Entertainment News

Finneas O’Connell and Claudia Sulewski Are Married - The Hollywood Reporter

Author: Carly Thomas

Published At: 2026-08-30T19:50:29Z

Description: The couple got engaged during a romantic sunset proposal last year.

Content: Finneas O’Connell and Claudia Sulewski have officially tied the knot! O’Connell, a musician, producer and Billie Eilish‘s brother, and Sulewski, a YouTuber, actress and founder of Cyklar skincare, got married on Saturday in Montecito, California, surrounded by family and friends, according to Vogue. The Grammy and Oscar winner knew something was special about Sulewski from the moment they first met on a dating app in 2018. He previously told BuzzFeed that he wrote his song “Claudia” on the first night they spent together. The singer also wrote his 2022 song “Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa” about Sulewski. After years together, they got engaged in September 2025 when O’Connell popped the big question during a romantic sunset proposal. “Forever and ever 9.22,” the pair captioned a joint Instagram post at the time. Last year, during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, O’Connell opened up about the proposal and the challenge of keeping it a secret from Sulewski. “I’m very relieved that it happened,” he said. “I feel like it really taught me that I’m not cut out to rob banks or steal cars or something because I was keeping a joyous, happy secret for several weeks, and it ate me alive.” Neither O’Connell nor Sulewski has personally shared details about their big day yet, but Vogue reported Sulewski wore four looks throughout her wedding weekend, all designed by Oscar de la Renta, including one for the rehearsal dinner, another for the ceremony, a third look for the reception and the last one for the afterparty.

Animator Phil Tippett Retired and Sold His Studio This Weekend - Gizmodo

Author: Justin Carter

Published At: 2026-08-30T18:50:48Z

Description: After over 40 years of stop-motion and CG work, Phil Tippett's career and Tippett Studio went out on a down note.

Content: Phil Tippett, the animator famous for Star Wars and Jurassic Park, announced he’s been forced into retirement and shutting down his namesake studio. Over the weekend, he’s sold off the majority of his and his studio’s stop-motion work and signed memorabilia. From signed posters to storyboards and models, to even studio tools, 273 items were up for grabs in an “everything must go!” fire sale. (Save for the Oscars Tippett won for Return of the Jedi and the original Jurassic Park; he understandably told Berkleyside he’d keep those.) Phil Tippett co-founded Tippett Studio in 1984 with his wife, Jules Roman. Originally focused on stop-motion animation and its go-motion variant style, the studio expanded into building props for live-action films like the Robocop trilogy and computer-generated imagery. Where Phil went, his studio often followed, with Starship Troopers and Tippett’s debut feature Mad God among their many shared credits. Separate from its leader, Tippett Studio’s long career ranged from Bicentennial Man to more recently Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and Black Adam. In 2024, Tippett Studio filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following its acquisition by PhantomFX. After completing some stop-motion work on Alien: Romulus, Phil was to lead his studio as director and writer of the stop-motion feature Sentinel. By his admission, “a lot of painful decisions were made” preceding the studio’s closure and sale. Much as it’s likely bringing together anyone attending the sale who loved Tippett and the movies he and his studio worked on, this is a sad end for a man and studio whose work was so important to 40 years of western filmmaking. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Sunday Preview – Goliath vs Escher showdown - Warhammer Community

Author: Unknown Author

Published At: 2026-08-30T16:58:19Z

Description: New miniatures, rules, and more are incoming to help you rule the underhive.

Content: © Copyright Games Workshop Limited 2026. GW, Games Workshop, Citadel, White Dwarf, Space Marine, 40K, Warhammer, Warhammer 40,000, the Aquila Double-headed Eagle logo, Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Battletome, Stormcast Eternals, and all associated logos, illustrations, images, names, creatures, races, vehicles, locations, weapons, characters, and the distinctive likenesses thereof, are either ® or , and/or © Games Workshop Limited, variably registered around the world. All Rights Reserved. © New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks of Middle-earth Enterprises, LLC under license to New Line Productions, Inc. (S26) © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved. MIDDLE-EARTH, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are of Middle-earth Enterprises, LLC under license to New Line Productions, Inc. (s26) © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved. THE HOBBIT TRILOGY and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks of Middle-earth Enterprises, LLC under license to New Line Productions, Inc. (s26) Middle-earth, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and the names of the characters, places, items and events therein, are trademarks of Middle-earth Enterprises, LLC used under license by Games Workshop. All rights reserved. (s26) Any use of website content to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is expressly prohibited.

Original Days of Thunder star rails against Anne Hathaway casting: ‘Horrible choice’ - The Independent

Author: Caitlin Hornik

Published At: 2026-08-30T16:12:00Z

Description: Hathaway and Tom Cruise are teaming up for a sequel to the 1990 sports film

Content: Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more When the Days of Thunder follow up film was announced Saturday by Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway, many fans were thrilled with one notable exception. Randy Quaid, who starred with Cruise in the original 1990 Nascar film, ranted about Hathaways casting in a post on X. Anne Hathaway is a leftist, woke, horrible choice for DAYS OF THUNDER NASCAR audience who are MAGA, Quaid began. The sexy older chick for Tom in this film needs to be Nicole, he continued, likely referring to Nicole Kidman who starred in the original film. Thats the casting that would sell the idea. Its interesting because when we made the first one there was also a rush to get it out; editors slept in the cutting room on shifts. This is a weird thing, like they want it to come out and tank. In a separate post, Quaid again advocated for Kidmans casting while railing against Hathaway and Cruise, writing: We need Nicole back. Dont be a p***y, @TomCruise. You need the original girl. Its not personal; its filmmaking. Anne isnt sexy, because and if you havent noticed, shes pregnant. And in yet another post, he wrote: If I were in control of production, a real sequel worth watching for DAYS OF THUNDER would be seeing Tom and Nicole together on screen again. We dont need a new girl; we need a new race car! The Independent has contacted representatives for Cruise and Hathaway for comment. Hathaway is one of the most in-demand stars in Hollywood, with four films out already this year and another Verity, the latest film adaptation from author Colleen Hoover slated for an October release. An Oscar winner for the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables, Hathaway is also pregnant with her third child. She confirmed in the announcement for the Days of Thunder sequel that shell give birth before filming commences. Hathaway and Cruise will film the sequel nearly 40 years after the original movie was released. The new film is slated for a June 2028 release. According to Variety, Cruise will reprise his role from the first film as Cole Trickle. Hathaway will play a racecar team owner and engineer. Jonathan Levine will direct, and Cruise will produce alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper. In addition to Cruise, the original Days of Thunder starred Kidman, Quaid, Robert Duvall and John C. Reilly. It is not yet clear whether any of the original cast will return for the follow up. Duvall died earlier this year.

Free agents reportedly confirmed for AEW All In debut, update on signing - F4W/WON

Author: Josh Nason

Published At: 2026-08-29T22:14:07Z

Description: According to a new report from Fightful Select, the former New Day will make their debuts at Sunday's All In.

Content: According to a new report from Fightful Select, the former New Day will make their debuts at Sunday’s All In. The outlet reported that both the former Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods in WWE will team with Swerve Strickland as the wild card team in the newly-announced Trios Roulette Royale that will begin on the Buy-In pre-show. To no surprise, they will have a new team name but it’s unknown what the name is. They could not confirm if they had officially signed as of this writing, but noted that their deal “came together in the last couple of weeks” after negotiations as they were not signed as of two weeks ago. Since declining to re-sign with WWE for lower pay, the two have been expected to sign with AEW as Woods/Austin Creed and Kenny Omega have appeared together in the past on video game-related content while the Young Bucks have reportedly wanted to work with the duo for years. Assuming everything goes through as planned, it will be the 45-year-old Kofi’s first match outside the WWE system since 2006. For the 39-year-old Woods/Creed, it will be his first action outside WWE since 2010.

The Tarot Horoscope For Sunday, August 30 Has A Reading For Each Zodiac Sign - YourTango

Author: Aria Gmitter

Published At: 2026-08-29T21:03:42Z

Description: The daily tarot horoscope is here for each zodiac sign in astrology on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

Content: Your zodiac sign's daily tarot horoscope for Sunday, August 30, 2026, is here. The Sun is in Virgo, and the Moon is in Pisces, entering Aries. The collective card for everyone is the Emperor.  The Emperor tarot card reminds you that being assertive and standing your ground is a good practice to have. Sometimes you get a little pushback on your ideas when the Moon is in Aries, and you feel like you need to take a stand. Let's find out what else is in store, according to today's card reading. Aries (March 21 - April 19) Photo: Vasya Kobelev | Design: YourTango Sundays tarot card for Aries: The Star Your daily tarot card is The Star, Aries. This card represents renewal and fresh opportunities. This is your ultimate reminder to let go of yesterday. You cant change what happened in the past. It's easy to get stuck in the same old rut and let the days repeat themselves. But this card suggests that brand new chances are here, ones that are peaceful and hopeful. Remember that today is a brand-new day; it has never been lived before. You have the opportunity to make changes however you want.  RELATED: 5 Zodiac Signs Who Are Destined To Be Rich In 2026 Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Photo: Vasya Kobelev | Design: YourTango Sundays tarot card for Taurus: Temperance Balance is everything, Taurus. And your daily tarot card, Temperance, is a key symbol for moderation. This card urges you to set healthy limits for yourself and consider whether any overindulgence is negatively affecting you. Beyond moderation, Temperance reflects harmony and self-confidence. These principles actually go hand in hand. Overall, this card suggests that when you practice restraint, you may feel greater self-assurance and peace.  RELATED: These 2 Zodiac Signs May Struggle Early In Life, But Everything Falls Into Place As They Get Older Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Photo: Vasya Kobelev | Design: YourTango Sundays tarot card for Gemini: King of Cups The King of Cups represents a calm source of authority; someone who may initially seem to be unimportant or distant to you, but eventually proves to be helpful. As your daily tarot card, the King of Cups means someone may be generous with you. It may come unexpectedly, but you may benefit greatly from someone else's guidance. However, remember that generosity doesnt only come in the form of finances, Gemini. Someone could also be generous with their knowledge. Because of this, keep your eyes and ears open. RELATED: Professional Astrologer Says There Is One Zodiac Sign That Always Finds A Way To Avoid Financial Troubles Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Photo: Vasya Kobelev | Design: YourTango Sundays tarot card for Cancer: Four of Cups The Four of Cups is a card of boredom or dissatisfaction, Cancer. It symbolizes negativity, or possibly too much focus on missed opportunities. You may feel uninterested in your life. This card warns you about the danger of apathy. While these emotions, or a lack of feeling anything, may seem unimportant, they can slowly eat at you. This card encourages you to re-evaluate. Maybe you need to process disappointment, or intentionally seek out things that bring you joy.  RELATED: 4 Zodiac Signs Who Want You To Show Them That You Deserve To Be In Their Life Leo (July 23 - August 22) Photo: Vasya Kobelev | Design: YourTango Sundays tarot card for Leo: Nine of Swords The Nine of Swords card paints a picture of mental grief and struggle, Leo. You may not even realize it, but something is bothering you. It shows up in the form of sleeplessness, anxiety, or sadness. This card suggests you may be dealing with some heavy feelings. This card addresses that something is causing you shame and encourages you to work through the guilt. What is bothering you doesn't have to be a permanent part of your life.  RELATED: These 4 Zodiac Signs Arent Easily Fooled, Even If They Pretend That They Are Virgo (August 23 - September 22) Photo: Vasya Kobelev | Design: YourTango Sundays tarot card for Virgo: Knight of Swords The Knight of Swords represents a powerful force of energy, Virgo. It paints the picture of someone who knows what they want, and nothing can stop them from going after it. As your daily tarot card this Sunday, receiving the Knight of Swords can reflect emotional growth. You're gaining clarity and boldness. You are growing deeper in knowing what you desire and what it will take to attain it. This week, refine your vision and sketch out what you can do to get closer to it.  RELATED: These 4 Zodiac Signs Have A Very Special Knack For Attracting Money When They Need It Most Libra (September 23 - October 22) Photo: Vasya Kobelev | Design: YourTango Sundays tarot card for Libra: Four of Wands The good times are rolling in, Libra. Your daily tarot card, the Four of Wands, is a card of celebration and peace. It means that in the big and small, you are beginning to feel more joy. Things are finally clicking. You are getting to the other side of storms in your life and are seeing the rainbow. You may also be welcoming fresh starts. Let yourself feel encouraged by the new opportunities! This is also a great time to practice gratitude, Libra.  RELATED: The Type Of Person Your Zodiac Sign Finds Infuriating To Be Around, According To An Astrologer Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) Photo: Vasya Kobelev | Design: YourTango Sundays tarot card for Scorpio: Eight of Cups The Eight of Cups suggests you are comfortable and secure, Scorpio, but at a cost. Staying in your comfort zone and avoiding things can help you feel secure, but it can also leave you unsatisfied. Your daily tarot card addresses this conflict and prompts you to ask yourself if you need a lifestyle change to be truly happy. Sit down and evaluate the core aspects of your life, and see if youre content staying with your current way of life. RELATED: 3 Zodiac Signs That Have No Problem Becoming The Villain When Theyre Pushed Too Far Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) Photo: Vasya Kobelev | Design: YourTango Sundays tarot card for Sagittarius: Five of Cups The Five of Cups symbolizes grief and regret. As your daily tarot card, this card suggests you may be facing some type of inner emotional struggle. The Five of Cups compassionately meets you there. At the same time, it offers hope and a reminder that this will pass. But participate in the process, Sagittarius. You may need to let go of some things and hold on to others to move forward.  RELATED: The True Life Purpose Of Each Zodiac Sign, According To Astrology Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) Photo: Vasya Kobelev | Design: YourTango Sundays tarot card for Capricorn: The World Your daily tarot card, Capricorn, is The World. This card is the ultimate symbol of completion. It means that you may be coming to the end of the cycle and are feeling the joy and possibly grief of being done. This card suggests an opportunity to let go of the old and embark on the new. Dont let your desire for comfort or love for what has always been hold you back. Beautiful things are ahead, Capricorn.  RELATED: Each Zodiac Signs Angel Number & What It Means, According To A Numerologist Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Photo: Vasya Kobelev | Design: YourTango Sundays tarot card for Aquarius: Nine of Cups Your daily tarot card, the Nine of Cups, is an incredibly positive card, Aquarius. This card suggests that your life is growing abundant in joy and contentment! This card is known as the genie card, as if your dreams may have been granted. This could mean a pleasant surprise showing up, or simply feeling grateful about your everyday life. It may also mean you're feeling the rewards of your hard work.  RELATED: 5 Special Traits Of People Born On The 1, 10, 19, 23 or 28 Of Any Month, According To A Numerologist Pisces (February 19 - March 20) Photo: Vasya Kobelev | Design: YourTango Sundays tarot card for Pisces: Knight of Wands The Knight of Wands is the face of spontaneity, Pisces. As your daily tarot card this Sunday, this card suggests you be ready for momentum and opportunities. This card suggests opportunities could come at any moment and may arrive quickly. As you take on an adventure, let your confidence lead the way. It encourages you to trust yourself as you move into projects. You dont need to hesitate; let your intuition guide you.  RELATED: 3 Zodiac Signs Attract Major Financial Success In September 2026 Aria Gmitter is YourTango's Senior Editor of Horoscopes & Zodiac Signs and author of Horror Tarot Deck & Guidebook. Aria earned her Diploma of Astrological Excellence from the Midwest School of Astrology and has written daily horoscopes and tarot readings for the last 10 years.

Venice Film Festival Maintains Jury Press Conference After Solving ‘Scheduling Issues’ (EXCLUSIVE) - Variety

Author: Elsa Keslassy

Published At: 2026-08-29T19:48:00Z

Description: The Venice Film Festival has decided to host its traditional opening jury press conference on the Lido after solving 'scheduling issues.'

Content: UPDATED — The Venice Film Festival will finally go ahead with its traditional opening jury press conference on the Lido, Variety can confirm. Alongside the jury press conference, which will take place at noon on Sept. 2, a welcome cocktail hour with the press will be organized on the eve of the festival kick-off, at 6 p.m where the festival boss chief Alberto Barbera will be there to field questions. The festival had told Variety yesterday that it was considering scrapping the jury presser due to a scheduling conflict. After some other outlets jumped the gun and reported that the press conference was definitely scrapped, the festival faced some backlash on social media given the political pressure building around Venice this year. Earlier this week, Nobel Prize-winning author Annie Ernaux, Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters and filmmakers including Matteo Garrone and Isabel Coixet signed an open letter urging the Venice Biennale and film festival to take “concrete action in support of Palestine.” The letter was organized by the Venice4Palestine collective, which similarly targeted the festival last year and had urged the event’s organizers to withdraw invitations to Gerard Butler and Gal Gadot over their previous support for Israel. Many online observers saw Venice’s hesitation to cancel the jury press conference as a move to shield jury members from being quizzed about politics. Last year’s Venice opening jury presser was dominated by questions about Gaza, with then-jury president Alexander Payne saying he felt “unprepared” to answer a question about the conflict and was blamed for seemingly dodging it. Barbera has described this year’s lineup as Venice’s “most political” in recent years, with films tackling war, Palestine, immigration, climate change and shrinking political freedoms. Earlier this week, the fest added “NAZA,” a new hot-button documentary from “No Other Land” directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, to the Venice competition lineup. The festival’s main competition jury is headed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and includes Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, whose acclaimed “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” about the killing of a five-year-old Palestinian girl in Gaza, premiered at Venice last year and won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize. Other jurors are Daniel Blumberg, Francesco Casetti, Xavier Giannoli, Shahrbanoo Sadat and Johnnie To. The 83rd edition will open with the world premiere of Danny Boyle’s “Ink,” and will include a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement tribute to George Clooney presented by Laura Dern.

Ray Winstone Told Off a Director Who Was ‘Groping’ His Female Co-Star During Filming: ‘Don’t You Dare Do That’ - Variety

Author: Jack Dunn

Published At: 2026-08-29T18:14:00Z

Description: Ray Winstone told off a director who was 'groping' his female co-star during filming.

Content: Ray Winstone recently recalled to The Times of London that he once told off an unnamed director after he saw them “groping” his female co-star. “I had this director once,” Winstone said. “I was in a scene where I had to pick up this girl, and the director wanted to show me what to do. But he was groping her. That was it. I said, ‘Don’t you dare do that.’ He abused his power, took advantage, and she was a good kid, you know, who seemed a little lost. Anyway, it was dealt with.” When asked in what matter the situation was “dealt with,” Winstone added, “Well, back in the day, if there was a wrong ’un on set, 99 times out of 100 it was sorted, either by the hairy-arse riggers or sparks. I’ve done it myself too, taken someone to the side to give them a slap or to tell them, in no uncertain terms, to behave. But it’s a different world today.” Winstone will soon star in Season 2 of “The Gentlemen,” which recently got the green light for its third season on Netflix. In the Guy Ritchie crime drama, Winstone plays kingpin Bobby Glass. Later in his sit-down with The Times, he said the role made him realize he is “getting old.” “When you’re not the young lead but the old boy, who everyone says they’ve got to look after because he’s getting on a bit,” Winstone said. The Times then asked if he had any plans to slow down his career, and Winstone quipped, “Well, you’ve got to pay the taxman, haven’t you?”

Victoria Beckham Basks in the Sun in a Micro Black Bikini During PDA-Packed Getaway With David Beckham - instyle.com

Author: https://www.facebook.com/InStyle

Published At: 2026-08-29T15:08:41Z

Description: Victoria Beckham posed in a tiny black bikini and packed on the PDA with husband David Beckham in photos from her sun-kissed vacation shared on August 29.

Content: Victoria Beckham is making the most of her Euro summer with her family. The designer has been serving up vacation inspiration while jet-setting through Ibiza, the French Riviera, Portofino, and the Amalfi Coastand she stripped down to the tiniest black bikini and an ultra-plunging LBD as she shared highlights from her sun-soaked getaway on August 29. Victoria Beckham wearing a black swimsuit cover-up with David Beckham on vacation.Instagram/Victoria Beckham Creating special memories this summer, Victoria captioned her latest photo dump, adding a string of star emojis. I love you all so much xxxxx. In her post, the former Spice Girls singer could be seen sunbathing by the ocean in a black string bikini, which she paired with a plunging black sleeveless gown from her clothing brand. The low-cut design, which plunged to her ribs and was held in place with a single string in the back, showed off Victorias barely-there swimwear and a long gold pendant necklace as she struck a pose on a rock near the sea.  Victoria Beckham wearing a black string bikini.Instagram/Victoria Beckham The mom-of-fourwho shares kids Brooklyn, 27; Romeo, 23; Cruz, 21; and Harper, 15, with husband David Beckhamshielded her face from the sun with a large wide-brimmed straw hat and a pair of oversized sunglasses. Victoria added some shine by accessorizing with a diamond-encrusted gold bracelet and several emerald rings. Victoria Beckham kissing husband David Beckham on vacation.Instagram/Victoria Beckham In addition to sharing photos with her three youngest kids out on the town, the fashion and beauty maven posted several tender moments with her husband of 27 years. In one image, Victoria could be seen holding Davids cheeks on her hands as the shirtless former pro soccer player playfully grimaced at the camera. The PDA continued in a sweet photo taken at night. Victoria could be seen wearing another form-fitting black dress and styling her platinum blonde-highlighted brunette hair in an effortless single braid as she kissed David, who wore a white T-shirt, oversized taupe slacks, and a nude-colored baseball cap.

Sir Anthony Hopkins, 88, tops the charts with his classical music album - The Independent

Author: Roisin O'Connor

Published At: 2026-08-29T09:18:00Z

Description: Oscar-winning star was praised for the huge achievement, with his album ‘Life is a Dream’ reflecting ‘a lifetime’s passion and work’

Content: Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Sir Anthony Hopkins has topped the charts with his new album, Life is a Dream, which realises his lifelong passion for classical music. The revered Welsh actor achieved the number one spot on the official UK Classical Chart with his Decca Classics record Life is a Dream, released last week. Performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, Life is a Dream was created with music the Oscar-winning star has written across the decades. He was inspired by memories of his childhood in Wales, family, and the composers he admires most. Music was my first desire, my first wish. Ive been composing music all my life. Some of these pieces have lived with me for decades and I still find myself returning to them, Hopkins said of the album. Laura Monks, president of Decca, congratulated the Silence of the Lambs star on his achievement. Its been a dream for the Decca Classics team to work with Sir Anthony Hopkins, Gustavo Dudamel and all those involved in this beautiful record, which reflects a lifetimes passion and work, she said. We congratulate Sir Anthony on this recognition of his talent as a composer and champion for classical music. In support of the people of Venezuela after a series of deadly earthquakes, Hopkins is donating a share of sales from his Life Is a Dream CD and vinyl to the United Nations Development Fund. Writing for The Independent, Louis Chilton observed there was something wonderfully, life-affirmingly sweet about Hopkins music, which shifted between bright, brass-led fanfares to elegant waltzes. It would be easy to sound patronising about Hopkinss passion project, were it not for the fact that it is legitimately good, he said. There is more music artistry on show here than in many of todays charting pop releases albeit in service of a genre that gets scant shrift in the mainstream. Hopkins has a pleasing grasp of harmony and an ear for flighty melody; in the spectrum of classical music, its on the more traditional side, absent of the dissonance and tonal complexity that the 20th century brought to the genre. Chilton praised Hopkins for demonstrating how life doesnt stop when you hit 60, or 70, or 80 theres always something more to do. Theres always more music, waiting to be played. Life is a Dream is out now.

Sacha Baron Cohen’s forthcoming Ali G film is already facing boycott calls - The Independent

Author: Kevin E G Perry

Published At: 2026-08-29T07:28:00Z

Description: British news comparison site NewsCord has launched a campaign calling on theaters to boycott the film

Content: Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Sacha Baron Cohens revival of his character Ali G has already sparked controversy in the U.K., where one theater chain has replied to a boycott campaign to say they have no plans to show his new movie. Earlier this week, Cohen released the trailer for an upcoming fly-in-the-wall documentary similar to Borat. The new film, titled Ali G: Who Iz I?, will be released by Amazon MGM and see Baron Cohen alongside unsuspecting members of the public while in character as Ali G. The character, who Baron Cohen originated in 1998, previously featured in a 2002 narrative feature film titled Ali G Indahouse. While some fans heralded his return, others believe the character to be outdated. The British news comparison site NewsCord launched a campaign calling on theaters to boycott the film, writing: Black British comedians called the character 'an alibi for racism' in 2000; Jeanette Winterson asked what separates it from the Black and White Minstrels; Kazakh and Arab organisations documented the harm of the catalogue behind it. Sony Pictures UK is selling it with the line He iz back. We ain't liable. They added: The screens belong to the chains, and a booking is a choice. At the time of writing, the site claims that 37,658 emails have been sent in support of their campaign. They are already claiming victory after U.K. chain Picturehouse Cinemas, which operates 25 theaters, announced they will not be showing the film. In a statement to Metro, Picturehouse said: We currently do not have any plans to screen this film on its release. Around the time of his debut, comedians including Curtis Walker and Felix Dexter criticized Baron Cohens creation. I feel a lot of the humour is laughing at Black street culture and it is being celebrated because it allowed the liberal middle classes to laugh at that culture in a safe context where they can retain their sense of political correctness, said Dexter of The Real McCoy comedy series. Speaking about Ali G in a 2016 appearance on WTF With Marc Maron, Baron Cohen said he couldnt really exist because he is so stupid, adding: Part of Ali G was an attempt, subtly, to slightly undermine the establishment. The plot synopsis for the new film reads: After 20 years spent chillin, tokin and bonin, Ali G is shocked to discover that his long-term girlfriend, Julie, is eight months pregnant. Faced with an extra mouth to feed, he gets off his batty and heads to America to reclaim his former glory but soon encounters adversaries who will ultimately threaten his and his childs very existence. It is set to be released on October 23.