DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Robert Downey Jr. disagreed with Chris Hemsworth that he was 'replaceable' as Thor, said he has 'most complex psyche out of all us Avengers'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Eammon Jacobs | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Robert Downey Jr. disagreed with Chris Hemsworth, who said he was "replaceable" as Thor. AdvertisementRobert Downey Jr. disagreed with Chris Hemsworth after the "Thor" star said he was "replaceable" in the "Avengers" movies. "Hemsworth is, in my opinion, the most complex psyche out of all us Avengers. He's got wit and gravitas, but also such restraint, fire, and gentleness," Downey Jr. continued, before describing Hemsworth's work in "Thor: Ragnarok," "Avengers: Infinity War," and "Avengers: Endgame" as a "formidable hat trick." Downey Jr. and Chris Evans both left after "Endgame," and Scarlett Johansson exited following 2021's "Black Widow."

Persons: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Thor, Hemsworth, —, You've, Downey, Kenneth Branagh, Ken Branagh, He's, Dave Bautista, Kumail Nanjiani, Anthony Hopkins, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Marvel Organizations: Service, Marvel, Fair, Marvel Studios

☆ Election 2024 Biden jokes, Trump still leads and updates from the Sunday shows.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Maggie Astor | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +9 min

Che told me to say that, and I’m just realizing I was set up.” “Shame, shame, shame on you.” “Shame on you!” “Shame, shame, shame, shame.”President Biden didn’t waste time. “The 2024 election’s in full swing and yes, age is an issue,” Mr. Biden said in a roughly 10-minute speech. He ended it by noting that his grandfather, who recently died, had voted for Mr. Biden in the last election. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois held court with guests as Biden campaign officials talked about recent polls showing Mr. Biden cutting into Mr. Trump’s lead. “My vice president actually endorses me,” Mr. Biden said, referring to former Vice President Mike Pence’s decision not to endorse Mr. Trump.

Persons: Biden, Donald J, —, Donald, Joe, Michael Che, Che, I’m, ”, ” Mr, “, ” “ Donald, Mr, Stormy Daniels, Trump, ‘, ’, Washington Hilton, Hazami Barmada, Evan ”, Evan Gershkovich, “ We’re, Paul Whelan, we’re, Evan, Austin Tice, Deborah, Tice, Haiyun Jiang, The New York Times Kelly O’Donnell, Gershkovich, Ms, O’Donnell, Colin Jost, Advance —, Jost, Jost didn’t, mignon, Lester Holt, Jeffrey D, Al Sharpton, John Fetterman, Scarlett Johansson, Jon Hamm, Sean Penn, Chuck Schumer, J.B . Pritzker, Trump’s, Robert E, Lee, Mike Pence’s Organizations: White, ’ Association, Israel, Union, ’, Washington Hilton, New York Times, The New York Times, Washington, Wall Street, ., Home, U.S, Journalists, Austin, Wall Street Journal, Credit, NBC News, Staten, Advance, Mr, Black, White House, Hollywood, Democratic, Illinois, Biden, “ Locations: Gaza, New York, York, Russia, Moscow, The U.S, Syria, Pennsylvania, Gettysburg

☆ Biden swipes at Trump at White House correspondents' dinner
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Megan Lebowitz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

US President Joe Biden speaks during the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner in Washington, DC, US on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The president said later that age was the only thing he and Trump had in common, adding, "My vice president actually endorses me," a reference to former Vice President Mike Pence's refusal to say he'll back his former running mate in 2024. President Joe Biden on Saturday used his White House correspondents' dinner speech to swipe at former President Donald Trump , taking shots at the presumptive GOP nominee while highlighting the stakes of the election. US President Joe Biden speaks during the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner at the Washington Hilton, in Washington, DC, on April 27, 2024. NBC News Senior White House Correspondent Kelly O'Donnell is serving as the White House Correspondents Association's 2023-24 president and presided over the dinner.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Trump, Mike Pence's, Donald Trump, Evan Gershkovich, Vladimir Putin, Gershkovich, Austin Tice, Paul Whelan, Gershkovich's, Steve Kornacki, We're, Scarlett Johansson, Jost, Rachel Brosnahan, Antony Blinken, Chuck Schumer, Sen, John Fetterman, Jill Biden, Kamala Harris, Doug Emhoff, Kelly O'Donnell, Association's, Colin Jost Organizations: White, Correspondents ' Association, Washington Hilton, Street, U.S, NBC News, Biden, Penn, NBC, Air Force Locations: Washington , DC, Washington ,, Russia, United States, Israel, Gaza

☆ Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson Lead ‘D.C.-Palooza’
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Callie Holtermann | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

The early arrivals at a party thrown by the Hollywood powerhouse Creative Artists Agency on Friday night seemed to be weighing same question: Just how much could they expect to let loose during this year’s White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner weekend? Their game of chicken did not go on long. By 8 p.m., guests at the talent agency’s event, held at La Grande Boucherie in Washington, were applying temporary tattoos to one another’s necks and trying to prevent their drinks from sloshing onto a baby grand piano. The weekend’s main event, known as “nerd prom,” is a Saturday night banquet at the Washington Hilton Hotel. There, Colin Jost of “Saturday Night Live” plans to gently roast President Biden, who is expected to take the dais and attempt some zingers of his own.

Persons: ”, Colin Jost, “, Biden Organizations: Hollywood, Creative Artists Agency, Washington Hilton Locations: La Grande, Washington

When Scarlett Johansson announced in June of 2022 that she was launching a skincare line, I wasn't just skeptical; I was confused. However, Scarlett Johansson's skincare label, The Outset, was one career move I didn't see coming, despite the fact the Marvel actor has an undeniably glowing complexion. So, you can imagine my surprise when it proved to be one of the best skincare brands I've tried in my eight years of testing and reporting on all things beauty. A close-up of The Outset Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream texture. Its first collection included a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, vitamin C eye cream, and night cream that, when used together, create a complete regimen you can use day and night.

Persons: Scarlett Johansson, Gwen Stefani's, Scarlett Johansson's skincare, I've, Julia Guerra, Kate Foster Organizations: Business, Marvel

☆ Michael Douglas found out he’s related to Scarlett Johansson on ‘Finding Your Roots’
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Marianne Garvey | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —“Finding Your Roots” has found another celebrity connection. Michael Douglas discovered on a recent episode of the PBS series that he is the “DNA cousin” of actress Scarlett Johansson. “Are you kidding?” Douglas replied when host Henry Louis Gates Jr. revealed the connection. In one episode, Julia Roberts and Edward Norton learned they were genetic cousins and Kerry Washington received life-changing news that she was conceived through a sperm donor. “Finding Your Roots” with Henry Louis Gates Jr. airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

Persons: Michael Douglas, ”, Scarlett Johansson, “, ” Douglas, Henry Louis Gates Jr, Douglas, Johansson, Scarlett, Julia Roberts, Edward Norton, Kerry Washington, Henry Louis Gates Organizations: CNN, PBS Locations: Eastern Europe

☆ How Dana Walden could defy critics and become Disney's first female CEO
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +22 min

The appointment would make Walden the first female CEO of the Walt Disney Co. in its 100-year history. "Anybody they choose will have never been the Disney CEO prior to that." At Disney, Walden has hit several home runs, including FX's "The Bear," Hulu's "The Dropout" and "Only Murderers in the Building," and ABC's "Abbott Elementary." Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek CNBCChapek climbed the corporate ladder at Disney for 30 years by showcasing his business and finance chops. Combating female stereotypesIf Walden were appointed CEO, she would be the first woman to run the century-old company.

Persons: Dana Walden, Disney Entertainment Rich Polk, Peter Chernin, Rupert, Walden, Bob Iger, he'd, Fox, Chernin, Peter Roth, Roth, Peter Chernin Getty, Josh D'Amaro, Jimmy Pitaro, Alan Bergman, Nelson, Peltz, Iger, Bob Chapek, Walden's, Bergman, she's, hasn't, —, Walden —, Dana doesn't, Jennifer Salke, Jennifer Salke Stephen Desaulniers, CNBC Walden, Richard Plepler, Craig Hunegs, Carol Burnett's, Carrie Hamilton, George Burns, Dean Martin, roasts, Martin, Buddy Hackett, Matt Walden, Bender, Goldman, she'd, Arsenio, Lucie Sulhany, Dana Walden Jason Laveris, Gary Newman, Newman, It's, Dana, Ryan Murphy, John Landgraf, Jan, Seth MacFarlane, Guy, Tuck, MacFarlane, Murphy, Steve Levitan, Dan Fogelman, Rick Rosen, Rosen, Howard Gordon, Levitan, Peter Rice, Rice, wasn't, Chapek, Rich Appel, Gary, it's, Percy Jackson, didn't, Bob Chapek CNBC Chapek, showrunners, Scarlett Johansson, Kristina Schake, Jay Sures, Sures, Amazon's Salke, Greta Gerwig, Gloria, Murphy's, Miss Jones, There's, Steve Levitan Peter, Hopper, Critics, She's, Salke, WME's Rosen Organizations: Disney Entertainment, Getty, Century Fox Filmed Entertainment, Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, Walt Disney Co, Century Fox, Fox, Century Fox Television, Warner Bros, Disney, ESPN, Entertainment, CNBC, Trian Partners, Iger, Amazon Studios, HBO, Disney TV Studios, Hollywood, Westlake School for Girls, Harvard, Westlake School, The Friars Club, University of Southern, Paramount, Paramount Domestic Television, Filmmagic, Fox Broadcasting, Walden, CBS, FX Networks, Bob Chapek CNBC, Indiana University, Michigan State University, United Talent Agency, Hulu Locations: Santa Barbara , California, Walden, Brentwood , California, She's, Disney's, Studio City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, University of Southern California, Chapek, Hollywood, Walden's, Iger, America

☆ Katie Britt says being played by Scarlett Johansson on 'SNL' wasn't on her 'bingo card' but she's 'here for it'
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Sen. Katie Britt addressed Scarlett Johansson's portrayal of her on "Saturday Night Live." In an appearance on fellow Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas's "Verdict" podcast, the Alabama senator said being portrayed by Scarlett Johansson on "Saturday Night Live" wasn't on her "bingo card" for 2024. "Look — Scarlett Johansson is hot," said Cruz, noting that he's "genuinely jealous" of Britt for being portrayed by Johannson. Advertisement"At least you are played by a woman," Cruz later said. "I mean, Scarlett Johansson.

Persons: Sen, Katie Britt, Scarlett Johansson's, Britt, —, Joe Biden's, Republican Sen, Ted Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, — Scarlett Johansson, Cruz, Johannson, Aidy Bryant —, I've, Mitch McConnell, who's, Mitch McConnell's, Mitch, McConnell, Mike Johnson Organizations: Alabama senator's, Service, Union, Republican Locations: Alabama senator's State, Joe Biden's State, Alabama, Cancun

☆ Scarlett Johansson plays Sen. Katie Britt in a satire of her SOTU rebuttal on ‘SNL’
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —“Saturday Night Live” started with a take on the State of the Union this weekend, along with a response from a surprise guest. Scarlett Johansson – otherwise known as Mrs. Colin Jost – made a cameo appearance during the show’s cold open, playing Alabama Sen. Katie Britt in her much-talked about GOP rebuttal to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Thursday. With one hand firmly raised, Johansson dressed as Britt called out Biden’s “performative” qualities (while fervently denying any performance of her own), delivering her remarks from her kitchen. ”You see, I’m not just a mother,” Johansson said. Ahead of Johansson’s sendup, Mikey Day reprised his role of Biden at the podium for his address, where he told Punkie Johnson – playing Vice President Kamala Harris – that he hoped she “didn’t skip leg day,” before she sat, then stood, sat, then stood throughout his address.

Persons: CNN —, ”, Scarlett Johansson, Colin Jost –, Alabama Sen, Katie Britt, Joe Biden’s, Johansson, Britt, I’m, ” Johansson, “ I’m, Jordan Peele’s Oscar, Kenan Thompson, sendup, Mikey Day, Biden, Punkie Johnson –, Kamala Harris –, Michael Longfellow, Mike Johnson, ” “, Josh Brolin –, Ariana Grande Organizations: CNN, Union, Alabama Locations: Joe Biden’s State, State

☆ Sen. Katie Britt denies misleading and widely criticized sex trafficking anecdote in Biden's State of the Union rebuttal
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Since delivering the GOP rebuttal to Biden's State of the Union address on Thursday, Britt has faced severe criticism. Britt argued that in her rebuttal she made clear that the woman had experienced sex trafficking years earlier during her childhood, not under the Biden administration. In her rebuttal, Britt references "a woman" who "had been sex trafficked by the cartels starting at the age of 12." During the speech, she did not clarify that the crime happened decades ago and that the woman was no longer being sex trafficked. The victim, Karla Jacinto Romero, experienced sex trafficking from 2004 to 2008 in Mexico.

Persons: Sen, Katie Britt, U.S . Alabama Republican Sen, Joe Biden's, Britt, Jonathan Katz, Biden, Karla Jacinto Romero, Katz, Jacinto, Andrew Bates, Sean Ross, Ross, Jacinto Romero's, Scarlett Johansson Organizations: U.S . Alabama Republican, Sunday, Fox, White House, Border Patrol Union, CNBC, NBC Locations: Biden's State, Mexico, U.S

☆ Ray Winstone says filming 'Black Widow' was 'soul-destroying' because producers told him his performance was 'too strong'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Eammon Jacobs | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewRay Winstone said working on Marvel's "Black Widow" was "soul-destroying" because producers told him his performance was too strong during reshoots on the 2021 movie. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Winstone told Radio Times magazine that he found it difficult working on the Marvel movie, especially when producers criticized his performance during reshoots. The actor said that he wanted to quit "Black Widow," and told producers to recast the role. On Sunday, Winstone told The Guardian that he sometimes takes roles he's not interested in, simply because he needs the money.

Persons: —, Ray Winstone, Scarlett Johansson, General Dreykov, Taskmaster, Olga Kurylenko, Winstone, Dreykov, It's, Indiana Jones, he's, you've, haven't, Winstone isn't, Natalie Portman, Dave Bautista, Edward Norton, they've, didn't Organizations: Service, Business, Radio Times, Marvel, Marvel Studios, Guardian

☆ Gen Alpha says names like Amanda, Ashley, and Erica are the new 'old people' names
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Samantha Grindell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

"The other day, my daughter told me the names Ashley or Amanda — or my name is Amber — are like old people names," Cimiotti said in her video. But as Scarlett pointed to her teachers and her friends' parents' names, Cimiotti realized she was right. AdvertisementPopular names have changed since millennials were childrenCimiotti's daughter's comments reflect changes to trending names since millennials were born. But since 2021, none of those names were even in the top 100 most popular names for babies, highlighting how parents' approach to naming has transformed in recent years. But names have always come in and out of styleMillennial parents may associate childhood with names like Ashley and Samantha.

Persons: —, Amber Cimiotti, Scarlett, Ashley, Amanda —, Amber —, Cimiotti, Erica, Samantha, Josh, Kyle, Tiffany, Where's Nancy, Frank, millennials, Cimiotti's, Amanda, Amber, Olivia, Emma, Alpha, Sophia, Amelia, I'd, Scarlett Johansson, Linda, Jennifer, Em, @emdoodlesandstuff Organizations: Service, Business, Social Security Administration, Social Security Locations: Chad, Charlotte

Johansson and Marino will star in the Super Bowl commercial that will focus on the candy being the comfort fun food while watching the big game. Both will be placed in a humorous scenario around the theme, poking fun at their respective “almost champion” status from her Oscars and his Super Bowl losses. “Life goes on,” said the Hall of Fame quarterback who played 17 seasons with the Miami Dolphins and competed in the 1985 Super Bowl. I think if we can have fun all together, make a fun Super Bowl commercial, it's OK. Almost champions, the comfort, the fun of doing a Super Bowl commercial.

Persons: Scarlett Johansson, Dan Marino, Johansson, Marino, Terrell Owens, Bruce Smith, Ms, ”, Lucy ”, Dan, Dan Marino's, “, that's Organizations: LAS VEGAS, Super Bowl, Super, NFL, of Fame, Miami Dolphins

WASHINGTON (AP) — Colin Jost, the co-anchor of Saturday Night Live's “Weekend Update,” will get a chance in April to roast leading political and media figures as the featured entertainer at the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents’ Association. “His smart brand of comedy and keen observation will turn up the heat on the national news media and across the political spectrum,” said Kelly O’Donnell, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association and NBC News Senior White House Correspondent, in a statement. A writer and comedic performer, Jost has written for the long-running NBC late night comedy franchise since 2005. He began co-anchoring the show's news parody in 2014 with co-anchor Michael Che. Jost is married to actress Scarlett Johansson.

Persons: — Colin Jost, ”, Kelly O’Donnell, Jost, Michael Che, Tom, Jerry, ” Jost, Pete Buttigieg, Scarlett Johansson Organizations: WASHINGTON, White, ’ Association, NBC, White House, “, New, Staten Island, Harvard University, Transportation Locations: New York City, Staten

☆ Thanks to Taylor Swift, ads aimed at women are taking the Super Bowl by storm
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | Alexandra Peers | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Women watch the Super Bowl, too, right? In a bigger shift, several longtime Super Bowl advertisers, like M&M’S, have spots featuring women who, for a change, aren’t just sipping soda in tight pants. So Cardi B plugs Duck Plump lip gloss for L’Oreal NYX Professional Makeup, the first time the brand has advertised on the Super Bowl. cosmetics, also a first-time Super Bowl advertiser, reunites (some of) the cast of “Suits” in its spot as the lawyers haul various celebrities into court. As for at least one of the potential stars of the show, despite performing in Japan the previous day, Swift will likely attend the Super Bowl.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, “ Taylor, Paul Hardart, New York University’s, “ Swift, Kelce, ”, it’s, Bud Light, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Kate McKinnon, “, Jenna Ortega, Swift Organizations: New, New York CNN, Super Bowl, Kansas City, New York, New York University’s Stern School of Business, CNN, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Super, CBS, Anheuser, Budweiser, “ Mayo, Embassy of Locations: New York, Kansas, Las Vegas, Hellman's, Japan, Embassy, Embassy of Japan

(AP) — Annette Bening, a two-time Golden Globe winner who recently received her fifth Oscar nomination, was feted Tuesday with a raucous parade full of colorful costumes and drag performers as part of festivities honoring her as Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals 2024 Woman of the Year. The Pudding is the oldest theatrical organization in the nation and one of the oldest in the world. As the parade made its way through Cambridge, Bening, wearing a brown coat, hat and sunglasses, blew kisses to the crowd, and at point, was pecked on both cheeks by drag performers. Benning, who will also be roasted Tuesday night before attending a performance of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ 175th production, “Heist Heist Baby,” launched into can can dance with several other people as the parade ended. “We’re absolutely thrilled to honor Annette Bening in this milestone 175th anniversary year for the Hasty Pudding,” said Josh Hillers, the organization’s president.

Persons: — Annette Bening, “, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Coolidge, Bening, Benning, ”, “ We’re, Annette Bening, Josh Hillers, we’re, ” Bening, Diana Nyad, Barry Keoghan Organizations: Golden Globe, Harvard Locations: CAMBRIDGE, Cambridge, ”, Dunkirk

(AP) — Annette Bening, a two-time Golden Globe winner who recently received her fifth Oscar nomination, was named Thursday as the 2024 Woman of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals. The Pudding is the oldest theatrical organization in the nation and one of the oldest in the world. The festivities, including a celebratory roast of Bening, will take place Tuesday night. Bening will attend a performance of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ 175th production, “Heist Heist Baby.”“We’re absolutely thrilled to honor Annette Bening in this milestone 175th anniversary year for the Hasty Pudding,” said Josh Hillers, the organization's president. He will honored Friday night.

Persons: — Annette Bening, Harvard University’s, “, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Coolidge, Bening, We’re, Annette Bening, ”, Josh Hillers, we’re, ” Bening, Diana Nyad, Barry Keoghan Organizations: Golden Globe, Harvard Locations: CAMBRIDGE, ”, Dunkirk

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Underneath his umbrella, NFL legend Dan Marino stood nearly drenched on the sideline watching Prince’s epic “Purple Rain” Super Bowl halftime performance in 2007 during a torrential Miami downpour. “The halftime performance has come a long way,” said the Hall of Fame quarterback who played 17 seasons with the Miami Dolphins and competed in the 1985 Super Bowl. His show will be vastly different than the NFL’s first Super Bowl halftime show in 1967, which featured marching bands from the University of Arizona and Grambling State University, a historically Black college, along with hundreds of flying pigeons, thousands of balloons and two soaring men wearing jetpacks. After the inaugural Super Bowl, the NFL kept bringing back other marching bands, drill teams, signed Chubby Checker and Up with People, an organization that stage positive thinking through dance and song performances. Dudowsky recalled when Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said the “Super Bowl of music is the Super Bowl.” He said the halftime show has been able to grow thanks to the NFL's ability to adjust to the current culture and giving deserving artists the platform to express their artistry.

Persons: Dan Marino, Marino, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Aerosmith, ”, Marino's, Rihanna, Katy Perry's, Scarlett Johansson, doesn’t, she’s, Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson ’, Gaga, ” Johansson, “, you’ve, Kris Jenner, Jenner, ” Usher —, Chubby Checker, Gloria Estefan, Billie Jean, Diana Ross, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Seth Dudowsky, Jay, —, don’t, Dudowsky, Chris Martin, Dr, Dre, Snoop Dogg, Dogg, Roger Goodell, ” Dogg, Usher, he's Organizations: ANGELES, of Fame, Miami Dolphins, Super, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Associated Press, Bowl, University of Arizona, Grambling State University, NFL, New, Rose Bowl, Coldplay, Roc Nation Locations: Miami, Las Vegas, U.S, Southern California

☆ Disney CEO Bob Iger says company is ready to start building
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Dawn Chmielewski | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger attends the Nominees Luncheon for the 95th Oscars in Beverly Hills, California, U.S. February 13, 2023. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 28 (Reuters) - Walt Disney (DIS.N) CEO Bob Iger told employees that he faced a "myriad of challenges" upon returning to the company but remained upbeat about its prospects. "I feel that we’ve just emerged from a period of a lot of fixing to one of building again," Iger said. The meeting marks the one-year anniversary of Iger's first town hall since rejoining the company as chief executive in November 2022. Disney has undergone a transformation under Iger, who restructured the company and streamlined operations to make the business more cost effective.

Persons: Bob Iger, Mario Anzuoni, Walt Disney, “, ” Iger, I've, Iger, Alan Bergman, Dana Walden, Jimmy Pitaro, Josh D’Amaro, Nelson Peltz, Bob Chapek, Scarlett Johansson, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Disney, Dawn Chmielewski, Nick Zieminski Organizations: Walt Disney Company, REUTERS, New Amsterdam Theatre, Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Walt, New York Times, Disney, Florida Governor, Thomson Locations: Beverly Hills , California, U.S, Iger's, Burbank , California, New York

☆ Sam Altman's return to OpenAI doesn't necessarily mean a return to normalcy
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . In today's big story, we're looking at Sam Altman returning to the helm of OpenAI. Less than five days after his shocking ouster, Sam Altman is set to return to OpenAI as its CEO. Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella, a key figure in the past few days' drama, comes out a winner. By helping to reinstall Altman at OpenAI, he stabilizes a key piece of Microsoft's AI strategy.

Persons: —, NASA's James Webb, Sam Altman, JACK GUEZ, OpenAI, Altman, we're, Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, Taylor, Adam D'Angelo, Greg Brockman, OpenAI's confounder, They've, Tim Paradis, Satya Nadella, Kevin Scott, Insider's Ashley Stewart, Julie Bort, Darrin Zammit Lupi, Patrick T, Fallon Rivian, Elon Musk's, Jack Dorsey, Amr Bo Shanab, Madison, they're, Vladimir Putin, Billie Jean King, Jamie Lee Curtis, Scarlett Johansson, Hailey Bieber, John Deere, LongeviQuest's Ben Meyers, Yumi Yamamoto, Fabrizio Villatoro, Jack SteerLo, Fusa Tatsumi, they've, Dan DeFrancesco, Naga Siu, Hallam Bullock, Lisa Ryan Organizations: Service, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, Getty, Silicon, Business, Microsoft, REUTERS, Elon, Madison Ave Locations: OpenAI, AFP, OpenAI's, India, New York City, San Diego, London, New York

☆ How Disney can save the Marvel Cinematic Universe
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +13 min

CEO Bob Iger suggested as early as March that the company should decrease the number of sequel films Marvel releases in favor of bringing newer characters and stories into the mix. Box office analysts aren't ready to wave the white flag on the MCU, which has left rival DC, owned by Warner Bros. The promise was that the events of the shows would come full circle and influence the content of Marvel's films. Brie Larson stars as Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel in Disney and Marvel's "The Marvels." It is expected that this Deadpool film will follow carry an R rating, which would be a first for a Marvel Cinematic Universe feature.

Persons: Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, Jesse Grant, Captain America, It's, Marvel, Disney, Bob Iger, aren't, Kevin Feige, Paul Dergarabedian, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Wanda Maximoff, Sam Wilson, Loki, Knight, they've, Robert Thompson, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Robbins, Paul Rudd, Scott Lang, Johnathan Majors, Kang the, Kang, Jonathan Majors, Shawn Robbins, Josh Brolin, Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Strange, Hugh Jackman, Brie Larson, Carol Danvers, Captain Marvel, James Bond, Marvel hasn't, hasn't, it's, America Chavez, Kate Bishop, Kamala Kahn, Cassie Lang, Riri Williams, Ryan Reynolds, Maya Lopez, Wilson Fisk, Lopez, Agatha Organizations: Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Studios, Disney, Getty, Marvel, DC, Warner Bros, Captain, Syracuse University, Guardians, Rotten, CNBC, Disney Marvel, Sony, Hollywood, Star Wars, Star, Young Avengers, Fox, Hulu Locations: ANAHEIM , CALIFORNIA, Anaheim , Calif, California, Shanghai, Quantumania

☆ Marvel used to reliably churn out billion-dollar hits. Now Disney has a mess on its hands
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Disney has a mess on its hands to marvel at. The embarrassingly weak debut marked the worst opening for any Marvel Studios film in its history. But, in recent years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has started to show serious signs of trouble. Those films — all of which were released after “Endgame” — are the four worst-reviewed films in Marvel history, according to Rotten Tomatoes averages. And the movies failed to earn an A-rating from CinemaScore, a feat almost all Marvel films easily accomplished, signaling deeper troubles with audience reception and crushing word-of-mouth.

Persons: CNN —, Marvel, “, ”, ” Shawn Robbins, Loki ’, Brie Larson didn’t, Bob Iger, Iger, ” Iger, Kevin Feige, ” Robert Downey Jr, ” Chris Evans ’, America, Scarlett Johansson’s “, Thanos, Chadwick Boseman’s “, Doctor Strange, Iron, ” Robbins Organizations: CNN, CNN — Disney, Marvel Studios, Marvel, Rotten, Box, “ Guardians, Galaxy, DC Studios, Warner Bros ., Disney, Magic, “, Pixar, “ Marvel

☆ An AI app cloned Scarlett Johansson’s voice for an ad—but deepfakes aren’t just a problem for celebrities
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Movie star Scarlett Johansson is taking legal action against an AI app that used her name and an AI-generated version of her voice in an advertisement without her permission, according to Variety. The 22-second ad was posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Oct. 28 by AI image-generating app Lisa AI: 90s Yearbook & Avatar, according to Variety. The ad featured images of Johansson and an AI-generated voice similar to hers promoting the app. However, fine print displayed under the ad indicated the AI-generated content "has nothing to do with this person." Lisa AI and a representative for Johansson didn't respond to CNBC Make It's request for comment.

Persons: Scarlett Johansson, Johansson, Lisa AI, Johansson didn't Organizations: Variety, CNBC

Ryan and Duchovny did not really know each other before “What Happens Later," but you’d never know it to watch them on screen or hear their off-camera rapport. AP: You have such lived-in banter and chemistry, it’s surprising that you two didn’t really know each other before this. DUCHOVNY: I’m thankful to Meg for giving me the opportunity to work in a movie like this. RYAN: That’s exactly what it is. I’m going to google that to make sure I’m right.

Persons: Nora ”, Meg Ryan’s, Nora Ephron, Ephron, Ryan, Harry Met Sally, ”, David Duchovny, hasn't, “, ” Ryan, “ It’s, Duchovny, you’d, DUCHOVNY, I’ve, RYAN, Nora, It’s, Tom Hanks, Billy Crystal, He’s, Hal Liggett, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, Hal, 5’10, 6’2, It’s Morgan Freeman, it’s Scarlett Johansson, I’m, Meg, Meg’s, there’s, COVID, you’ve, it’s, Matthew Perry’s, Harder, of Rome Organizations: Associated Press, greyhounds Locations: Seattle, RYAN

On Monday night in Midtown Manhattan, Neil Patrick Harris, Nicky Hilton Rothschild and Michael Kors danced in their seats, as J. Harrison Ghee, the Broadway actor, sang Aretha Franklin’s classic “Freeway of Love.”Ghee’s performance opened the 17th annual Golden Heart Awards, the major fall fund-raiser for God’s Love We Deliver, an organization that provides medically tailored meals to New Yorkers affected by severe illness, which was founded in 1986 during the AIDS epidemic. “I think that we have to honor, and make noise about, organizations that can cut through the noise and make a difference,” said Mr. Kors, a co-chair of the event and a board member of the organization. The evening honored the Broadway star Ben Platt for excellence in the arts and the actress Scarlett Johansson for philanthropy and activism.

Persons: Neil Patrick Harris, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Michael Kors, Harrison, Aretha Franklin’s, ”, Kors, Ben Platt, Scarlett Johansson Organizations: Broadway Locations: Midtown Manhattan

Search resuls for: "Scarlett Johansson"

25 mentions found