Neon, winner of 6 straight Palmes d'Or, comes into the Cannes Film Festival an unlikely heavyweight
It’s one of the most unparalleled streaks in movies. At the last six Cannes Film Festivals, Neon has won the festival's prestigious top award, the Palme d’Or. That stretch has included Oscar best picture winners like “Parasite” and “Anora.” With a quarter of this year’s competition lineup, Neon may extend it even further. A small specialty label has come to be one the most dominant forces Cannes has ever seen. It has done so through faith in filmmakers, bespoke release plans and a strictly no-algorithm approach to movies.
Tony Award for educators won by a Georgia teacher who stresses self-empowerment and storytelling
NEW YORK (AP) — Freddie Hendricks, a middle school theater teacher in Georgia, is getting a Tony Award. Hendricks is receiving a special Tony that honors educators. He founded the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta and has been an arts educator for over 30 years. He estimates that between 20 and 28 of his students have gone on to Broadway. The award includes a $10,000 prize for Utopian Academy and tickets to the June 7 Tony ceremony. Hendricks emphasizes self-love and creating a safe space for his students. Two of his former students will be at the Tonys with him — sound designer Justin Ellington and performer-producer Kandi Burruss.
50 Cent, Nelly and The Chainsmokers to headline Sports Illustrated concert series during World Cup
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rappers 50 Cent and Nelly, along with The Chainsmokers, headline a new World Cup concert series by Sports Illustrated. “SI Beyond the Pitch” will bring concerts and VIP experiences to Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami and New York during the global soccer tournament. The series kicks off June 12 in Los Angeles with Nelly. Dallas hosts Gordo on June 20, Miami features The Chainsmokers on June 26 and New York concludes the series July 18 with 50 Cent and Diplo. This marks a major push by Sports Illustrated into live entertainment tied to major sports events.
New Beatles fan experience set to open in London in 2027
LONDON (AP) — The Beatles are returning to one of their iconic sites with a new fan experience in London. Apple Corps, the company founded by the Beatles, announced Monday that it will open a seven-floor attraction at their early headquarters in 2027. The building is where the album “Let It Be” was recorded and the rooftop was the site of their last public performance. Fans will have access to the rooftop, studios, and extensive Beatles archives. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr expressed excitement about the project. An opening date has not been announced. Interest in the Beatles remains high, with several biopics in production.
What to Stream: 'Dutton Ranch,' Colin Jost plays games, Maluma, Stanley Tucci and 'The Crash'
The long-awaited “Yellowstone” spinoff “Dutton Ranch” and a fresh collection from the Colombian superstar Maluma, are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of May 11 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: The Netflix true crime documentary “The Crash,” pop-punk paragons The All-American Rejects return with their fifth studio album and Season 2 of Stanley Tucci’s gastronomic tour “Tucci in Italy” lands on Disney+.
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'The Devil Wears Prada 2' bests ‘Mortal Kombat II’ at the box office
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” edges out “Mortal Kombat II” at the North American box office this weekend. Studio estimates Sunday show “The Devil Wears Prada 2” earned $43 million in its second weekend, while “Mortal Kombat II” took in $40 million in its first. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” has grossed $433.2 million worldwide in 12 days, surpassing the first film's total. “Mortal Kombat II” drew a heavily male audience, with mixed reviews and a B CinemaScore. “Michael” landed third with $36.5 million. “The Sheep Detectives” and a Billie Eilish concert film rounded out the top five.
The Cannes Film Festival is about to begin. Here are the key films making their debut
For 12 days this week, the eyes of the movie world will be on the Cannes Film Festival. The Cote d’Azur spectacular — which starts on Tuesday — will play host to some of the most anticipated movies of the year in a constant parade of glamorous red carpets and megawatt premieres. This year, Hollywood studios are mostly on the sidelines. But for more than 78 years, Cannes has been an unparalleled showcase for some of the best in cinema. Highlights include new films by James Gray, Pawel Pawlikowski and Pedro Almodovar.
Venice Biennale opens without a jury amid strife over Russian and Israeli participation
VENICE, Italy (AP) — Geopolitical tensions have spilled over into the Venice Biennale contemporary art exhibition. The event opens Saturday with no Golden Lions after the jury quit in protest of Israel’s and Russia’s participation. Protests erupted outside their pavilions. The jury limited its action to countries under investigation by the International Criminal Court. Visitors will vote for the best national pavilion and participant in the main show, “In Minor Keys.” Winners will be announced November 22. Ahead of the opening, protesters objecting to Israel's participation clashed with police. Earlier in the week, feminist groups from Ukraine and Russia converged on the Russian Pavilion.
From Taylor Swift to the Oscars, 400-year-old 'Hamlet' flourishes in the age of TikTok
NEW YORK (AP) — William Shakespeare's “Hamlet” is having a resurgence with various adaptations and performances worldwide. A National Theatre production is at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and a movie version set in London’s South Asian community stars Riz Ahmed. Anthony Hopkins is delighting fans on TikTok with some of Hamlet’s soliloquy. Eddie Izzard is taking her one-person production of “Hamlet” on a worldwide tour. Harvard scholar Jeffrey R. Wilson says “Hamlet” resonates today as it allows audiences to explore deep emotions and process angst. Director Chela De Ferrari's neurodiverse “Hamlet” highlights the play's timeless relevance.
Amy Grant reflects on her new album, resisting labels and writing dark songs
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Amy Grant's new album, “The Me That Remains,” reflects her journey of healing after a serious bicycle accident in 2022. The Grammy-winning musician has often defied labels throughout her career, moving between Christian and secular music. Her latest work explores themes of personal recovery and faith. Grant shares that writing music again felt therapeutic, helping her reconnect with her creative self. She acknowledges ongoing challenges from her accident but feels physically strong. Grant's willingness to explore darker themes in her music connects her to herself, others, and her faith, emphasizing honesty and curiosity in her artistic journey.
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