A Cannes Film Festival light on Hollywood but not lacking in star power kicks off in France
CANNES, France (AP) — The red carpet has been rolled out at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in the South of France. The French Riviera festival beginning Tuesday will include 12 days of nonstop world premieres before culminating May 23 with the presentation of the Palme d’Or. The festivities kick off with the opening-night film, “The Electric Kiss,” and the awarding of an honorary Palme d’Or to the “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson. What isn’t at Cannes has been as buzzed about as much as what is. Hollywood is largely absent this year. But if Cannes has waned as a global launchpad for studio releases, it has grown as a breeding ground for Oscar contenders.
Rick Riordan unveils new 'Camp Half-Blood' novels, starting this fall
NEW YORK (AP) — Fans of Rick Riordan's “Percy Jackson” books can explore new adventures at Camp Half-Blood this fall. Random House Children's Books announced Tuesday that Riordan is collaborating with four co-authors on a series of middle grade novels. These books will delve into the camp's history when Percy himself isn't there. Riordan was inspired by working on the Disney+ adaptation of his work. The first book is called “The Wild Zone” and was written with Annebelle Oh. It releases Sept. 29. It introduces new demigod heroes facing ancient threats and secrets. The series will expand Percy's world with fresh stories and diverse characters.
Eurovision song competition starts with the first semifinal after boycott over Israel
VIENNA (AP) — The Eurovision Song Contest is starting in Vienna with tensions simmering over Israel's participation. Five countries are boycotting in protest over Israel's involvement. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are planned, and security is tight with police from Austria and Germany. Israeli singer Noam Bettan competes in the first semifinal Tuesday, aiming for Saturday’s final. Favorite Finland is also hoping to win votes from viewers and juries with the song “Liekinheitin.” Eurovision has faced political challenges, including Russia's expulsion in 2022. Organizers have tightened voting rules to prevent rigging. The second semifinal will be Thursday, and the top finishers from both advance to Saturday's final.
South Florida officers sue Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, claiming details in 'The Rip' are too real
MIAMI (AP) — Two South Florida police officers claim Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s recent action thriller “The Rip” used too many real-life details in its fictionalized narrative, causing harm to the officers’ personal and professional reputations. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office sergeants filed the lawsuit in federal court earlier this month against Artists Equity, a film production company owned by Affleck and Damon. They play police officers who find millions of dollars inside a house. Parts of the movie were inspired by a real 2016 case, where police found over $21 million linked to a suspected marijuana trafficker. An attorney for Artists Equity says the film does not purport to tell the true story of that incident or portray real people.
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. One of his former students will be at the Tonys with him — sound designer Justin Ellington.
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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.
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.
Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 17-23 includes Derek Hough and Naomi Campbell
Celebrities having birthdays during the week of May 17-23 include “Dancing With the Stars” veteran Derek Hough, musician Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails and country singer George Strait. Actor Chow Yun-Fat from "The Replacement Killers” turns 71, “Saturday Night Live” comedian Michael Che hits 43 and musician Pete Townshend reaches 81. Other celebrities with big days include singer Sam Smith, rapper Busta Rhymes and singer-actor Cher. Model Naomi Campbell turns 56, “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” personality Ted Allen welcomes 61, “Black Panther,” director Ryan Coogler hits 40 and comedian Drew Carey celebrates 68.
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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