Entertainment
The pandemic is changing Hollywood, maybe forever
“No New ‘Movies’ Till Influenza Ends” blared a New York Times headline on Oct 10, 1918, while the deadly second wave of the Spanish Flu was unfolding. A century later, during another pandemic, movies — quotes no longer necessary — are again facing a critical juncture. But it’s not because… Read
UK judge refuses Depp permission to appeal libel ruling
A judge has refused Johnny Depp permission to appeal against a British court's ruling that he assaulted ex-wife Amber Heard. Earlier this month a High Court judge rejected Depp’s claim that a newspaper had committed libel when it called him a “wife-beater.” Judge Andrew Nicol said the article in The… Read
Second chance: Faded K-pop star competes for comeback
When Ryu Sera made her debut with K-pop girlband Nine Muses, the years of intense training and ruthless competition seemed worthwhile, her dreams of stardom finally coming true. A few top 10 singles followed, but within four years she had been cast on the K-pop scrapheap, sacked by her management… Read
John Boyega isn't going to 'take the money and shush'
John Boyega is only 28, but being a professional actor of 10 years and a veteran of three “Star Wars” films has given him insight into what it’s like for a young performer breaking into Hollywood. "I always tell young actors who are getting into it, they’ve got their first… Read
The Weeknd criticizes Grammys over nominations snub
The Weeknd has angrily slammed the Grammy Awards, calling them “corrupt” after the pop star walked away with zero nominations despite having multiple hits this year. The three-time Grammy winner criticized the Recording Academy on Tuesday after he was severely snubbed despite having one of the year’s biggest albums with… Read
A Grammys 'Savage': Beyonce leads with 9 nominations
Beyonce is bringing her black parade to the Grammys: The pop star’s anthem about Black pride scored multiple nominations Tuesday, making her the leading contender with nine nominations. Beyonce picked up song and record of the year bids with “Black Parade,” which she released on Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates… Read
A Buddhist priest on the unlikely similarities between zen and Studio Ghibli
At first glance Studio Ghibli and the world of zen don’t really have much in common. One is a way of life, and the other a huge animation company that has produced some of the world’s most prominent animated films. However, despite their differences, right at the core of each… Read
Playful book about The Beatles wins major nonfiction prize
A book that looks at The Beatles from a playful kaleidoscope of angles won Britain’s leading nonfiction literary award on Tuesday. Craig Brown’s “One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time” was named winner of the 50,000-pound ($66,000) Baillie Gifford Prize at a virtual ceremony in London. Brown’s “composite biography”… Read
Coronavirus stokes fears for UK music industry
Classically trained singers Mark Nathan and his partner Carolyn Holt had bookings stretching into next year until the coronavirus pandemic struck. Restrictions imposed because of the outbreak, including venue closures, have instead seen those concerts put on hold -- or cancelled altogether. "It's crushing and disappointing for this to happen… Read
Swift wins top prize at American Music Awards; says she's re-recording music
Taylor Swift won her third consecutive artist of the year prize at the American Music Awards, but she missed the show for a good reason: She said she's busy re-recording her early music after her catalog was sold. In a video that aired during Sunday's awards show, the pop star… Read
