Oscar-nominated co-writer of 'It Was Just an Accident' released from Iranian prison
The Oscar-nominated cowriter of “It Was Just an Accident” has been released from an Iranian prison 17 days after his arrest. Mehdi Mahmoudian was arrested in Tehran shortly after signing a statement condemning Islamic Republic leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the regime’s violent crackdown on demonstrators. On Tuesday, he was released from the Nowshahr prison, along with two other signatories of the statement, Vida Rabbani and Abdollah Momeni. All three were released on bail. Mahmoudian is nominated for best original screenplay at the Academy Awards, along with Nader Saeivar, Shadmehr Rastin and director Jafar Panahi. The film is also nominated for best international feature, as a submission from France.
Actor Shia LaBeouf arrested after alleged fight during Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Police say actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested after being accused of hitting two men during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. New Orleans police say in a statement that LaBeouf has been charged with two counts of simple battery. Police say LaBeouf “was causing a disturbance and becoming increasingly aggressive” inside a business around the French Quarter on Tuesday. Police allege LaBeouf hit two men outside the business and he was held down until police arrived. Court and jail records did not list an attorney who could speak on behalf of LaBeouf. Emails to LaBeouf’s publicists were not immediately returned. LaBeouf has had several run-ins with the law during his career.
Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band to launch 'Land of Hope and Dreams' US tour next month
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bruce Springsteen brings his political message back to U.S. arenas with a new run of shows. The “Land of Hope and Dreams” American tour mixes big rock concerts with themes of democracy and freedom. The tour starts March 31 in Minneapolis and runs for 20 dates. It ends May 27 with an outdoor show at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. In his announcement, Springsteen calls this a dark and dangerous time. He urges fans not to despair. Last month, Springsteen dedicated the song “Streets of Minneapolis” to immigrants in the city. He also criticizes President Donald Trump’s enforcement actions.
The hottest show in hockey, 'Heated Rivalry,' is embraced by fans and players at Winter Olympics
MILAN (AP) — Olympic hockey knows all about big hits. That includes “Heated Rivalry,” a gay hockey romance TV series in which two players from opposing teams carry out a secret relationship. The steamy connection between the characters — Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov — has attracted fans to both the show and the sport itself. The show’s impact was evident even before the Winter Olympics when co-stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie carried the Olympic flame. And it hasn’t stopped there. Athletes and fans from Canada and the U.S. are feeling the show’s impact.
Warner Bros reopens takeover talks with Paramount after receiving a waiver from Netflix
NEW YORK (AP) — Warner Bros. Discovery is briefly reopening takeover talks with Skydance-owned Paramount to hear the company’s “best and final” offer, while the Hollywood giant continues to back the studio and streaming deal it struck with Netflix. In a Tuesday regulatory filing, Warner said that Netflix had granted it a waiver to open discussions with Paramount for seven days. Paramount now has until Feb. 23 to negotiate a possible transaction. But in the meantime, Warner’s board is still recommending shareholders support of its proposed merger with Netflix. A special meeting is now scheduled for Friday, March 20 to hold a vote on that deal.
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Samba schools honor Black Brazilian female authors during their Carnival parades
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is using samba parades to spotlight Black Brazilian women writers who rarely get public recognition. The samba school Imperio Serrano on Saturday honored 79-year-old author Conceição Evaristo with a float at the Sambodrome. Two days earlier, Unidos da Tijuca dedicated its parade to the late diarist Carolina Maria de Jesus. Both writers came from poor backgrounds and write about hunger, racism and survival. Evaristo says the parade values knowledge born in Black communities. Supporters say de Jesus still speaks to Brazil’s struggles with education and equality. Scholars add that bias still shapes Brazil’s literary institutions.
What to know about the 'equal time' rule Stephen Colbert says led CBS to pull his Talarico interview
Stephen Colbert’s comments that network executives pulled his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico over fears it would violate regulatory guidance from the Trump administration has prompted a conversation about how media outlets treat political coverage. The concern about the interview, which the late-night host referenced in his show and later posted in full online, stems from a requirement that broadcast stations give equal time to political candidates when they appear on-air. Although there are multiple exemptions to the provision, the Trump administration through the Federal Communications Commission has been moving to clamp down specifically on programs like Colbert’s, which the agency has suggested may be “motivated by partisan purposes.”
Robert Duvall, Oscar-winning actor and 'Godfather' mainstay, dead at 95
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor whose classic roles included the wily confidant of the first two “Godfather” movies, has died at age 95. He first gained notice for a small part as the reclusive neighbor in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” He won an Academy Award as best actor for portraying the over-the-hill country music singer in the 1983 film “Tender Mercies.” He also won four Golden Globes, including one for playing the philosophical cattle-drive boss in the 1989 miniseries “Lonesome Dove,” a role he often cited as his favorite.
Oscar-winning filmmaker Frederick Wiseman dies, leaving legacy of American institutions
NEW YORK (AP) — Oscar-winning documentary maker Frederick Wiseman is dead at age 96. Wiseman, whose in-depth, revelatory movies made him one of the world’s most admired directors, died Monday. During a decades-long career, Wiseman turned out more than 35 documentaries, some several hours long. Starting with “High School” and the scandalous “Titicut Follies,” he patented a seamless, affecting style, using a tiny crew so unobtrusive that his subjects often seemed unaware they were on camera. The results on film led to acclaim, amusement, head-shaking, finger-pointing and in the case of “Titicut Follies,” prolonged legal action.
Brazilian snowboarder Pat Burgener's Olympic journey spans the mountains to music
MILAN (AP) — Brazilian snowboarder Pat Burgener feels complete when he combines his love of the halfpipe with his passion for music. The 31-year-old previously competed for Switzerland, where he was born and raised. His mother was born in Lebanon but grew up in Brazil. On Tuesday, he performed for the Brazil House in Milan, a gathering spot organized by its Olympic committee. His Olympic journey ended in Livigno, Italy, on Feb. 11. His 14th place finish in the men’s halfpipe qualifying event meant he was not able to move onto the final. Still, he knows he’ll translate the experience into music.
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