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☆ The director of Will Smith's new movie about slavery hopes audiences can look beyond the infamous #OscarsSlap
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —After the Academy Awards earlier this year, movie watchers and industry insiders alike have wondered what Will Smith’s now-infamous, on-air slapping of Chris Rock will mean for the “King Richard” actor’s career, as well as his future Oscars chances. Now, ahead of the release of Smith’s new film “Emancipation,” director Antoine Fuqua is opening up about all that speculation, and his wish that audiences will instead focus on the searing narrative at the heart of the movie, namely the historic struggle against slavery in America. Four hundred years of slavery is bigger than one moment,” Fuqua told Vanity Fair in an interview published on Tuesday about the film, in which Smith plays a character named Peter, a man who escapes from slavery. The character was inspired by a historical figure commonly referred to as “Whipped Peter,” who was featured in graphic 1863 photos that depicted the brutality of slavery. Director Antoine Fuqua, seen here posing during a photocall on the set of the film "Equalizer 3" on October 19, 2022, directed Will Smith in the soon-to-be-released film "Emancipation."

☆ Channing Tatum shows Salma Hayek his moves in trailer for ‘Magic Mike’s Last Dance’
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Channing Tatum is hoping the third time’s a charm with the upcoming “Magic Mike’s Last Dance,” which debuted its steamy first trailer on Tuesday. The trilogy-completing entry in the “Magic Mike” franchise, coming a little over a decade after 2012’s first film of the same name, revisits Tatum’s stripper-with-a-heart-of-gold Mike Lane, who this time takes off to London with Salma Hayek. The teaser clip, set fittingly to Donna Summer’s classic track “Last Dance,” shows the pair in somewhat wistful moods at the outset, with Tatum bartending at a ritzy event seemingly thrown by Hayek. “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” sees the return of director Steven Soderbergh, who helmed “Magic Mike” and acted as executive producer on the second film, 2015’s “Magic Mike XXL.” It comes from Warner Bros. Pictures. (CNN and Warner Bros. are both part of the same parent company, Warner Bros.

☆ Bad Bunny scores a Grammys first with his Spanish-language album
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language album, “Un Verano Sin Ti,” has made Grammys history. “Un Verano Sin Ti,” which translates to “A Summer Without You,” is also the first album to receive an album of the year nomination at both the Grammys and the Latin Grammys, the latter of which will be held on Thursday. In addition to his album of the year nod, Bad Bunny scored nominations in the best pop solo performance and best música urbana album categories. The Puerto Rican artist has previously been nominated for six Grammys and won two of them. Last year, he won for best música urbana album for “El Último Tour Del Mundo,” and in 2020, he won best latin pop or urban album for his second solo studio album “YHLQMDLG”The 2023 Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and Paramount+.

☆ Namor: Marvel's watertight efforts to make him different from Aquaman
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-13 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Editor’s Note: The following contains minor spoilers about “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”CNN —In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the aquatic adversary known as Namor wastes no time establishing himself as one of those beguiling but strange characters that can polarize an audience: the ocean-dwelling deity uses conch shells like smartphones and has feathered wings on his ankles. (CNN, DC Films and Warner Bros, which produced “Aquaman,” are part of the same parent company, Warner Bros. Also known as the Sub-Mariner, Namor first appeared in comics in 1939, while DC’s Aquaman debuted in 1941. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” also had the daunting task of presenting Namor’s origins in a way that swam clear of those seen in “Aquaman,” and of doing it a movie not meant to operate solely as an origin story. But before that happens, and thanks to Mejía’s nuanced performance in “Wakanda Forever,” Namor should be able to avoid many more comparisons to other oceanic demigods, and ride his own wave into the future.

☆ Emily Blunt is game for a 'Devil Wears Prada' sequel
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Emily Blunt would be more than game to return to the role that made her one of film’s most iconic fashion mean girls. Hathaway, whose career also skyrocketed thanks to “Prada,” shared a bit more hesitation around the prospect of a sequel when she visited “The View” just last week. Now, everything’s gone so digital, and that movie centered around the concept of producing a physical thing. It’s just very different now.”“Although, it is tempting to think about Andy and Emily needing to get Miranda her coffee and she’s somewhere in Europe,” she added. “And then along the way they pick up Stanley Tucci in Italy, who’s at a restaurant.

☆ Bruce Springsteen to take over ‘The Tonight Show’ hosted by (his best impersonator) Jimmy Fallon
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Bruce Springsteen is about to take the stage at a place where he’s often been talked about. The legendary entertainer is set to take over “The Tonight Show” for four nights of performances, also participating as a guest of host Jimmy Fallon – who has done a killer Springsteen impersonation over the years. Late night funnyman Fallon, meanwhile, has made a bit of a side-career off of his Springsteen impersonation, even performing alongside the real deal on multiple occasions. Other musically gifted stars who have done takeovers of “The Tonight Show” include Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift and Lin-Manuel Miranda. “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m.

☆ How to watch and what to expect at the CMA Awards
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

(CNN) Hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning will present the 56th Annual Country Music Association Awards, known as the CMA's, live from Nashville, Tennessee on ABC on Wednesday night. Other performers slated to take the CMA stage include Kelly Clarkson, HARDY, Marcus King, Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce and the Zac Brown Band, according to the association's initial lineup announced in October. Not far behind with five nominations apiece are McBryde, Pearce, Chris Stapleton and Shane McAnally. PresentersThere's no shortage of celebrities set to take the stage to hand out the awards. Where to watchThe CMA Awards will air on Wednesday, November 9 on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

☆ CMA Awards 2022: See the full list of winners
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Country music threw a party on Wednesday night as the CMA Awards were presented. First-time nominee Lainey Wilson topped the list of nominees going into the show and ended the night with major wins, including new artist of the year and female vocalist of the year. The emotional Wilson declared in one acceptance speech: “I know I’m new to a lot of folks, but I won’t let y’all all down. I promise you.”Luke Combs also had a big night, taking the stage both as a performer and winner. Other performers included Kelly Clarkson, who performed with Kelsea Ballerini and Carly Pearce, and Luke Bryan, who pulled double duty as host alongside Peyton Manning.

☆ Jeff Cook, guitarist and co-founder of the band Alabama, dead at 73
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Jeff Cook, one of the original members of the country band Alabama, has died, according to the group’s representative, Don Murry Grubbs. A guitarist and co-founder of Alabama, Cook also played fiddle and other musical instruments for the band. He is “credited for introducing the electric double neck guitar to country music,” the statement said. Over the course of his country music career as part of Alabama, Cook sold 80 million albums and charted 43 No. Cook, a native of Fort Payne, Alabama, is survived by his wife of 27 years Lisa Cook, his mother Betty and his brother David, among other family members.

☆ 'The Whale' previews Brendan Fraser's buzz-worthy performance
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Brendan Fraser’s buzzy portrayal of a reclusive, obese teacher comes to life in the first trailer for “The Whale,” which premiered on Tuesday. The slow and brooding teaser clip starts with shots of a lived-in apartment, before Fraser’s character is seen looking out the kitchen window at a bird who slighted there. Video shared on social media of the six-minute ovation showed the actor looking teary-eyed as the audience applauded. As reported by Variety, Fraser donned a prosthetic suit to play Charlie. “The Whale,” directed by Darren Aronofsky, hits theaters on December 9.

☆ Zac Efron is all flying muscle in first look at upcoming wrestling drama 'Iron Claw'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

The image shows him near-horizontal in midair, muscles rippling and hair flying as he delivers the barefooted kick to his unsuspecting rival. Efron will be playing wrestling legend Kevin Von Erich in the film. Family patriarch Fritz Von Erich became a top performer in the industry, trademarking a distinctive finishing move known as “The Iron Claw,” before five of his six sons followed in their father’s footsteps to become wrestlers. Efron will portray Kevin, the last surviving brother, opposite costars Lily James (“Pam & Tommy”) and “The Affair” star Maura Tierney, who will play his mother Doris. “The Iron Claw,” which does not yet have an official release date, comes from writer-director Sean Durkin, whose credits include the 2011 Elizabeth Olsen-starring “Martha Marcy May Marlene.”

☆ Jimmy Kimmel says he was going to quit his show if ABC asked him to stop making Trump jokes
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Jimmy Kimmel claims he was ready to walk out on his longtime late-night hosting gig if his bosses at ABC asked him to stop making jokes about then-presidential hopeful Donald Trump. But regardless of that slip in popularity among certain circles, Kimmel said at the time that he was simply not willing to refrain from making jokes about Trump. I’m just not going to do it like that,’” Kimmel remembered saying. “You watch the news all day, you see what’s going on, how do you walk on stage and ignore it? That’s fun.”Kimmel renewed his deal with ABC earlier this year that will keep him in his hosting chair for three more years.

☆ Reba McEntire postpones concerts due to doctor-ordered ‘vocal rest’
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Reba McEntire is taking some time to take care of her voice as she continues to tour throughout the US this fall. McEntire will perform the rescheduled concerts in Columbus, Ohio; Raleigh, North Carolina and Indianapolis on December 2, December 3 and December 16, respectively. “Thank you for understanding!” McEntire wrote in her IG post. As of now, the singer and actress is still slated to perform at the Country Music Awards next week, scheduled for Wednesday, November 9. On the acting front, McEntire is currently appearing of the third season of David E. Kelley’s mystery series “Big Sky” on ABC.

☆ Jennifer Lawrence says Adele warned her not to do misfire movie ‘Passengers’
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Rumor has it, Adele isn’t just a great singer – she’s also great at career advice. That is, at least, according to Jennifer Lawrence. Regarding her 2016 movie “Passengers,” which co-starred Chris Pratt and stands as one of the less acclaimed films of her decorated career, Lawrence said, “Adele told me not to do it! “I was like, ‘Oh no, you guys are here because I’m here, and I’m here because you’re here. Wait, who decided that this was a good movie?’” the actress told the Times.

☆ Christina Applegate discusses her resolve to finish the final season of ‘Dead To Me’ amid her multiple sclerosis diagnosis
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Christina Applegate is opening up about living with multiple sclerosis, and how finishing her acclaimed show “Dead to Me” was important to her. Applegate reflected on what it was like to receive her MS diagnosis over the summer of 2021 during filming. “There was the sense of, ‘Well, let’s get her some medicine so she can get better,’” Applegate said. “Jen and Judy [their characters in “Dead to Me”] support each other, love each other, help each other through things. “I’m sure that people are going to be, like, ‘I can’t get past it.’”“Fine, don’t get past it, then,” she added.

☆ Julie Powell, food writer behind ‘Julie & Julia,’ dead at 49
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Julie Powell, a bestselling author who chronicled her efforts to prepare every recipe in Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” which later inspired the movie “Julie & Julia,” died Oct. 26 at her home in New York. Her death was confirmed to the New York Times by her husband, Eric Powell, who said the cause was cardiac arrest. Amy Adams as Julie Powell in the 2009 film "Julie & Julia." Columbia/Scott Rudin Prods/Kobal/ShutterstockPowell’s book was turned into a 2009 film directed by Nora Ephron, with Meryl Streep playing Julia Child and Amy Adams in the role of Powell herself. “We were lucky enough to be the conduit.”At the center of Powell’s blog, and later the acclaimed film that used it as a base, was the writer’s admiration for Julia Child’s cooking and way of life.

☆ Stars pay tribute to Takeoff on social media
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —The tragic shooting death of rapper Takeoff has prompted several stars to take to social media to honor the fallen artist. Takeoff, who was part of the successful group Migos, died early Tuesday morning after shots were fired at a Houston, Texas bowling and pool hall. Ja Rule aired his grievances surrounding Takeoff’s violent death on Twitter, writing, “this sh*t has to STOP… sending love to friends and family”. Gucci Mane, who recently collaborated with Takeoff on the track “Us vs. Them,” wrote on Instagram, “This broke my heart” upon learning the news. Kelly Rowland shared an Instagram Story in which she exclaimed, “There are NO WORDS” over a news snippet about Takeoff’s death.

☆ Taylor Swift makes the top 10 spots of the Billboard Hot 100 all her own
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Taylor Swift is breaking yet another record thanks to the release of her most recent album “Midnights.”The entertainer, who already became Spotify’s most-streamed artist over a 24-hour period upon the release of the record earlier this month, now claims all top ten slots of the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time, according to the music charting website on Monday. Swift is the first artist to ever accomplish the feat in Billboard’s 64-year history. She beat Drake, who in September 2021 claimed nine of the Hot 100’s top 10 spots for a week. According to Billboard, the Hot 100 list “blends all-genre U.S. streaming (official audio and official video), radio airplay and sales data.”At the top of the list this week is “Anti-Hero,” the lead single off of “Midnights,” which is Swift’s tenth studio album. The other nine slots are also claimed by songs from the new album, including the tracks “Lavender Haze” and “Karma.”The accomplishment gives Swifties yet another reason to rejoice, adding yet another bauble to their beloved artist’s “bejeweled” crown.

☆ Laura Dern (sort of) made a cameo on ‘White Lotus’ Season 2
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Laura Dern has returned to working with one of her previous collaborators – but you may have missed it. The “Jurassic Park” star has a small part in the second season premiere of HBO Max’s ensemble dramedy anthology “The White Lotus,” in a voice role as Dominic Di Grasso’s (Michael Imperioli) estranged wife. “The White Lotus” is an Emmy-winning series from writer and creator Mike White that centers on a luxury resort chain and the guests who visit, as well as the staff who run the establishment. White previously collaborated with Dern on the Emmy-nominated HBO show “Enlightened,” which ran from 2011 until 2013. Laura Dern and Mike White in 'Enlightened' (2011).

☆ Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly channeling ‘Pam & Tommy’ top the list of celebrity Halloween costumes
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Some throwbacks to notable ’90s-era celebrities were standouts as the stars stepped out this weekend in costume for their Halloween festivities. One couple acknowledged a pair that came before them, when Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly channeled Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, respectively, at the Casamigos Halloween Party Returns in Beverly Hills, California on Friday night. Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari at the Casamigos Halloween Party Returns in Beverly Hills on Friday in Beverly Hills, California. at the Casamigos Halloween Party Returns in Beverly Hills, California on Friday. Vanessa Hudgens as Black Swan at the Thriller Night Halloween Party, hosted by Prince Michael Jackson, at the Jackson Family Home in Encino, California on Friday.

☆ Henry Cavill exits ‘The Witcher’ as Liam Hemsworth takes over lead role
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Henry Cavill is putting down his blades and moving on from “The Witcher” after three seasons as the leading man on the Netflix series. “As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam’s take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men,” Cavill wrote. “The Witcher,” which premiered on Netflix in 2019, is based on the fantasy book series by Andrzej Sapkowski and created for television by Lauren Schmidt. “It was something I wasn’t going to let pass me by without giving it my best shot,” Cavill said at Comic Con. They said, ‘They’re not ready.’”But now, Cavill is surely focused on reprising another iconic previous role on his resume.

☆ Kanye West comments on fallout from his antisemitic remarks
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —After a week of financial fallout following antisemitic remarks on social media and in interviews, Kanye West is commenting on those thoughts, as well as what he’s said about George Floyd and Black Lives Matter. “I think Adidas felt like cause everyone was ganging up on me that they had the right to just take my designs,” West told the small crowd. Period,” West said in response to someone in the crowd who asked if he was worried that he had ruined his legacy. “God is alive.”Antisemitic demonstrators referenced West in signs raised in Los Angeles last weekend and Jacksonville, Florida this weekend. In the video, West did not apologize for his antisemitic remarks but seemed to try to distance himself from any “hate group.”“I have no association to any hate group,” West said as he closed his remarks in prayer.

☆ Harry Styles as a mer-creature in his new music video is something you'll never unsee
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Harry Styles has always been one to color outside the lines as an artist, and his latest music video is only the latest example. In the video for “Music For a Sushi Restaurant,” which premiered on Thursday, the former One Direction star appears as a mer-creature – half man, half squid (or is it an octopus?) – who finds himself in the kitchen of a sushi restaurant as cooks all around him chop up and fry various aquatic animal for gourmet dishes. Standout moments include Styles’ mer-creature acting like a bit of a diva backstage at the divey establishment, getting a manicure and having everyone wait on him hand and, well, tentacle. “Music For a Sushi Restaurant” is the third single off Styles’ third studio album “Harry’s House,” released in May.

☆ Michael Kopsa, ‘X-Files’ and ‘Fringe’ actor, dead at 66
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Michael Kopsa, the actor who appeared on FOX’s “X-Files” and “Fringe” among many other titles, has died, according to his talent agent Jamie Levitt. Kopsa, who had been battling a brain tumor, died on Sunday morning, Levitt said. Levitt said after he was diagnosed with his brain tumor, he had to walk away from a project and “his concern for me struck me.”Michael Kopsa in a 2008 episode of "Fringe." 20th Century Fox/Everett Collection“‘Sorry,’ he said, ‘to not be able to show up for us,’” Levitt wrote in her statement, recounting their conversation. Lucia Frangione, an actress and Kopsa’s ex-wife, also shared the news of his passing, writing on Instagram, that he was “a present and loving father” to their daughter, Nora.

☆ Taylor Swift’s ‘Anti-Hero’ music video appears to have been edited on one platform amid backlash
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The backlash against one moment in Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” music video appears to have prompted an edit on at least one platform. The video, which was written and directed by the singer, is meant to portray Swift’s “nightmare scenarios and intrusive thoughts,” according to her Instagram. The version of the video featured on Apple Music no longer cuts to the word, a moment some body positivity advocates construed as fatphobic. The YouTube version of the music video still featured the controversial scene as of Wednesday afternoon. In her 2020 documentary “Miss Americana,” Swift said unflattering pictures and unkind comments about her figure would sometimes “trigger me to just starve a little bit – just stop eating.”The controversial moment in Taylor Swift's music video, 'Anti-Hero' from the album 'Midnights'.

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