INSIDER
Michelle Obama will headline an Atlanta rally aimed at boosting voter turnout
Read full article: Michelle Obama will headline an Atlanta rally aimed at boosting voter turnoutFormer first lady Michelle Obama is headlining a rally in Atlanta alongside celebrities and local civic leaders focusing on engaging younger and first-time voters, as well as voters of color.
Fictional sleuth Sam Spade will be back on the job in upcoming novel by Max Allan Collins
Read full article: Fictional sleuth Sam Spade will be back on the job in upcoming novel by Max Allan CollinsThe story of one of the great fictional sleuths, Dashiell Hammett’s Sam Spade, will be continued by prize-winning crime writer Max Allan Collins.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Read full article: Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in “9 to 5” and the nasty TV director in “Tootsie,” has died.
'What Happens Later' co-stars Meg Ryan and David Duchovny talk about rom-coms, fame and Nora
Read full article: 'What Happens Later' co-stars Meg Ryan and David Duchovny talk about rom-coms, fame and NoraMeg Ryan and David Duchovny co-star in the new romantic comedy “What Happens Later,” about two exes stuck in an airport together for 24 hours during a snowstorm.
Meta and X questioned by lawmakers over lack of rules against AI-generated political deepfakes
Read full article: Meta and X questioned by lawmakers over lack of rules against AI-generated political deepfakesUS Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York sent a letter Thursday to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and X CEO Linda Yaccarino expressing “serious concerns” about the emergence of AI-generated political ads on their platforms and asking each to explain any rules they’re crafting to curb the harms to free and fair elections.
Tom Hanks urges Harvard grads to defend the truth and resist indifference
Read full article: Tom Hanks urges Harvard grads to defend the truth and resist indifferenceAcademy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks told graduates of Harvard University to be superheroes in their defense of truth and American ideals, and to resist those who twist the truth.
Wes Anderson on his new '50s-set film 'Asteroid City,' AI and all those TikTok videos
Read full article: Wes Anderson on his new '50s-set film 'Asteroid City,' AI and all those TikTok videos“Asteroid City" is among Anderson’s most charmingly chock-full creations, a much-layered, ’50s-set fusion of science fiction, midcentury theater and about a hundred other influences ranging from Looney Tunes to “Bad Day at Black Rock.”.
New this week: 'Outer Banks,' Adam Lambert, 'Snowfall'
Read full article: New this week: 'Outer Banks,' Adam Lambert, 'Snowfall'This week’s new entertainment releases include the arrival of a new Dierks Bentley album, the unveiling of Sony’s PlayStation VR2 virtual reality headset and Tom Hanks landing on video on demand as a despondent and ornery widower in “A Man Called Otto."
Paul Pelosi attack: Man told cops of 'evil' in Washington
Read full article: Paul Pelosi attack: Man told cops of 'evil' in WashingtonA San Francisco police investigator has testified that the man accused of attacking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband said there was “evil in Washington” and he was targeting her because she is second in line to the presidency.
Polar Express in Galveston: An honest Mom’s review 🚂
Read full article: Polar Express in Galveston: An honest Mom’s review 🚂In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey, as portrayed by Jimmy Stewart, identifies the three most exciting sounds in the world as anchor chains, plane motors and train whistles. At the Galveston Railroad Museum located at the end of The Strand in Galveston, families can hop on a magical train to the North Pole. And yes, the train whistle on the Santa Fe F-Unit Warbonnet historic engine means you’re in for an exciting time!
‘Hanks Giving’: Tom Hanks to take over Pittsburgh radio station on Thanksgiving Day
Read full article: ‘Hanks Giving’: Tom Hanks to take over Pittsburgh radio station on Thanksgiving DayThis Thanksgiving we have a little more than turkey to be excited about as Nov. 24 will now be known as “Hanks Giving Day” in Pittsburg.
Iranian who inspired 'The Terminal' dies at Paris airport
Read full article: Iranian who inspired 'The Terminal' dies at Paris airportFrench officials say an Iranian man who lived for 18 years in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport and loosely inspired the Steven Spielberg film “The Terminal” has died in the airport.
Amid end to COVID help, homelessness surging in many cities
Read full article: Amid end to COVID help, homelessness surging in many citiesHomelessness is expected to be up when the federal government releases results from an annual count in coming months, the first full tally since the coronavirus pandemic began.
New this week: 'Reasonable Doubt,' 'Blonde' and Björk
Read full article: New this week: 'Reasonable Doubt,' 'Blonde' and BjörkThis week’s new entertainment releases include albums from Björk and Broadway's "Into the Woods,” the reunion of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy in “Hocus Pocus 2” and a Showtime documentary about Sinéad O’Connor.
New this week: John Legend, 'Serpent Queen' and 'Pinocchio'
Read full article: New this week: John Legend, 'Serpent Queen' and 'Pinocchio'This week’s new entertainment releases include fresh music from John Legend and Kane Brown, Samantha Morton stars as the 16th-century queen Catherine de Medici in an edgy Starz series and a race between two upcoming “Pinocchio” films begins with Robert Zemeckis’ adaptation.
'Monumental moment.' Billy Eichner on remaking the rom-com
Read full article: 'Monumental moment.' Billy Eichner on remaking the rom-comIn the classic format of an adult, R-rated rom-com, Billy Eichner's coming film “Bros” depicts an uncommonly honest and insightful portrait of life as a single gay man.
'Elvis,' 'Top Gun' tie for box-office crown with $30.5M each
Read full article: 'Elvis,' 'Top Gun' tie for box-office crown with $30.5M eachBaz Luhrmann’s Elvis Presley biopic “Elvis” shook up theaters with an estimated $30.5 million in weekend ticket sales, but — in a box-office rarity — “Elvis” tied “Top Gun: Maverick,” which also reported $30.5 million, for No. 1 in theaters.
'Elvis' and Austin Butler feel the temperature rising
Read full article: 'Elvis' and Austin Butler feel the temperature risingWhen “Elvis” opens in theaters Friday, it will resurrect one of the most iconic figures in American music in the biggest, most bedazzled film to ever try to capture the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Aguilera, Hanks, De Niro and more light up Cannes amfAR gala
Read full article: Aguilera, Hanks, De Niro and more light up Cannes amfAR galaRobert De Niro was the honored guest at the 28th annual amfAR Gala Cannes, where one lucky guest won an auction to have lunch with the actor and a piece of his family history.
'Elvis' makes a splash at Cannes Film Festival premiere
Read full article: 'Elvis' makes a splash at Cannes Film Festival premiereBaz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” brought hip-shaking swagger to the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday, debuting a grand and glitzy portrait of the Memphis rock ‘n’ roll legend on the French Riviera.
Back to normal? Cannes Film Festival prepares to party
Read full article: Back to normal? Cannes Film Festival prepares to partyAfter the 2020 Cannes Film Festival was canceled by the pandemic and the 2021 edition was scaled back — even kisses were forbade on the red carpet — the lavish French Riviera cinema soiree is set to return with a festival that promises to be something like normal.
AP Was There: The surreal first day of the pandemic
Read full article: AP Was There: The surreal first day of the pandemicOn the day the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic, Koloud “Kay” Tarapolsi reflected the views of many people when she told an Associated Press reporter: “If we avoid each other and listen to the scientists, maybe in a few weeks it will be better."
Year 2: Biden plans more public outreach, less legislating
Read full article: Year 2: Biden plans more public outreach, less legislatingPresident Joe Biden is launching into his second year in office with a new focus on making fatigued Americans believe they’re better off under his leadership as he embraces a pared-back agenda before the midterm elections.
Paul Rudd hosts 'SNL' sans audience, Charli XCX amid omicron
Read full article: Paul Rudd hosts 'SNL' sans audience, Charli XCX amid omicronPeople’s Sexiest Man Alive of 2021 Paul Rudd has been inducted into the vaunted Five-Timers Club on “Saturday Night Live,” but the surging omicron variant of the coronavirus meant there was no live audience to see it happen.
Penelope Cruz honored by MoMA for her career in cinema
Read full article: Penelope Cruz honored by MoMA for her career in cinemaDuring a tribute to her career at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA), Penelope Cruz recalled the Betamax videotape store that opened in her neighborhood, in a suburb of Madrid, when she was a child and that made her discover cinema.
Dole: 'Genuine hero' paid war's price, triumphed in Senate
Read full article: Dole: 'Genuine hero' paid war's price, triumphed in SenateBob Dole was honored at a funeral service at Washington National Cathedral as top leaders from both parties gathered to display the kind of bipartisanship now rare in modern government.
Beautiful Day for a Neighbor: Mister Rogers has a sculpture
Read full article: Beautiful Day for a Neighbor: Mister Rogers has a sculptureA little rain didn’t stop it from being a beautiful day at Rollins College in Florida this week as a bronze sculpture to beloved children’s TV host Mister Rogers was unveiled.
New this week: 'Finch,' ABBA and 'The Harder They Fall'
Read full article: New this week: 'Finch,' ABBA and 'The Harder They Fall'This week’s new entertainment releases include the first ABBA album in a whopping 39 years and a stylish and kinetic update to the Western in Jeymes Samuel’s “The Harder They Fall” starring Idris Elba and Regina King.
Film crew voiced complaints before fatal on-set shooting
Read full article: Film crew voiced complaints before fatal on-set shootingHours before actor Alec Baldwin fired a fatal gunshot from a prop gun that he had been told was safe, seven camera crew members for the movie he was filming walked off the job to protest conditions and production issues that included safety concerns.
Alec Baldwin breaks his silence after he fired prop gun on set, killing cinematographer
Read full article: Alec Baldwin breaks his silence after he fired prop gun on set, killing cinematographerCourt records show that an assistant director unwittingly handed Alec Baldwin a loaded weapon and told him it was safe to use in the moments before the actor fatally shot a cinematographer.
Michael Constantine of ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ dies at 94
Read full article: Michael Constantine of ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ dies at 94Michael Constantine, an Emmy Award-winning character actor who reached worldwide fame playing the Windex bottle-toting father of the bride in the 2002 film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” has died.
Attorneys discuss civil lawsuit accusing Chet Hanks, son of Tom Hanks, of assault against ex-girlfriend
Read full article: Attorneys discuss civil lawsuit accusing Chet Hanks, son of Tom Hanks, of assault against ex-girlfriendA civil lawsuit has been filed against Chet Hanks, son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, that accuses him of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Kiana Parker.
‘Clear and present danger’: Ex-girlfriend granted protective order against Tom Hanks’ son, Chet
Read full article: ‘Clear and present danger’: Ex-girlfriend granted protective order against Tom Hanks’ son, ChetChet Hanks – the son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson – and his girlfriend Kiana Parker lived in Sugar Land when their relationship recently ended in violence, court documents say.
Oscars surprises, snubs include Glenn Close, ‘Da 5 Bloods’
Read full article: Oscars surprises, snubs include Glenn Close, ‘Da 5 Bloods’It’s a rare year when most of the Oscar nomination surprises are good ones, but 2020 was also a rare year for moviegoing and awards campaigns. Here’s our rundown of the snubs and surprises in the 93rd Academy Award nominations. FEMALE DIRECTORS GET THEIR SHOTFor 92 Academy Awards, only 5 women had ever been nominated for best director and never more than one in the same year. This year, the dubious honor goes to Glenn Close for her portrayal of Mamaw in Ron Howard’s adaptation of J.D. Starring Mads Mikkelsen, the film was well received, but seemed like a long shot for the major Oscars categories.
After pandemic year, weary world looks back — and forward
Read full article: After pandemic year, weary world looks back — and forwardThe country of 60 million people has had more than 1.5 million confirmed cases, including more than 50,000 deaths. They probably have that virus.”AdMore than once during the pandemic, Kuo and others in her family encountered that kind of racism. Kuo recalls being constantly stressed; it seemed grocery store shelves were always out of basic foods and toilet paper. Or her 1½-year-old brother, who has grown from an infant into a toddler in the course of the pandemic, opens her bedroom door. A year from now, on March 11, 2022, she pictures herself doing all the things she missed in this endless pandemic year.
The Latest: Alaska opens vaccines to all 16 or older
Read full article: The Latest: Alaska opens vaccines to all 16 or olderThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker shows Alaska leading states in the percentage of its population to have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Larry Hogan said Tuesday, citing improving COVID-19 health metrics and increasing vaccinations. It was unclear what authority state officials might be able to exert on federal facilities. — County health officials in Wyoming have detected the coronavirus variant that originated in South Africa. Another 16 million doses are expected to be shipped by the end of the month.
Academy Museum to honor Sophia Loren, Haile Gerima at gala
Read full article: Academy Museum to honor Sophia Loren, Haile Gerima at galaDirector Haile Gerima appears at the 65th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, on Sept. 2, 2008, left, and Sophia Loren arrives at the Governors Awards in Los Angeles on Oct. 27, 2019. Loren and independent filmmaker Haile Gerima will be honored with special awards by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. (Photos by Andrew Medichini/AP, left, and Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is assembling a star-studded cast for its opening gala in September. Italian screen legend Sophia Loren and independent filmmaker Haile Gerima will be honored with special awards, and Tom Hanks, Annette Bening and Bob Iger are being saluted for their efforts to raise $388 million for the long gestating museum, the organization said Monday. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in the historic Saban Building.
Fonda says Hollywood needs more diversity after Globes honor
Read full article: Fonda says Hollywood needs more diversity after Globes honorIn this video grab issued Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, by NBC, Jane Fonda accepts the Cecil B. deMille Award at the Golden Globe Awards. (NBC via AP)LOS ANGELES – Just like in her career, Jane Fonda used the Golden Globes’ platform to speak on deeper issues calling for greater diversity in Hollywood while praising the “community of storytellers” as she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award. While wearing an all-white suit, Fonda raised the Globes’ highest honor above her head Sunday before commending storytellers for their vital role in troubled times. She is the daughter of Oscar winner Henry Fonda, who died in 1982, and sister of Peter Fonda, who died in 2019. She launched IndieCollect’s Jane Fonda Fund for Women Directors, an organization aimed to support the restoration of films helmed by women from around the world.
William McRaven adapts bestseller 'Make Your Bed' for kids
Read full article: William McRaven adapts bestseller 'Make Your Bed' for kidsFILE - In this Aug. 21, 2014, file photo, William McRaven addresses the Texas Board of Regents in Austin, Texas. McRaven, the retired U.S. Navy admiral who directed the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, is continuing his career as an author. McRaven is adapting his best-selling Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life ... And Maybe the World for younger audiences. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers announced Monday that McRaven's Make Your Bed With Skipper the Seal will come out Oct. 12. William McRaven is adapting his best-selling “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life ... And Maybe the World” for younger audiences.
Kate Hudson in, Spike Lee out and more Golden Globe chaos
Read full article: Kate Hudson in, Spike Lee out and more Golden Globe chaosTechnically they even snubbed an entire category when best supporting actress was skipped over by mistake. From the Kate Hudson movie that no one has heard of to the very awkward shut out of Spike Lee, here’s a look at some of the biggest surprises of the morning. You’d be hard pressed to find someone who wasn’t surprised to hear Kate Hudson’s name announced among the best actress nominees. That movie is called “Music,” a fantasy musical drama with Hudson, Leslie Odom Jr. and Maddie Ziegler that marks pop star Sia’s directorial debut. Lee’s acclaimed Vietnam drama “Da 5 Bloods” was expected to be a shoo-in for any number of categories: Best picture, best director, best actor for Delroy Lindo or supporting actor for Chadwick Boseman, who died last year.
Jane Fonda to receive Golden Globes' Cecil B. DeMille Award
Read full article: Jane Fonda to receive Golden Globes' Cecil B. DeMille AwardFILE - Actress Jane Fonda appears at the 71st international film festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 12, 2018. The Golden Globes will bestow the Cecil B. DeMille Award to Fonda during the 78th annual awards show next month. (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP, File)LOS ANGELES – Jane Fonda cemented herself into Hollywood allure as a chameleonlike actor and social activist, and now the Golden Globes will honor her illustrious career with its highest honor. Fonda will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award during the 78th annual awards ceremony on Feb. 28, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced Tuesday. She launched IndieCollect’s Jane Fonda Fund for Women Directors, an organization aimed to support the restoration of films helmed by women from around the world.
Hollywood on the Potomac: A-list turns out for Biden-Harris
Read full article: Hollywood on the Potomac: A-list turns out for Biden-HarrisLady Gaga sings the national anthem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. And country star Garth Brooks, doffing his black cowboy hat, sang a soulful a capella rendition of “Amazing Grace,” his eyes closed for much of the song. While stars mostly eschewed Trump's inauguration four years ago, the A-list was back for Biden. Brooks was careful to call his decision to perform on Wednesday non-political, and in the spirit of unity. Alone with his guitar, The Boss sang his “Land of Hope and Dreams” in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
An inauguration unlike any other amid a pandemic, unrest
Read full article: An inauguration unlike any other amid a pandemic, unrestWhat to watch for on Inauguration Day:THE SWEARING-INBiden's oath of office is the only essential. Others say the first eyewitness account of a president using those words came at Chester Arthur’s inauguration in 1881. Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman will read an original poem, “The Hill We Climb.”THE SPEECHA president’s inauguration speech is designed to set the tone and the policies the new administration will pursue. The National Mall is closed and just a fraction of the tickets usually handed out for an inauguration will be distributed. An emphasis will be placed on paying homage to Americans on the front lines of the pandemic.
From Gaga to Garth, Miranda to Moreno: Celebs join inaugural
Read full article: From Gaga to Garth, Miranda to Moreno: Celebs join inaugural(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)Like so much this past year, the inaugural celebration will be like no other: pared down, distanced, much of it virtual. But for actor Christopher Jackson — the original George Washington in Broadway's “Hamilton" — performing in a virtual “ball” is a way of participating in an essential rite of American democracy. Miranda will contribute a classical recitation, joining musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Katy Perry, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake and Bon Jovi. The inaugural committee has made sure to blend this high-powered list with ordinary Americans and inspiring stories. And the “AAPI Inaugural Ball: Breaking Barriers” celebrated the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities with planned participants including actors Kal Penn, John Cho, Kumail Nanjiani and Chloe Bennet.
INAUGURATION EXPLAINER: Biden's event will be very different
Read full article: INAUGURATION EXPLAINER: Biden's event will be very differentThe outgoing president traditionally attends the inauguration to symbolize the peaceful transfer of power. And there will be no inaugural balls for Biden, Harris and their spouses to dance the night away. But in the wake of the violent Jan. 6 mob attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters, all semblance of normality might be gone. Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Harris and second gentlemen Douglas Emhoff will later visit Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The inauguration comes just two weeks after the insurrection at the Capitol by Trump supporters as Congress was confirming Biden's victory.
This is where you can watch the 2021 Presidential Inauguration and other special events surrounding it
Read full article: This is where you can watch the 2021 Presidential Inauguration and other special events surrounding it(Photo by Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images)WASHINGTON – The 2021 Presidential Inauguration will bring five days of special programming leading up to the swearing-in of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. A memorial honoring those who died of COVID-19 will also take place on Jan. 19, the PIC said. A virtual Parade Across America will also take place during the Inaugural Ceremony, which highlights Americans from all walks of life and celebrating America’s heroes. A 90-minute primetime special “Celebrating America” will take place at 7:30 p.m. on the evening of Jan. 20, hosted by Tom Hanks. Schedule of events:Jan. 18 - National Day of ServiceJan. 19 - Wreath laying on Arlington National Ceremony, Nationwide COVID-19 MemorialJan. 20 - 2021 Inaugural Ceremony, Parade Across America, “Celebrating America”This is a developing report.
Stars return to inauguration, with J.Lo, Gaga set to perform
Read full article: Stars return to inauguration, with J.Lo, Gaga set to performFILE - In this Nov. 2, 2020 file photo, Lady Gaga performs during a drive-in rally for then Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Try Lady Gaga and J. “In the end, I don’t think having Lady Gaga or J. “Lady Gaga is as big as you can get, and she is very talented,” he said. “If I were being inaugurated and I could have Lady Gaga, I would take it.”
Tom Hanks heads TV special celebrating Biden’s inauguration
Read full article: Tom Hanks heads TV special celebrating Biden’s inaugurationBon Jovi, Timberlake and Lovato will perform at a 90-minute primetime TV special celebrating the inauguration of Joe Biden as president of the United States. (AP Photo)NEW YORK – Tom Hanks will host a 90-minute primetime TV special celebrating the inauguration of Joe Biden as president of the United States, with performances by Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato and Ant Clemons. It will also be streamed live on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft Bing, NewsNOW, DirectTV and U-verse. The inauguration will look different from other presidential inaugurations because of last week’s riot at the U.S. Capitol. The event was already going to be pared down because of COVID-19; Biden had asked supporters to say home and watch from afar.
'Wonder Woman 1984' debuts with pandemic-best $16.7M
Read full article: 'Wonder Woman 1984' debuts with pandemic-best $16.7MThis image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Gal Gadot in a scene from "Wonder Woman 1984." “Wonder Woman 1984” grossed an additional $19.4 million in international markets where it began playing a week earlier. But WarnerMedia is counting on “Wonder Woman 1984” to matter more to HBO Max, which wobbled in its initial rollout. Warner Bros. nevertheless seized on the returns for “Wonder Woman 1984” as the best as could be expected, given the circumstances. Streaming numbers weren't provided for “Soul” or “Wonder Woman 1984.” WarnerMedia said nearly half of HBO Max’s subscribers watched “Wonder Woman 1984” on its first day on the streaming platform, though it didn't say how long constituted a watch.
New this week: ‘Soul,’ a Tom Hanks film & ‘Bridgerton’ on TV
Read full article: New this week: ‘Soul,’ a Tom Hanks film & ‘Bridgerton’ on TVThis image released by Disney-Pixar shows the character 22, voiced by Tina Fey, left, and Joe Gardner, voiced by Jamie Foxx, in a scene from the animated film "Soul." But with more than half of U.S. theaters closed, two of the biggest movies of the year — “Soul” and “Wonder Woman 1984” — will be going straight to streaming. — Also arriving Christmas Day is “Wonder Woman 1984,” Patty Jenkins' sequel to her barrier-breaking 2017 film. With Gal Gadot returning, “Wonder Woman 1984” fast-forwards from 1918 to the “greed is good” decade. — AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy___Catch up on AP’s entertainment coverage here: https://apnews.com/apf-entertainment.
Clooney honored by MoMA as actor, director and humanitarian
Read full article: Clooney honored by MoMA as actor, director and humanitarianClooney was honored Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, by co-stars and colleagues at the annual film benefit for the Museum of Modern Art, held virtually. MoMA’s annual film benefit raises funds to bring great works of film to the museum’s collection. Also giving virtual tributes Monday evening were actors Felicity Jones, Tiffany Boone, Kyle Chandler and Demian Bichir, who appear in “A Midnight Sky,” which Clooney stars in and directs. The benefit featured clips from some of Clooney’s many films: “Michael Clayton,” “Syriana,” "The Descendants,” “Gravity,” and “Good Night, and Good Luck,” among others. In earlier comments to The Associated Press, Clooney said “Good Night, and Good Luck” was probably his proudest professional accomplishment.
Film Academy Museum completes pre-fundraising goal
Read full article: Film Academy Museum completes pre-fundraising goalAfter 8 years and 13,000 donors including the likes of Barbra Streisand and Steven Spielberg, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has reached and exceeded its pre-fundraising goal. Academy Museum director and president Bill Kramer said Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, that the new museum has raised $388 million. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)It took eight years and 13,000 donors including the likes of Barbra Streisand and Steven Spielberg, but the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has reached and exceeded its pre-fundraising goal. Academy Museum director and president Bill Kramer said Friday that the new museum has raised $388 million. Located in Los Angeles at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, the Academy Museum is set to open on April 30, five days after the 93rd Academy Awards.
A festival hit waylaid by the virus, ‘The Climb’ peddles on
Read full article: A festival hit waylaid by the virus, ‘The Climb’ peddles onFILE - Writer/director Michael Angelo Covino, left, and actor Kyle Marvin pose during a portrait session to promote their film "The Climb" at the 72nd international film festival, Cannes, southern France, on May 18, 2019. With each lurch forward, we have to get our bearings for where Mike (Michael Angelo Covino) and Kyle (Kyle Marvin) are now. Joined on a Zoom call, Kyle and Mike are hundreds of miles apart. After Cannes, Covino and Marvin landed distribution from Sony Pictures Classics, rode the festival circuit and won a Film Independent Spirit nomination. When Covino and Marvin hit a wall while writing, they'd go for a ride to clear their heads and talk it over.
'The West Wing' cast reunites again, this time for a book
Read full article: 'The West Wing' cast reunites again, this time for a bookNEW YORK – The stars of “The West Wing” are once again joining together, this time for a book about the award-winning White House television drama. On Monday, Dutton announced that it had acquired “What's Next: A Citizen's Guide to The West Wing,” organized by actors Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, with the participation of Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney and series creator Aaron Sorkin among others. “What's Next” will combine memories of the NBC program, which ran from 1999-2006, with “a powerful case for competent and empathetic leadership, and for hope and optimism in what lies ahead," according to Dutton, which has not set a release date. In a joint statement, Fitzgerald and McCormack said the book was "for the millions of fans who love the show, and also to show how that love, hope and optimism it has engendered has been channeled into real world service and action. The series won four consecutive best drama series Emmy Awards beginning in 2000.
Documentary tries to prove existence of dead Lincoln photo
Read full article: Documentary tries to prove existence of dead Lincoln photo“I've seen enough of these things to know that this is a whole lot of hysteria about something that is not Lincoln,” said Harold Holzer, whose 1984 book, “The Lincoln Image: Abraham Lincoln and the Popular Print,” traced the 130 known photographs of the former president. Braun goes through a lengthy process herself, consulting with facial recognition experts, medical experts, a ballistics expert, Lincoln scholars and descendants of Ulke. The facial experts said the man in the image had a slight scar under the lip consistent with one Lincoln had. The image has been seen by several people in the community of Lincoln experts and is not believed, Holzer said. In one of the last photographs of Lincoln taken alive, his once-full beard was wispy, almost a goatee, he said.
Popular UK author Victoria Hislop granted Greek citizenship
Read full article: Popular UK author Victoria Hislop granted Greek citizenshipIn this photo provided by the Greek Prime Minister's Office, Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, left, meets the popular British author Victoria Hislop at Maximos Mansion in Athens, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. Hislop has been granted honorary Greek citizenship and met with the prime minister of Greece. In her first book, The Island, published in 2005, the action takes place near the Greek island of Crete. Her most recent, Those Who Are Loved, is set in Athens and other Greek islands. (Dimitris Papamitsos/Greek Prime Minister's Office via AP)
Popular UK author Victoria Hislop granted Greek citizenship
Read full article: Popular UK author Victoria Hislop granted Greek citizenshipIn this photo provided by the Greek Prime Minister's Office, Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, left, meets the popular British author Victoria Hislop at Maximos Mansion in Athens, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. Hislop has been granted honorary Greek citizenship and met with the prime minister of Greece. In her first book, The Island, published in 2005, the action takes place near the Greek island of Crete. (Dimitris Papamitsos/Greek Prime Minister's Office via AP)ATHENS – British author Victoria Hislop was granted honorary Greek citizenship Thursday and met with the prime minister of Greece. Honorary Greek citizenship may be granted in recognition of an individual's special contribution to the country.
Biden campaign 'flooding the zone' with celebrity backers
Read full article: Biden campaign 'flooding the zone' with celebrity backersThe four-time Grammy winner isn't the only Biden playlist mainstay helping his campaign against President Donald Trump. Still, Biden has gone beyond celebrities in search of campaign surrogates. Stars generate candidate buzz, help with fundraising and can build campaign event crowds even for those online. His reelection campaign has been holding its own online events with top supporters nearly every night for months and says its online events average 2.6 million views per broadcast, though its headliners are often the presidents children. The Trump campaign has also seized on Biden's preferred venue for participating in online events, a basement studio in his Delaware home accusing the former vice president of hiding from voters.
9 things you might not know about Tom Hanks that make him even cooler
Read full article: 9 things you might not know about Tom Hanks that make him even coolerTom Hanks has got to be one of the most adored actors, and why wouldn't he be? He's played some of the most interesting and loved characters during his career.
'That Thing You Do' Cast to Reunite for Coronavirus Fundraiser Following Death of Adam Schlesinger
Read full article: 'That Thing You Do' Cast to Reunite for Coronavirus Fundraiser Following Death of Adam SchlesingerHanks, who was one of the first major celebrities to announce that he had been diagnosed with the coronavirus amid the global pandemic, shared a tribute to Schlesinger following his death on April 1. "There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his That Thing You Do!" There would be no Playtone without Adam Schlesinger, without his That Thing You Do! RELATED CONTENT:Adam Schlesinger, Fountains of Wayne Singer, Dies at 52 From Coronavirus Complications'That Thing You Do' Band The Wonders Has a Rockin' Reunion 20 Years Later -- See the Pics! Charlize Theron Opens Up About Her 'Horrible' Audition With ‘Idol’ Tom Hanks for 'That Thing You Do'
More celebs join Michelle Obama's voter outreach drive
Read full article: More celebs join Michelle Obama's voter outreach driveNEW YORK, NY – Election Day is over, but Michelle Obama is still trying to get out the vote. Obama is already a co-chair, along with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Faith Hill, Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson, and basketball star Chris Paul. When We Vote, a nonprofit, describes itself as a nonpartisan group dedicated to increasing voter participation. The announcement Thursday marks a year until the 2020 elections, which includes the presidential race. ___This story has been corrected to delete incorrect reference that the 2020 general elections are happening a year to the date of Thursday.