Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.
Brazil’s Gilberto Gil pays tribute to London, his home in exile, in joyous show
Gilberto Gil, the beloved elder statesman of Brazilian music, bid a final farewell to London on Wednesday night, playing songs from throughout his career and reminiscing about the three years he spent in exile in the city while his homeland was under military dictatorship. “I was not killed. I was lucky. That’s why I came to London,” he told the audience at the Royal Albert Hall. It was a city he “learned to love”, he said.
Madonna greatest hits tour to feature 40 songs and a ‘time machine’
Four of her children on a stage inspired by the grid of Manhattan, 80 tons of production equipment, more than 40 songs and a “time machine” – Madonna’s career-spanning tour kicks off on Saturday after it was postponed due to illness. The pop superstar begins her 78-show “Madonna: The Celebration Tour”, marking her more than 40 years of hits, at London’s O2 arena, three months later after its original July start date in Vancouver was pushed back when the “Vogue” singer was hospitalized in intensive care for a serious bacterial infection.
‘Look what you made me do’: Taylor Swift attends film premiere, moves up release
Pop superstar Taylor Swift premiered her Eras Tour concert film in front of fans and celebrities on Wednesday, shortly after announcing that the movie would debut a day early because of “unprecedented” ticket demand. “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” was set to open in theaters worldwide on Friday, but high interest prompted Swift to add earlier screenings in some markets.
Striking actors vow resolve, studios balk at latest demands
Striking Hollywood actors vowed to hold firm on Thursday in their push for higher compensation and other gains as studios rejected a union demand for a bonus tied to the number of streaming TV subscribers. Negotiators for Walt Disney, Netflix and other media companies said late Wednesday they were suspending talks after reviewing the latest offer from the SAG-AFTRA actors union. The move dashed hopes of a quick resolution after a deal with film and television writers.
Founding Isley Brothers band member, Rudolph Isley, has died
Rudolph Isley, singer, songwriter and founding member of the influential rhythm and blues band the Isley Brothers, whose hits included “Shout”, “Fight the Power”, and “That Lady”, died on Wednesday at age 84 at his home in Chicago, the family said in a statement. “Heaven has gained another angel….we know he’s in a better place. Forever in our hearts,” the family statement read.
Joan Baez film offers more than the usual music documentary
A new documentary about folk singer Joan Baez explores an unknown dimension about the musician and activist – her lifelong struggles with depression, childhood trauma and mental illness. Called “Joan Baez: I am a Noise,” the documentary is playing in a limited number of U.S. theaters and will expand to more locations on Friday.
Paul Giamatti and Alexander Payne pair up again for ‘The Holdovers’
Actor Paul Giamatti and filmmaker Alexander Payne reunite after almost 20 years for “The Holdovers”, a Christmas-time tale of a trio of unlikely companions that premiered at the London Film Festival on Wednesday. Giamatti, who appeared in Payne’s 2004 Oscar-winning movie “Sideways”, plays Paul Hunham, a teacher of ancient history at a high-status New England boarding school for boys. Much to his dismay, the cranky, unpopular academic is tasked with looking after “the holdovers”, a handful of students with nowhere to go, over the 1970 winter break.
London exhibition celebrates 100 years of Disney
From Mickey Mouse sketches to Cinderella’s glass slipper, a new exhibition opening in London on Friday celebrates 100 years of the magical world of Disney. The Walt Disney Archives has selected an array of art, props and costumes featured in classic animations such as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “The Jungle Book” as well as more recent live-action productions like “Cruella” and “Beauty and the Beast”.
Hundreds of entertainers sign letter in support of Israel
Over 700 people from the entertainment industry, including actors Gal Gadot, Michael Douglas and Jerry Seinfeld, signed an open letter in support of Israel in its conflict with Hamas, the Creative Community for Peace said on Thursday. CCFP, a non-profit entertainment industry organization, said the letter was the first of its kind and “a call from the entertainment industry unequivocally voicing support for Israel and condemning Hamas’ terrorism.”
Contract talks break down between Hollywood actors, studios
Negotiations between Hollywood studios and the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union were suspended on Wednesday as the two sides clashed over streaming revenue, the use of artificial intelligence and other issues at the core of a three-month work stoppage. The breakdown in talks interrupted attempts to end labor tensions that have put most U.S.-based film and television production on hold, cost the California economy billions and left thousands of crew members without work.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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