work across theater, books, music and other categories. That roster includes Agatha Christie, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Donna Summer, August Wilson, Isaac Asimov, Edward Albee,...
- 3/16/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The William Morris Endeavor agency has launched a new division for representing and servicing celebrity and brand estates.
Run by Phil Sandhaus, a veteran estate manager and consultant to late icons like Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly and Whitney Houston, the new WME shingle will bring trailblazing artists and iconic brands into the modern business landscape.
At launch, WME Legends has signed the estates of: performance artist and comedian Andy Kaufman; acclaimed singer, actress (and early television Catwoman), dancer, comedian and civil rights activist Eartha Kitt; The Wailers co-founder Peter Tosh, who went on to become a staunch anti-apartheid, criminal justice and Pan-African activist; the influential New York landmark Cbgb; and Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation, which manages Dass’ intellectual property and his seminal book on Eastern philosophy and spirituality, “Be Here Now.”
The agency is already in advanced discussions about merchandising, live events, podcast slates, stage musicals, fashion collaborations,...
Run by Phil Sandhaus, a veteran estate manager and consultant to late icons like Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly and Whitney Houston, the new WME shingle will bring trailblazing artists and iconic brands into the modern business landscape.
At launch, WME Legends has signed the estates of: performance artist and comedian Andy Kaufman; acclaimed singer, actress (and early television Catwoman), dancer, comedian and civil rights activist Eartha Kitt; The Wailers co-founder Peter Tosh, who went on to become a staunch anti-apartheid, criminal justice and Pan-African activist; the influential New York landmark Cbgb; and Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation, which manages Dass’ intellectual property and his seminal book on Eastern philosophy and spirituality, “Be Here Now.”
The agency is already in advanced discussions about merchandising, live events, podcast slates, stage musicals, fashion collaborations,...
- 3/16/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
WME has launched WME Legends, a management company focused on estate and brand management for late entertainment artists.
The Hollywood agency’s new division will be run by music and entertainment industry veteran Phil Sandhaus, an estate manager and consultant for artists like Buddy Holly, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Whitney Houston.
As it launches, WME Legends has signed up the estates of Saturday Night Live and Taxi alum Andy Kaufman, Emmy winning singer, actress and civil rights activist Eartha Kitt, and The Wailers co-founder Peter Tosh.
The agency will manage the publication ...
The Hollywood agency’s new division will be run by music and entertainment industry veteran Phil Sandhaus, an estate manager and consultant for artists like Buddy Holly, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Whitney Houston.
As it launches, WME Legends has signed up the estates of Saturday Night Live and Taxi alum Andy Kaufman, Emmy winning singer, actress and civil rights activist Eartha Kitt, and The Wailers co-founder Peter Tosh.
The agency will manage the publication ...
- 3/16/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
WME has launched WME Legends, a management company focused on estate and brand management for late entertainment artists.
The Hollywood agency’s new division will be run by music and entertainment industry veteran Phil Sandhaus, an estate manager and consultant for artists like Buddy Holly, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Whitney Houston.
As it launches, WME Legends has signed up the estates of Saturday Night Live and Taxi alum Andy Kaufman, Emmy winning singer, actress and civil rights activist Eartha Kitt, and The Wailers co-founder Peter Tosh.
The agency will manage the publication ...
The Hollywood agency’s new division will be run by music and entertainment industry veteran Phil Sandhaus, an estate manager and consultant for artists like Buddy Holly, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Whitney Houston.
As it launches, WME Legends has signed up the estates of Saturday Night Live and Taxi alum Andy Kaufman, Emmy winning singer, actress and civil rights activist Eartha Kitt, and The Wailers co-founder Peter Tosh.
The agency will manage the publication ...
- 3/16/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Batwoman is finally back! After cutting season 1 short by a few episodes due to the pandemic and a brief covid-related hiatus, season 2 is ready with a new hero, some new villains, and Gotham in mourning for a missing Kate Kane.
Whatever the reason for Ruby Rose’s departure, new star Javicia Leslie is an exciting addition to the show who, as a bisexual Black actress playing a Black lesbian brings with her the possibility to broaden the definition of hero even further than Kate Kane already did.
Here’s what to expect for season 2.
Batwoman Season 2, Episode 4 Release Date & Trailer
After taking a short break for the Super Bowl, Batwoman will be back on Sunday, February 14th with a new episode. The episode is called “Fair Skin, Blue Eyes.” Check out the promo…
And here’s the synopsis: “As Batwoman attempts to fight the proliferation of Snake Bite through Gotham,...
Whatever the reason for Ruby Rose’s departure, new star Javicia Leslie is an exciting addition to the show who, as a bisexual Black actress playing a Black lesbian brings with her the possibility to broaden the definition of hero even further than Kate Kane already did.
Here’s what to expect for season 2.
Batwoman Season 2, Episode 4 Release Date & Trailer
After taking a short break for the Super Bowl, Batwoman will be back on Sunday, February 14th with a new episode. The episode is called “Fair Skin, Blue Eyes.” Check out the promo…
And here’s the synopsis: “As Batwoman attempts to fight the proliferation of Snake Bite through Gotham,...
- 2/9/2021
- by Delia Harrington
- Den of Geek
Emmy- and Tony-winning actress Cicely Tyson, who distinguished herself in theater, film and television, died on Thursday afternoon. She was 96.
“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” her manager, Larry Thompson, said in a statement. “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.”
Her memoir “Just As I Am” was published on Tuesday.
Tyson broke into movies with the 1959 Harry Belafonte film “Odds Against Tomorrow,” followed by “The Comedians,” “The Last Angry Man,” “A Man Called Adam” and “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.” Refusing to participate in the blaxploitation movies that became popular in the late ’60s, she waited until 1972 to return to the screen in the drama “Sounder,” which captured several...
“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” her manager, Larry Thompson, said in a statement. “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.”
Her memoir “Just As I Am” was published on Tuesday.
Tyson broke into movies with the 1959 Harry Belafonte film “Odds Against Tomorrow,” followed by “The Comedians,” “The Last Angry Man,” “A Man Called Adam” and “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.” Refusing to participate in the blaxploitation movies that became popular in the late ’60s, she waited until 1972 to return to the screen in the drama “Sounder,” which captured several...
- 1/29/2021
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
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