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☆ Shania Twain dreams up joyful new music for post-pandemic celebrations
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Rollo Ross | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LOS ANGELES, Feb 7 (Reuters) - After a life-threatening bout of COVID-19, five-time Grammy winner Shania Twain hopes to bring joy to the world with her new album "Queen of Me". But instead of navel gazing, Twain, 57, said she put herself in a playful frame of mind. That's the mode I'm in and I sense it with the fans as well," she said. "When I'm getting into the songwriting mode, I'm just dreaming. The country music phenomenon is ready to tour the world with her new album, starting out in Spokane, Washington, in April and finishing in Vancouver, British Columbia, in mid-November.

The video game industry also flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic as people increasingly turned to digital entertainment during lockdowns. However, video game music has not always hit all the right notes to be specifically recognized at the Grammys. But game music is breaking ground through technological innovation and new avenues for consumers to experience it. This includes live immersive video game concerts, video game scores across platforms like YouTube,Twitch, TikTok and Fortnite, remixes and collaborations, augmented and virtual reality and even eye-tracking technology. Collaborating with game developers and audio teams informs his ability to write music that can be smoothly integrated into a video game.

loadingThe motion picture is up for 11 Oscars at the March 12 Academy Awards, including best picture and lead actress for Michelle Yeoh. Both Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu are vying for best actress in a supporting role, while Ke Huy Quan is a favorite for best supporting actor. Kwan believes that without Yeoh, the film would not have been the success it is. "And I'm going through all these costumes, I'm like doing kung-fu, I'm like blowing up a cop's face into confetti." Reporting by Rollo Ross and Danielle Broadway; Editing by Mary Milliken and Sandra MalerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

LOS ANGELES, Jan 25 (Reuters) - "Naatu Naatu", the standout song in the Indian period film "RRR," has won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award, garnered hundreds of millions of views on YouTube and spawned a TikTok challenge. Keeravani, songwriter of ''Naatu Naatu'' from the movie ''RRR'', which is nominated for best original song at the Oscars, poses for a portrait at the Reuters office in Culver City, California, U.S. January 13, 2023. "Naatu Naatu" and Keeravani are competing with some big household names in the best song category, including Lady Gaga's "Hold My Hand" from "Top Gun: Maverick" and Rihanna's "Lift Me Up" from "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever". In the action-Bollywood epic directed by S.S. Rajamouli, "Naatu Naatu" begins when the two leads, played by Ram Charan and N.T. Rahman won the Oscar for the Hindi song “Jai-Ho,” but that was for the U.S.-British production of “Slumdog Millionaire,” which was set in India.

☆ Box office hits 'Everything Everywhere,' 'Elvis' and 'Avatar' land Oscar nominations
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Lisa Richwine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

"Everything Everywhere," a science-fiction flick about an exasperated Chinese immigrant struggling to finish her taxes, landed 11 nominations, including best picture and four acting nods. Other films in the hunt for the top trophy at the Academy Awards included sequel "Avatar: The Way of Water," James Cameron's visual spectacle that currently ranks as the sixth-highest grossing movie of all time. Last year's Academy Awards ceremony, when Will Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock before winning best actor, drew about 15.4 million TV viewers, the second-smallest audience ever. Apple TV+ (AAPL.O) nabbed best picture last year for heartwarming drama "CODA." This time, Disney received the most nominations, a total of 22, for movies including "Avatar," "Banshees" and animated "Turning Red."

☆ James Cameron celebrated in Hollywood amid 'Avatar' success
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Rollo Ross | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/5] Director James Cameron and Producer Jon Landau pose after placing their handprints and footprints during an event at the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 12, 2023. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniLOS ANGELES, Jan 12 (Reuters) - As "Avatar: The Way of Water" climbs the box office charts, director James Cameron stuck his hands and feet in cement outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday to commemorate his contributions to the film business. Longtime collaborator Sigourney Weaver tricked Cameron and producer Jon Landau into going barefoot for the ceremony. "Writing and designing the subsequent two films, it's now going to pay off, so that's a good feeling," he added. Reporting by Rollo Ross; Writing by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Chris ReeseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

LOS ANGELES, Jan 12 (Reuters) - The 2013 video game “The Last of Us” was a hit with critics and players thanks to a powerful narrative. Ten years later, that story is headed to television on HBO in what the industry hopes is a harbinger for artfully adapting video games to TV and film. The PlayStation game won numerous awards, including “Game of the Year” at the 17th Annual Design Innovate Communicate Entertain summit (DICE), which honors video game industry professionals. The TV series has received glowing reviews from critics, garnering a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. "It shouldn’t be surprising that a drama based on a video game can have heart.

Host and comedian Jerrod Carmichael opened his monologue with a blunt assessment: that he was there because "I'm Black." Carmichael recalled being called by Golden Globes producer Stephen Hill and being asked to host the awards. On the silver carpet, this year’s Golden Globe winner for best actress in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” Michelle Yeoh and “Elvis” director Baz Luhrmann also expressed the importance of celebrating all the talented people involved in Golden Globes. “I think it’s important because this is an international Golden Globe, right? Luhrmann echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I think the Golden Globes has really walked the walk, not just talked the talk.

[1/12] Angela Bassett poses with her award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" at the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., January 10, 2023. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniBEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan 10 (Reuters) - "Black Panther" actress Angela Bassett won a supporting actress award on Tuesday at the first Golden Globe awards since a scandal knocked the glitzy Hollywood ceremony off television. Bassett was honored for playing Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," a sequel that was rewritten after the death of star Chadwick Boseman. Ke Huy Quan was named best supporting actor in a drama film for his role of Waymond Wang in "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Among those voters, nearly 52% are racially and ethnically diverse, including 10% who are Black, according to the HFPA.

The comedy-drama is adapted from the 2012 Swedish novel “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman that became the 2015 Oscar-nominated film. "A Man Called Otto", directed by Marc Forster, arrives in select theaters on Friday. “Look, I’m selfish. I’m a selfish actor and I’m competitive and I know a good role when I see one and don’t think anybody else was considered for the role," said Hanks. Reporting by Rollo Ross and Danielle Broadway; Editing by Mary Milliken and David GregorioOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ In 'Wildcat', Amazon fauna helps heal emotional wounds of war
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Rollo Ross | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Their triumphs and travails are at the heart of "Wildcat", a documentary filmed deep in the rainforest that premieres on Amazon's Prime Video on Friday. Then they get a call from a friend that an ocelot kitten was found by loggers and little Keanu helps Turner out of his grief. The documentary came about after Zwicker shot videos documenting Khan's upbringing, hoping it would help other conservationists return cats to the wild. Directors Trevor Frost and Melissa Lesh came on board to document the lives of Turner, Zwicker and their animals after receiving Keanu. With proceeds from the reported $20 million Amazon Studios paid for the documentary, Zwicker is building up her conservation program Hoja Nueva, while Turner has set up his own charity, Emerald Arch.

[1/4] Rapper Nas poses for a photo at Sweet Chick restaurant in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 9, 2022. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniDec 9 (Reuters) - As hip-hop prepares to turn 50 in 2023, U.S. rapper Nas wants to make sure the world understands its history, relevance and influence. Through his company, Mass Appeal, the native New Yorker is spearheading numerous events leading up to the anniversary. “Hip-Hop was never just music,” said Nas, adding it has always included elements of deejaying, dancing, fashion and other art forms. The dancing, rapping and deejaying elements grew out of an inner-city environment but it has since evolved into a multi-billion dollar part of mainstream global culture.

☆ Will Smith's 'Emancipation' scores mixed reviews so far
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Danielle Broadway | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Ben Foster, Jordyn McIntosh, Jeremiah Friedlander, Will Smith and Charmaine Bingwa attend a premiere for the film "Emancipation" in Los Angeles, California, U.S. November 30, 2022. REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniDec 1 (Reuters) - Apple TV+’s 2022 slavery drama “Emancipation", actor Will Smith's first film since his famous slap of comedian Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, has received mixed early reviews from film critics. The movie has scored a 59% positive rating on Rotton Tomatoes so far, with 14 out of 24 reviewers applauding the film as of Thursday afternoon. The first batch of reviews have earned “Emancipation” the rotten label, as many reviewers voice their disappointment in the historical action film’s execution. “Emancipation devolves into a confused jumble of messages,” Lovia Gyarke from The Hollywood Reporter wrote.

REUTERS/Mario AnzuoniNov 23 (Reuters) - "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," a sequel to 2019's "Knives Out," brings together a new cast in Greece for a fresh murder mystery and case for sharply-dressed detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig. Rian Johnson, who directed both movies, helped peel back one of the franchise's biggest mysteries this week when he explained what "Glass Onion" means. He told Reuters, "Well it's a Beatles song first and foremost and it's kind of a Beatles song about a mystery that's not actually a mystery." He added: "I ended up working in the idea of the glass onion of this thing that seems densely layered but in reality, it's pretty transparent. "I can't think of a film that I've been in in quite a while where the costumes had such a presence in the film," Norton said.

[1/2] Maya Rudolph attends Disney's "Disenchanted" World Premiere in front of Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, California, U.S. November 16, 2022. REUTERS/David SwansonNov 17(Reuters) - The Disney sequel film “Disenchanted” premiered in Hollywood on Wednesday following its predecessor, “Enchanted,” by flipping the narrative of typical Disney fairytales. "But then we kind of got into it and when Giselle started peeking through and there was the back and forth, that was a lot of fun." While Giselle explores her darker side, the other major villain of the film is Malvina, played by Maya Rudolph. It's a fairy tale that's aware of itself and that's the most fun," she added.

☆ Ballet dancers who fled Russia reunite on California stage
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-12 | by ( Rollo Ross | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Mike BlakeCOSTA MESA, Calif., Nov 11 (Reuters) - Xander Parish is a British-born ballet dancer who was a principal dancer at the Mariinsky Ballet in St Petersburg, Russia. Other international dancers based in Russia also fled, leaving behind their lives, jobs and belongings. Now, for one night, the dancers from the Mariinsky, the Bolshoi and other elite Russian companies are reuniting with a performance on Saturday in Costa Mesa, California. Although the corps de ballet will be together only for one night's performance, Parish already has plans for them to do more. "Reunited in Dance" will be performed at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa.

Nov 7 (Reuters) - “Captain America” actor Chris Evans was named People Magazine’s "sexiest man alive" for 2022 on Monday, following his Marvel co-star Paul Rudd having the title in 2021. “My mom will be so happy,” Evans told People in an interview. Despite his many Hollywood accolades, the “Gray Man” star has aspirations outside of acting, which include marriage and fatherhood. Evans said, “That’s absolutely something I want.”“Some things you want just for you, or just for my family and my friends. Reporting by Danielle Broadway and Rollo Ross in Los Angeles Editing by Matthew LewisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

[1/2] Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 8, 2022 Rebel Wilson is seen in the stands during the match REUTERS/Mike Segar/File PhotoNov 7 (Reuters) - Actor Rebel Wilson introduced the world to her newborn daughter Royce Lillian on Instagram on Monday. Wilson's baby girl was born via surrogate and the 42-year-old star was thrilled to share the news with her fans on the social media platform. “Beyond proud to announce the birth of my first child, Royce Lillian, born this past week via surrogate I can’t even describe the love I have for her, she’s a beautiful miracle!" said Wilson, who is in a relationship with fashion designer Ramona Agruma. Thank you for helping me start my own family, it’s an amazing gift."

Oct 19 (Reuters) - Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars in the antihero DC Comics film "Black Adam," and he is calling it his passion project. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterThe character Black Adam first appeared in a 1945 Fawcett comic book. In the film, Black Adam, the ancient hero of fictional country Kahndaq, is freed from imprisonment after 5,000 years and he is less than happy about such a rude awakening. The wrestler-turned-actor also hopes the audiences will connect with the film the same way he connected with the Black Adam character during his childhood. Produced by New Line Cinema, a unit of AT&T Inc's (T.N) Warner Bros studio, "Black Adam" will be released on Friday.

☆ 'Jaw dropping' real-life drama inspired post-World War One movie 'Amsterdam'
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-05 | by ( Rollo Ross | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LOS ANGELES, Oct 5 (Reuters) - In the new movie "Amsterdam," Christian Bale, John David Washington and Margot Robbie play friends who are reunited years later and accused of murder. The film from Oscar-nominated director David O. Russell, which debuts in theaters on Friday, is inspired by the real-life story of a little-known plot to overthrow U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s. Bale and Washington play wounded World War One soldiers who celebrated their postwar life in Amsterdam with their nurse, played by Margot Robbie. Director David O. Russell with cast members Rami Malek, Andrea Riseborough, Margot Robbie and Christian Bale attend the European premiere of the film "Amsterdam", in London, Britain September 21, 2022. De Niro said he believed the film had resonance with the current U.S. political climate.

Sept 22 (Reuters) - When audiences tune into HBO Max’s “Game of Thrones” spin-off “The House of the Dragon” on Sunday, there will be a few changes. Olivia Cooke will now take over the role of the Queen and Emma D’Arcy will be playing the Princess. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterAlcock told Reuters, "There was no baton to pass on to. I have only met them a few times, which is why this whole experience has been so weird, being like 'Oh we play the same person, but I've never really met you'." It was almost essentially like we were playing two different characters, two very, very different people."

While the show had to close its curtains to new audiences in New York, it’s been given a new life touring the United States and opening in London’s West End. "It was devastating, the COVID moment," Morissette told Reuters before opening night at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. "But at the same time the whole planet was subject to the COVID shift so we were in the pool with everybody." It can feel trippy to hear the words she wrote based on her own experiences resonate with others, she said. “Jagged Little Pill” is playing at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, before touring the United States.

☆ 'Star Wars' series 'Andor' looks at everyday life under the Empire
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-20 | by ( Rollo Ross | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File PhotoLOS ANGELES, Sept 20 (Reuters) - The new "Star Wars" television series "Andor" promises a look at the day-to-day lives of the people who eventually become heroes in the ongoing battle set in a galaxy far, far away. "Andor," which debuts on the Disney+ (DIS.N) streaming service on Wednesday, is a prequel to hit 2016 film "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." I don't think we've seen that," Luna said. "I don't think we've been in the most intimate life of the people that were having to live under the control of the Empire. "We want to make everything real - real emotions, real stakes, real threats, real fear, real betrayal, real love, real desperation, real families, real domestic drama, real adventure," he said.

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