DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ How Azzi Glasser uses fragrance to help Hollywood celebrities tell a story
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Susan Griffin | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Her character was a chain-smoking alcoholic psychiatrist, but Bonham Carter hadn’t gone “method”; she had simply spritzed herself with a bespoke fragrance created specifically for her by fragrance designer Azzi Glasser. Now, a bespoke fragrance from Glasser can cost up to £15,000 ($19,000), though she also offers a lower-priced collection of fragrances to enable people to discover their own fragrance DNA. To play King Henry VIII in upcoming movie Firebrand, actor Jude Law told Azzi Glasser he wanted to smell exactly like the king would have, despite knowing it would be repulsive. “As actors know, fragrance can transform you and take you on a journey. It opens up passages and doors in the brain, working through the olfactory system to bring out emotions,” noted Glasser.

Persons: Helena Bonham Carter, Bonham Carter hadn’t, Azzi Glasser, Enid, Glasser, ”, Bonham Carter, Enid Blyton, Harry Potter ”, “ Alice, Miss Havisham, Azzi “ Helena couldn’t, Alicia Vikander, Noomi Rapace, Damian Lewis, Orlando Bloom, Stephen Fry, Kylie Minogue, Adam Lambert, Johnny Depp, ” Depp, Barnabas, “ Azzi, “ We’ll, I’ll, Jude Law’s, ulcerated Henry VIII, King Henry VIII, Jude Law, Jude, “, Pope, ‘, Henry, ’, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Austin Butler, Kaia Gerber, Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber, David Linley, Princess Margaret, Antony Armstrong, Jones — Glasser, Cindy Crawford's, Azzi “ David Organizations: CNN, Azzi Locations: London, ”, Wonderland, India

☆ With the Oscar-nominated ‘Barbie,’ Mattel has arrived in Hollywood. What’s next for the toy company?
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Elizabeth Wagmeister | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Driven largely by benefits associated with the “Barbie” movie, Mattel finished last year strong with 24% fourth-quarter growth. Before the “Barbie” movie was released, the Barbie brand already had a 99% rate of global brand awareness, selling more than 100 dolls every single minute, according to Mattel. What’s next for Mattel Films? Mattel Films, which is headed by Oscar-nominated producer Robbie Brenner, faces a lot of pressure to live up to “Barbie” with its second go-around. When asked about the possibility of an R-rated film at Mattel, Kreiz says, “I wouldn’t rule out different scenarios.

Persons: CNN — Barbie, “ Barbie ”, Fisher Price, Barbie, J.J . Abrams, Vin Diesel, ”, Lena Dunham, Lily Collins, “ Barney, Daniel Kaluuya, Bob, Jennifer Lopez, Anthony Ramos, “, Matt Mason, Tom Hanks, KELLY CLARKSON, Jennifer Lopez Weiss Eubanks, Mattel, Ynon Kreiz, Kreiz, ” Kreiz, Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie’s “ Barbie ”, Chris Pizzello, Lisa McKnight, ” Barbie, “ Barbie, Robbie, Amy Schumer, Anne Hathaway, ” McKnight, Barney ’, Oscar, Robbie Brenner, Gerwig, Mark Ronson, Barney, BARNEY, “ It’s, ‘ Barbie, ’ ” Organizations: CNN, Academy, Hollywood, American, Warner Bros . Pictures, Marvel, Mattel, UNO, KELLY CLARKSON SHOW, Fox Kids Europe, Endemol, Hasbro, Universal, Sony, Mattel Films, Entertainment, Everett, haven’t Locations: Hollywood, J.J, ”, Arizona, Los Angeles, Cold

Mark Dodson, who voiced strange puppet creatures in “Star Wars,” including Salacious B. Crumb, the cackling monkey-lizard pet of Jabba the Hutt, and “Gremlins” films, died on Saturday. No cause of death was given. Mr. Dodson’s career began in 1983 on “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” when he voiced Salacious B. Crumb, the court jester of Jabba the Hutt that was known for its maniacal laugh. In a 2020 interview, Mr. Dodson explained how he had gotten the role by accident. He was auditioning for Adm. Ackbar, a leader during the Clone Wars, but was so nervous that he asked for a break to compose himself, and was overheard using a deranged voice that the casting director thought was perfect for Crumb.

Persons: Mark Dodson, Crumb, the Hutt, Peter DeLorme, Dodson’s, Salacious, Jabba, Hutt, Dodson, Adm, Ackbar Organizations: Evansville Horror Con, “ Locations: Indiana

☆ Opinion: ‘Dune: Part Two’ falls into a familiar – and telling – trap
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Opinion Noah Berlatsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

His hero, Paul Atreides, is filled with doubts about his role as a Messianic leader and director of colonial conquest. (The distributor of “Dune” and “Dune: Part Two” shares a parent company, Warner Bros. So in the movie, it’s not just Paul who sees problems with his colonial power. Timothée Chalamet in "Dune: Part Two" Warner Bros. PicturesIn the book, Chani is mostly supportive of Paul, with few reservations. Paul feels bad for being the destined one; Herbert and Villeneuve, to varying degrees, seem to regret making Paul the destined one.

Persons: Noah Berlatsky, CNN — Frank Herbert’s, revel, Whitey, Edgar Rice Burroughs, James Fenimore Cooper, Rider Haggard, Herbert, Paul Atreides, Noah Berlatsky Noah Berlatsky Denis Villeneuve’s, ”, Villeneuve, he’s, Paul, Timothée, Atreides, Paul’s, Leto Atreides, Oscar Isaac, Arrakis, Emperor, Christopher Walken, Baron Harkonnen, Stellan, Leto, Jessica, Rebecca Ferguson, Natty Bumppo, it’s, Chani, Tasha Suri’s “, Ambha, Sriduangkaew’s, Thompson’s, Suri, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Paul doesn’t, “ Organizations: CNN, Warner Bros, Pictures Locations: Chicago, swash, Vietnam

☆ Does your dog need a coat?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

But all this begs the question: Does your dog need a coat? From high-fashion to high-performanceThere’s evidence of dog fashion and clothing throughout history — from the ancient Egyptians and 19th-century Paris dog boutiques to early 20th-century photographs of dogs wearing clothes. Prada's Re-Nylon puffer dog coat with hood comes in two colors and three sizes, $825 From PradaBut the transition from Fifth Avenue high-end and high fashion to high-performance and technical function has certainly accelerated in recent decades. Doberman Pinschers — along with sleek breeds like Greyhounds and Whippets — are prime candidates for dog coats because of their short hair, thin skin and minimal body fat. “Make sure the coat fits well for safety and they’re supervised while wearing the coat.

Persons: Jerry Klein, Klein, Godiva, Jessica Rinaldi, I’m, ”, Alan Fausel, Enoch Frères, ” Fausel, Tiffany, Bruiser Woods, ” Frank, “ Frasier, Prada, Gucci, Prada's, Peter Kearns, Batman, Robyn Baldrey, Joe Hafner, Voyagers, ” Hafner, That’s, ” Coats, Jackie Moord, Mark Makela, Nicole Wheatley, Shanoa, ’ ” Wheatley, MeadowCat, Wheatley, Minnesota’s Northwoods, Drogo, Lois Katchur, Richter, Whippets, Leon, Sypha, ” Wheatley, Jennifer Bruns, Kent Nishimura, ” Bruns, they’re Organizations: Minnesota CNN —, American Kennel Club, CNN, Boston, Boston Globe, AKC Museum, Prada, Fifth, American Pet Products Association, “, Husky, PetSmart Veterinary Services, Los Angeles Times Locations: Anoka, Minnesota, Boston , Massachusetts, New York City, Paris, Seattle, Bend , Oregon, Santa Monica, It’s, Tacoma , Washington, Ada , Michigan, Rehoboth Beach , Delaware, Anoka , Minnesota, Minnesota’s, Muncy , Pennsylvania, Washington , DC

NEW YORK (AP) — Paramount Pictures’ Bob Marley biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” outperformed expectations to debut at No. But on a weekend that was once expected to go to “Madame Web,” “One Love” emerged as the much-preferred option in theaters, despite largely poor reviews. Over six days, Sony is estimating a $15.2 million weekend and a six-day $25.8 million haul. “Madame Web” still couldn’t come close to the $39 million domestic opening weekend for “Morbius.” In 61 overseas markets, “Madame Web” added $25.7 million. The 2024 box office has gotten off to a sobering start for Hollywood, and the disappointing result for “Madame Web” won’t help.

Persons: Bob Marley, Sony’s, ”, Kingsley Ben, Marley, Elvis, Chris Aronson, Bob Marley’s, Aronson, “, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Ziggy, Rita, Ziggy Marley, bode, Madame, Dakota Johnson, Paul Dergarabedian, Morbius ”, Morbius, Annie Awards, —, Annie, Moviegoing, Comscore, “ Wonka, “ Lisa Frankenstein, Jake Coyle Organizations: — Paramount, ” Paramount, President’s, Paramount, Rotten, Sony, Academy, Hollywood Locations: Jamaica, New York, “

☆ Herculaneum scrolls: Philosopher’s words emerge from ancient artifacts
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

And now, researchers investigating artifacts from the neighboring city of Herculaneum are using new technology to peek beneath Vesuvius’ blanket of ash and mud to uncover more of history’s best kept secrets. The wonderOne of the Herculaneum scrolls undergoes analysis using lasers. EduceLab/University of KentuckyArtificial intelligence has revealed the first nearly complete passages to be decoded from the charred, brittle Herculaneum scrolls. Mimas could change the way scientists understand ocean worlds across our solar system, which may harbor life beyond Earth. They find wonder in planets beyond our solar system and discoveries from the ancient world.

Persons: Julius Caesar’s, papyrologists, Philodemus, ”, Roger Macfarlane, Drake, Nima Sarikhani, Joshua Newton, Frédéric, IMCCE Mimas, —, Ashley Strickland, Katie Hunt Organizations: CNN, University of Kentucky, Brigham Young University, Wildlife, Perth Zoo, Curtin University’s School, Molecular, Life Sciences, “, PACE, CNN Space, Science Locations: Herculaneum, South America, Antarctica, British, Western, London

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Andra Day normally deals with with nervousness before any big show — especially in front of her peers. On Sunday, Day will certainly use the same approach before she graces the Super Bowl stage as a pregame performer. She's set to perform “ Lift Every Voice and Sing ” ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Last week, she earned a standing ovation after her performance at the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective event in Los Angeles. The sound is different.”___To see more of AP’s Super Bowl coverage, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl

Persons: — Andra, She's, “, I'm, Reba McEntire, Post Malone, Usher, Clive Davis, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Keyshia Cole, Frederic Yonnet, ”, Billie Holiday, Billie Holiday ”, Cassandra, She'll, Day, I've Organizations: LAS VEGAS, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Allegiant, Press, Post, American, Globe Locations: America, Los Angeles, United States

☆ The First New Oscar in More Than 20 Years Goes to Casting Directors
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Julia Jacobs | More About Julia Jacobs | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Academy Awards is introducing an Oscar for casting, the ceremony’s governing organization announced Thursday, making it the first new category in more than 20 years. The new category will be introduced for films released in 2025, meaning that fans won’t see a statuette given out until the ceremony in 2026. The Academy tends to be conservative when it comes to introducing new awards: The last category to be created was the Oscar for best animated feature film, which was established in 2001. (It went to “Shrek.”) In 2018, the Academy scrapped the introduction of a new category for achievement in “popular” films after blowback from the public and some Academy members. Destiny Lilly, the president of the Casting Society of America, a professional organization for people in the field, said the society was created in the early 1980s in part to help push for this award.

Persons: Oscar, Destiny Lilly Organizations: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The, Academy, Casting Society of America

☆ Saturn’s ‘Death Star’ moon is hiding an internal ocean, scientists say
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Astronomers have uncovered additional evidence that one of Saturn’s smallest moons, Mimas, is hiding a global ocean beneath its icy surface. Discovered in 1789 by English astronomer William Herschel as a tiny dot near Saturn, Mimas was first imaged from space by the Voyager probes in 1980. Craters cover the surface of Mimas, but the largest one is 80 miles (about 130 kilometers) across and causes the moon to resemble the Death Star from the “Star Wars” films. But Saturn’s Enceladus appears younger because active geysers have contributed to resurfacing, or depositing of new, fresh material on that moon’s surface. “Mimas certainly demonstrates that moons with old surfaces can be hiding young oceans, which is pretty exciting,” Rhoden said.

Persons: Mimas, Cassini, William Herschel, Observatoire, Dr, Valéry Lainey, Lainey, ”, Nick Cooper, Saturn, ” Lainey, “, Triton, Frédéric, ” Cooper, “ Lainey, Matija Ćuk, Alyssa Rose Rhoden, Rhoden Organizations: CNN —, Saturn, Voyager, “, Physical, Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, NASA, Clipper, SETI Institute, Southwest Research Locations: Paris, California, Colorado

The world also said goodbye to former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who died Nov. 29. Political Cartoons View All 1277 ImagesAnother political figure who died this year was former U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died Nov. 19. Among the entertainers who left the world this year was singer Tina Turner, who died May 24. Here is a roll call of some influential figures who died in 2023 (cause of death cited for younger people, if available):___JANUARY___Fred White, 67. A Hall of Fame forward who helped the Chicago Blackhawks win the 1961 Stanley Cup Final.

Persons: Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Prigozhin, Vladimir Putin’s, Henry Kissinger, Rosalynn Carter, Jimmy Carter, Silvio Berlusconi, Dianne Feinstein, James Buckley, James Abourezk, Nigel Lawson, Pervez Musharraf, Sandra Day O’Connor, Li Keqiang, Martti Ahtisaari, United Nations Bill Richardson, Gov, Sheila Oliver, Theodoros Pangalos, Tina Turner, Ike Turner, Suzanne Somers, Matthew Perry, Raquel Welch, Richard Belzer, Chaim Topol, Jacklyn Zeman, Lance Reddick, Alan Arkin, Paul Reubens, David McCallum, Richard Roundtree, Tom Sizemore, Jimmy Buffett, Sinéad O’Connor, Rita Lee Jones, Burt Bacharach, David Crosby, Fito Olivares, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Astrud Gilberto, Coco Lee, Tony Bennett, Harry Belafonte, Cormac McCarthy, William Friedkin, Bob Barker, Jerry Springer, Louise Glück, Jeff Beck, Mary Quant, Kaija Saariaho, Lloyd Morrisett, Fred White, Maurice, Verdine White, Ken Block, Walter Cunningham, Fay Weldon, ” Jan, Russell Pearce, Charles Simic, Lynette “ Diamond ” Hardaway, Donald Trump, Diamond, Constantine, Jan, Tatjana Patitz, George Michael’s, Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis Presley, Robbie Knievel, Evel Knievel, Ray Cordeiro, Elmo, Cookie, Gina Lollobrigida, Chris Ford, Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young, Cindy Williams, Shirley, “ Laverne, Billy Packer, Sylvia Syms, Alex ”, Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield, “ Papa, Rollin ’ Stone, Tom Verlaine, Patti Smith, Bobby Hull, Paco Rabanne, Harry Whittington, Dick Cheney, Hsing Yun, ”, San Jose ”, Carlos Saura, Spain’s, Hugh Hudson, Oscar, “ Greystroke, Hans Modrow, David Jude Jolicoeur, Huey “, ” Smith, Little Richard, Lloyd Price, “, Leiji Matsumoto, Yamato ”, Tim McCarver, Stella Stevens, Jerry Lewis’s, John Munch, Ahmed Qureia, Betty Boothroyd, Ricou Browning, Gill, Gérard Latortue, Fontaine, Barbara Everitt Bryant, Ryan ”, Kenzaburo Oe, Judy Heumann, Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Georgina Beyer, Traute Lafrenz, Rose, Peterson Zah, Tevye, Robert Blake, Jiang Yanyong, Bud Grant, Dick Fosbury, Pat Schroeder, Gloria Bosman, Jacqueline Gold, Britain’s Ann Summers, John Wick ”, John Jenrette, Juana La, Willis Reed, Darcelle, Paul O’Grady, Lily Savage, Emperor ”, Hedda Kleinfeld Schachter, Margaret Thatcher, Ben Ferencz, Nuremberg, Elisabeth Kopp, Michael Lerner, Jack Lipnick, “ Barton Fink, Bugsy Calhoun, Anne Perry, Thomas Pitt, William Monk, Al Jaffee, magazine’s, Charles Stanley, Richard Riordan, Todd Haimes, Tony Awards, Barry Humphries, Tony, Dame Edna Everage, Len Goodman, Carolyn Bryant Donham, Emmett Till, LeRoy “ Lee ” Carhart, Larry “, ___ Gordon Lightfoot, Tori Bowie, Vida, Grace Bumbry, Rock ”, Ovelha, Denny Crum, Heather Armstrong, Bobbie Spencer, Rolf Harris, Kenneth Anger, Doyle Brunson, Jim Brown, Timothy Keller, Andy Rourke, Ray Stevenson, Thor ”, Ed Ames, George Maharis, Carroll Cooley, Miranda, John Beasley, Kaija, George Winston, Ipanema ”, Robert Hanssen, Richard Snyder, Simon & Schuster, Françoise Gilot, Pablo Picasso —, Pat Robertson, Theodore “ Ted ” Kaczynski, Roger Payne, Treat Williams, Glenda Jackson, Daniel Ellsberg, Richard Nixon, Big, George Frazier, Lee Sarokin, Rubin “, ” Carter, Winnie Ewing, Sheldon Harnick, Jerry Bock, “ Fiorello, John Goodenough, Peg Yorkin, Sue Johanson, Yan Mingfu, John Berylson, James Lewis, poisonings, Mikala Jones, André Watts, Jane Birkin, Kevin Mitnick, San Francisco ”, Frank Sinatra, Lady Gaga, Hugh “ Sonny ” Carter Jr, Jimmy, Randy Meisner, Herman, Angus Cloud, Fezco, ” O’Neill, ___, Mark Margolis, Hector Salamanca, Saul, Sixto Rodriguez, flamed, Robbie Robertson, Tom Jones, Magoo, Timbaland, Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Clarence Avant, Quincy Jones, Bill Withers, Ada Deer, Jerry Moss, Herb Alpert, Alpert, Michael Parkinson, Muhammad Ali, Miss Piggy, Jiri Cerny, Betty Tyson, Richard Nixon’s, John Warnock, Ron Cephas Jones, Howard Hubbard, Samuel “ Joe ” Wurzelbacher, Joe, Barack Obama, Gil Brandt, Tom Landry, Tex Schramm, Bill Richardson, Steve Harwell, Shabtai Shavit, Jordan, Ian Wilmut, Dolly, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Roy Kidd, Eno Ichikawa, Michael McGrath, Fernando Botero, Giorgio Napolitano, Matteo Messina Denaro, Michael Gambon, Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter ”, Mankombu Sambasivan, Saad Eddin Ibrahim, Hosni Mubarak, Tim Wakefield, Dick Butkus, Michael Chiarello, Michael Chiarello ”, Masters, Burt Young, Paulie, Sylvester Stallone, Hughes Van Ellis, Kevin Phillips, Louise Meriwether, Mark Goddard, Major Don West, Rudolph Isley, Isley, unblinking, Piper Laurie, Chrissy Snow, Bobby Charlton, Bishan Bedi, Richard Moll, Xi Jinping, Wu Zunyou, Chandler Bing, Ken Mattingly, Bob Knight, Frank Borman, Steve Norton, Don Walsh, Mariana Trench, Terry R, Taylor, Daisaku Ikeda, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Ussery, George “ Funky ” Brown, Joanna ”, Marty Krofft, Pufnstuf, Donny, Marie ”, Terry Venables, Tim Dorsey, Serge A, Frances Sternhagen, ” “, Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway, Gerald Ford, Shane MacGowan, Bernard McGhee Organizations: Wagner Group, Russian, White House, U.S, Supreme, United Nations, Greek Foreign, Republican, Hong, Boston Celtics, NBA, NBC, CBS, Television, Fame, Chicago Blackhawks, ”, New, of Fame, Louis Cardinals, “, Palestinian, Israel, South Dakota Democrat, Arab, Arab American U.S, Britain’s, Commons, . Census Bureau, Alabama ”, Zealand, Navajo, Minnesota Vikings, People, Playboy, Capitol, Juana La Cubana, New York Knicks, Guinness, World Records, Hollywood, Treasury, Southern Baptist Convention, Los Angeles, Roundabout Theatre Company, Air Force, Harlem Globetrotters, Janeiro Games, baseball’s, Germany’s Bayreuth, NCAA, Hall of Famer, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Legion, Ames, Phoenix, FBI, Simon &, Christian Broadcasting Network, Republican Party, Christian Coalition, Harvard, Feminist Majority Foundation, “ Little, Communist Party, Millwall, New York Philharmonic, San, Brigade, Wing, Eagles, HBO, of Indian Affairs, M, Police, Carpenters, Adobe Systems, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Dallas Cowboys, escapist, Democratic, Zulu, Eastern, AA, Broadway, Communist, U.S . Senate, Red Sox, Yankees, Boston, Chicago Bears, Major, Isley Brothers, New York Times, Manchester United, India, Indiana, Nevada — Resorts, Atlantic City —, Navy, Associated Press, Soka Gakkai, Kentucky Derby, Kool, The, European, Barcelona, Tottenham, City Locations: Russia, Ukraine, Bakhmut, Russian, U.S, Finnish, New Mexico, New Jersey, British, Greece, American, Hong Kong, Italian, America, New York, Spanish, catwalks, Texas, Taiwan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, San, New Orleans, Rosebud, Arab American, Haiti, “, African, Brooklyn, London, Los, Mississippi, United States, Rivers, Georgia, Savannah, Louisville, New York City, Irish, HBO’s “ Rome, Brazilian, Ipanema, Moscow, Virginia, Montana, Vietnam, Canada, Asia, Chicago, Hawaii, France, South Africa, Wisconsin, Los Angeles, Czech, Eastern Kentucky, Colombian, ”, California, Tulsa, Finland, China, Nevada, Atlantic City, Florida, Berkshire

☆ John Woo Has Seen a Lot in Hollywood. He’s Finally Back for More.
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Brandon Yu | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

When John Woo was a child, living in the dangerous slums of Hong Kong, he had two sanctuaries: the church and the movie theater. Both provided respite from a world of poverty and intense violence. He’d use a flashlight to illuminate the glass and, shifting the light, project moving images onto the wall. That 1989 film, starring his frequent collaborator Chow Yun-fat, proved a major work that established both Woo’s style and our notion of modern action cinema. And yet, even as his so-called “bullet ballet” films went on to influence an array of popular culture makers, including the Wu-Tang Clan and Quentin Tarantino, Woo said he never particularly cared for action films.

Persons: John Woo, Woo, Oz ”, it’s, Chow Yun, Wu, Wu - Tang Clan, Quentin Tarantino Organizations: Wu - Locations: Hong Kong, Wu - Tang

NEW YORK (AP) — Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon and “Scream” star Melissa Barrera were each dropped by Hollywood companies after making comments on the Israel-Hamas war that some deemed antisemitic. Jenna Ortega, who played Barrera’s sister in the two previous “Scream” films, is reportedly not returning, Deadline reported Wednesday. A spokesperson for Ortega didn’t immediately respond to queries. Political Cartoons View All 1265 ImagesA spokesman for the United Talent Agency said Sarandon, the five-time Oscar nominee, is no longer represented by the agency. Israel and Hamas on Wednesday agreed to a four-day cease-fire in the war in Gaza.

Persons: — Oscar, Susan Sarandon, Melissa Barrera, ”, “, Spyglass, Barrera didn't, Jenna Ortega, Ortega, Ortega didn’t, Sarandon, Oscar, she's, Maha Dakhil, Israel, Dakhil Organizations: Hollywood, Spyglass Media Group, United Talent Agency, UTA, New York Post, The, Writers Guild of America, Creative Arts Agency, Hamas Locations: Israel, “, Gaza, New York, Palestine

☆ ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ Review: Prequel Without a Purpose
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Kyle Smith | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth Photo: LionsgateAlong with the “Twilight” series, the “Hunger Games” films now seem like an unfortunate artifact of Obama-era teen taste. Interest in the latter saga fizzled amid the unwise decision to stretch out the third novel in Suzanne Collins ’s trilogy with enough filler to constitute two films. As the audience sensed it was being exploited, the concluding chapter was the lowest-grossing one in the series. This time the lead actress is another young performer whom Hollywood hopes to turn into a global name, “West Side Story” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” star Rachel Zegler .

Persons: Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Suzanne Collins ’, Jennifer Lawrence, Hollywood, Billy, Kid, Francis Lawrence Organizations: Lionsgate, Hollywood

☆ ‘David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived’ Review: Harry Potter’s Stuntman Perseveres
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( John Anderson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

David Holmes and Daniel Radcliffe Photo: HBO“The gift that keeps on taking” is how the inexplicably good-humored David Holmes describes his broken neck, suffered during the making of the “ Harry Potter ” films, on which he had served as principal stunt double for Daniel Radcliffe . Mr. Radcliffe, who is a major presence in and force behind the documentary “David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived,” helps tell the story of Mr. Holmes’s journey from movie set to wheelchair, one that might have left a viewer a tear-stained wretch except for the camaraderie on display, and the enchantment of lifelong friendships. David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived Wednesday, 9 p.m., HBOAs Mr. Radcliffe tells us, he all but grew up with Mr. Holmes, who was just a few years older than the 11-year-old unknown selected to play Harry Potter—“the boy who lived,” as Potter fans well know—and who served as a mentor-hero for the admittedly unathletic actor. Much of what Harry did on screen—flying through the air, piloting broomsticks through Quidditch games, being hurled through walls by Nagini the giant snake—Mr. Holmes actually did, as a young man who was small for his age but prodigiously talented as a gymnast and gifted with the kind of physical genius envied by those of us who lack it.

Persons: David Holmes, Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter ”, Radcliffe, ”, Holmes, Harry Potter —, Potter, Harry Organizations: HBO

☆ In Regulating A.I., the Government May Be Doing Too Much. And Too Little. - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Tim Wu | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

But if social networking was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, artificial intelligence is more like a wolf clothed as a horseman of the apocalypse. certainly poses problems and challenges that call for government action, the apocalyptic concerns — be they mass unemployment from automation or a superintelligent A.I. If doing too little, too late with social media was a mistake, we now need to be wary of taking premature government action that fails to address concrete harms. The White House is not wrong to want standardized testing of A.I. systems to keep the government apprised of safety tests, and also to have the secretary of labor study the risks of and remedies for A.I.

Persons: Stanley Kubrick’s, —, that’s Organizations: HAL

☆ Daniel Radcliffe executive producing doc about stunt double paralyzed during ‘Deathly Hallows’
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Lisa France | Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Daniel Radcliffe’s newest project is very close to his heart. “David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived” tells the story of Holmes, a gymnast who served as Radcliffe’s stunt double for ten years on the “Harry Potter” films before a 2009 accident on the set of “Deathly Hallows - Part 1” injured Holmes and left him paralyzed. Radcliffe is the executive producer of the documentary. “Being a stuntman was my calling in life, and doubling Harry was the best job in the world,” he wrote. The film includes personal footage from Homes’ life shot over the last decade, behind-the-scenes material from Holmes’ stunt work, as well as interviews with Radcliffe, friends, family, and former crew.

Persons: Daniel Radcliffe’s, “ David Holmes, Holmes, Harry Potter ”, Radcliffe, Daniel, David, ”, “, Harry, ‘, Dan Hartley Organizations: HBO, CNN, Warner Bros .

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Richard Roundtree, the trailblazing actor who starred as the ultra-smooth private detective in several “Shaft” films beginning in the early 1970s, has died. Roundtree’s “Shaft” was part of a change in how Black movies were viewed in Hollywood, which failed to consider Black actors – especially for leading roles — in projects at the time. Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft” theme song — which included the line “You a bad mother— (Shut your mouth)” — helped insinuate the original movie into the pop-cult consciousness. After the film’s success, Roundtree returned in sequels “Shaft’s Big Score” in 1972 and “Shaft in Africa” in 1973. Roundtree reprised his role in the 2000 “Shaft” film, a revival that starred Samuel L. Jackson.

Persons: — Richard Roundtree, Roundtree’s, Patrick McMinn, ” McMinn, ” Roundtree, John, Gordon Parks, –, —, Roundtree, Isaac Hayes ’, ” —, Samuel L, Jackson, Jessie T, Usher, Peter O’Toole, Taraji P, Henson, ”, Mary Jane ” Organizations: ANGELES, Associated Press, Africa ”, CBS, “, MTV Locations: Los Angeles, New Rochelle , New York, New York, Gordon, Hollywood, American, Africa

☆ Lupita Nyong’o announces split over ‘deception’
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Lupita Nyong’o has gone public with her pain. The Oscar-winning actress posted a lengthy note Thursday on her verified Instagram account in which she revealed the end of a relationship. The pair first went public with their relationship via social media in December 2022. xo.”Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, who worked with Nyong’o on the “Black Panther” films, also dropped a message. “I love you Lupita,” Carter wrote.

Persons: Lupita Nyong’o, ” Nyong’o, “, ’ ”, Nyong’o, Selema Masekela, Ava DuVernay, ” Oscar, Ruth E, Carter, ” Carter, I’m, ” Organizations: CNN

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “The Exorcist: Believer” spun heads and drove off all foes at the box office. But while it nearly earned back its reported budget of $30 million in just a few days, the take for “The Exorcist: Believer” was underwhelming after the two companies paid $400 million in 2021 for the rights to a new trilogy. Another horror sequel, “Saw X,” was third for Lionsgate Films, with $8.2 million, and has brought in $32.6 million after two weekends. “The Exorcist: Believer,” $27.2 million. “Saw X,” $8.2 million.

Persons: —, ”, “, William Friedkin, David Gordon Green, “ Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr, Lidya Jewett, Jake Coyle, “ Barbie, Comscore Organizations: ANGELES, Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate Films, Rotten, The Associated Press Locations: North America, Venice

☆ Michael Gambon, Dumbledore actor in ‘Harry Potter,’ dies age 82
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Zahid Mahmood | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Actor Michael Gambon, best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in most of the “Harry Potter” movies, has died at 82 following a “bout of pneumonia,” a statement issued on behalf of his family said on Thursday, PA Media news agency reported. I collect cars and guns, which are much more expensive, and much more difficult to store.”Michael Gambon in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." Four years later, Gambon joined the Birmingham Repertory Company, finally playing title roles in his favorite Shakespearean plays. But it was as Hogwarts’ headmaster Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” film series that Gambon will perhaps be best remembered, a role he took up following the death of Richard Harris in 2002. In all, Gambon was cast as Dumbledore for six of the eight “Harry Potter” films.

Persons: Michael Gambon, Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter ”, ”, Sir Michael Gambon, Clair Dobbs, Michael, Anne, Fergus, ” Gambon, Gambon, toolmaker, “ I’ve, “ Richard Briers, Harry Potter, Murray, Laurence Olivier, Philip Marlow, ’, Dumbledore, Richard Harris Organizations: CNN, Media, Guardian, Warner Bros, Royal Academy of Dramatic, National Theatre Company, Birmingham Repertory Company, British Empire Locations: Cabra, Dublin, London, Irish, Camden, British

☆ How Dumbledore Became Michael Gambon’s Most Recognizable Role
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Julia Jacobs | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the latter part of Michael Gambon’s long and storied acting career, some of the most animated analyses of his performances could be found not in theater or film reviews, but in forums for the “Harry Potter” fandom, where dedicated Hogwarts obsessives would dissect his every onscreen utterance as the wizard Albus Dumbledore. It wasn’t originally his role. Richard Harris, the eminent actor who was originally cast, died after filming the second “Harry Potter” movie. Several other well-known actors were initially considered to succeed Harris in the role, including McKellen, who demurred, and Peter O'Toole, who turned it down because of his long, close friendship with Harris. In the end the choice was Gambon, whose family said Thursday that he had died.

Persons: Michael Gambon’s, Harry Potter ”, Albus Dumbledore, Richard Harris, Harry Potter, Gambon, Alec Guinness, Obi, Wan, Ian McKellen, Gandalf, Harris, McKellen, Peter O'Toole, Harris’s Organizations: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft

☆ Daniel Radcliffe and other 'Harry Potter' stars remember 'magnificent' Michael Gambon
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Daniel Radcliffe, the lead star of the original “Harry Potter” film franchise, is remembering his late costar Michael Gambon after Gambon died of pneumonia this week at age 82. “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling also took time to remember the actor on Thursday, writing on X/Twitter, “I’ve just heard the awful news about Michael Gambon. Actor Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the “Potter” films, called Gambon “magnificent” in his tribute on X/Twitter, continuing, “I learned what acting could be from Michael in The Singing Detective - complex, vulnerable and utterly human. “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” the statement issued by his publicist Clair Dobbs said, according to PA. Correction: A previous version of this story erroneously attributed a quote to Daniel Radcliffe.

Persons: CNN — Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter, Michael Gambon, Gambon, “ Michael Gambon, I’ve, ” Radcliffe, “, ”, Rupert Grint, Ron Weasley, Michael, ” Gambon, Dumbledore, Harry Potter ”, Richard Harris, “ Harry Potter ”, J.K, Rowling, “ I’ve, King Lear, you’d, I’d, ” “ Michael, Jason Isaacs, Lucius Malfoy, Potter, Sir Michael Gambon, Clair Dobbs, Daniel Radcliffe Organizations: CNN, Media, Radcliffe

A writers’ strike has frozen Hollywood for months. Writers and studios have reached a tentative deal, the Writers Guild of America announced yesterday. The tentative deal includes most of what the writers sought. In the coming days, union members will vote on whether to approve the agreement. “We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional — with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership,” the W.G.A.

Organizations: Studios, Writers Guild of America

☆ ‘Barbie’ is Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing global release ever
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-29 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Comscore estimated a global total of $1,341,854,460 through Monday for “Barbie.”On Monday, Warner Bros. said “Barbie” will pass “Harry Potter” to become its highest grossing film globally. “Barbie” and the “Harry Potter” films are distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, which is owned by CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. A blockbuster summerJust last week, “Barbie” surpassed “Super Mario Bros.” as the highest-grossing movie at the domestic box office this year. “Barbie” also was crowned Warner Bros. Discovery’s highest-grossing domestic release, beating out “The Dark Knight” in 2008. In late August, “Blue Beetle” — also distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures — unseated “Barbie” from the top of the US box office.

Persons: ”, Harry Potter, Greta Gerwig’s “, “ Barbie, Harry Potter ”, “ Barbie ”, Barbie ’, Paul Dergarabedian, ” Dergarabedian, Dergarabedian, Mario, “, Knight ”, Gerwig, — Organizations: New, New York CNN, Warner Bros, Disney, Star Wars, Office, Century Fox, Warner Bros . Pictures, Warner Bros ., Mattel, Discovery’s Locations: New York

Search resuls for: "” Films"

25 mentions found