Thania Garcia Lady Gaga appeared on the Academy Awards stage Sunday night to deliver a surprise performance of “Hold My Hand,” the Oscar-nominated song from “Top Gun: Maverick” — and the only thing more startling than that it happened at all, after earlier denials, was just how stripped-down, yet enormously effective, her reading of the song was.Lady Gaga performs a stripped-down version of "Hold My Hand" at the #Oscars. https://t.co/ndiKiHeOT5 pic.twitter.com/dLlahLTjht Gaga had originally been expected to skip the show due to the filming demands of the sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux,” but, in a speedy change of plans, the star was confirmed to be performing by Variety sources early Sunday morning. Befitting the last-minute nature of the performance, Gaga was more dressed-down than she’s ever been in a television performance, belting out her ballad in a T-shirt, shorts and with little apparent in the way of hair or makeup glam. The song got a surprisingly rootsy, rock-band production, as opposed to the far slicker soundtrack version, and was interrupted by whoops and hollers from a clearly captivated audience.
Bethlyn Hand, Former Motion Picture Association Exec, Dies at 85
22.02.2023 - 09:07 / variety.com
J. Kim Murphy Bethlyn Hand, who served as senior vice president of advertising and administration for the Motion Picture Association of America, died Feb. 14 of Alzheimer’s disease. She was 85 years old. Hand joined the Hollywood trade organization shortly after Jack Valenti began his 37-year tenure as MPA president in 1966. “She was by my side at the very beginning of my tenure at the MPAA,” Valenti said in 2003, four years before his death in 2007. “I got a lot of credit for what she did.” Working with the MPAA, Hand’s responsibilities included the approval of marketing campaigns aligning with the guidelines of its ratings program — a duty that often spurred studio executives and producers to meet with her to plead their cases. In the ’90s, Hand was named one of Hollywood’s most powerful women by the Hollywood Reporter.
“With the teenage movies, there’s always a lot more sex that marketers want in the advertising than we will agree to. With a trailer, you’re a captive audience,” Hand once remarked about her responsibilities. Hand was born Jan. 30, 1938. She was raised in Houston, Texas before studying journalism at the University of Texas. She moved to Washington, D.C. in 1966 to work alongside Valenti. In 1975, she moved to Los Angeles to serve as the head of the MPAA’s advertising division. Along with her time at the MPAA, Hand also served on the Public Relations Coordinating Committee, which handled press inquiries during the Oscars. She was also a member of the public relations branch of the Academy and served as vice chairman of the California Film Commission. “It has been a wonderfully rewarding career in which I have made long-lasting friendships,” Hand said in a 2003 statement announcing her retirement. Hand
Goldie Hawn reveals Harvey Weinstein, Madonna betrayal: ‘Don’t f–k with me’
Cell Block Tango. The Hollywood actress, 77, is blasting the jailed producer, saying he swindled her out of a movie role in the late 1980s. Hawn, 77, told Variety on Wednesday that she and Madonna were set to star in a screen adaptation of “Chicago” produced by Weinstein before he suddenly rejigged the project.
Bert I. Gordon, Cult Filmmaker Behind ‘The Food of the Gods’ and ‘Empire of the Ants,’ Dies at 100
J. Kim Murphy Bert I. Gordon, an American filmmaker whose low-budget creature features brought super-sized monsters to drive-in cinemas in the mid-20th century, died Wednesday in Los Angeles after collapsing at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 100. Gordon’s death was confirmed to the New York Times by his daughter, Patricia. In Atomic Age America, Gordon’s science-fiction B movies manifested the country’s nuclear anxieties as eye-popping apocalypse spectacles. Mostly working under shooting schedules that could total to two weeks and change at most, Gordon produced, directed and wrote more than 25 features over a career spanning six decades, including striking titles like “Village of the Giants” (1965), “How to Succeed With Sex” (1970) and “Empire of the Ants” (1977). His films “Necromancy” (1972)” and “The Food of the Gods” (1976) featured Orson Welles and Ida Lupino, respectively.
Sony Pictures Classics Picks Up Randall Park’s Feature Directorial Debut ‘Shortcomings’
Sony Pictures Classics has taken global rights to Randall Park’s feature directorial Shortcomings. The pic starring Justin H. Min (After Yang), Sherry Cola (Joy Ride, Good Trouble), and Ally Maki (Big Door Prize), Tavi Gevinson (Gossip Girl), Debby Ryan (Insatiable), Sonoya Mizuno (House of the Dragon), Timothy Simons (Veep), and Jacob Batalon (Reginald The Vampire) had its world premiere at Sundance back in January in the U.S. Dramatic Competition sector.
Madonna’s new boyfriend after split from 23-year-old model: Who is he?
Madonna is giving love a chance! It seems the 64-year-old singer is ready for a new romantic relationship, and it’s none other than the boxing coach of one of her six children. The 29-year-old athlete, Josh Popper, is rumored to be her new boyfriend, after being spotted together at his New York City gym, Bredwinners.It was reported by DailyMail that one of Madonna’s kids has been training with Josh, and might have introduced the pair, however the singer has yet to confirm the rumors.
Madonna's brother Anthony Ciccone dies aged 66 as family pay tribute
Madonna's older brother, Anthony Ciccone, has tragically died at the age of 66. Musician Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna's sister Melanie Ciccone, announced the devastating news on his Instagram on Saturday 25 February. Posting a black-and-white photo of his brother-in-law, Joe, 62, paid tribute as he penned: "My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening.
Madonna’s brother Anthony Ciccone dies aged 66
Madonna’s eldest sibling Anthony Ciccone has died aged 66, a family member said. The announcement was made on Instagram by musician Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna’s sister Melanie Ciccone. “My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening.
Madonna’s older brother Anthony Ciccone has died, aged 66
Madonna‘s older brother Anthony Ciccone has died at the age of 66, a family member has confirmed.Ciccone, one of the pop icon’s seven siblings, reportedly passed away on Friday night (February 24).The news was shared by Madonna’s brother-in-law Joe Henry, who is married the star’s sister, Melanie Ciccone.“My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening. I’ve known him since I was 15, in the spring of our lives in Michigan so many years now gone,” Henry wrote on Instagram.A post shared by Joe Henry (@joehenrymusic)“Anthony was a complex character, and God knows we tangled in moments, as true brothers can.
‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ ‘Banshees of Inisherin,’ ‘Elvis’ Win Awards From Motion Picture Sound Editors
the MPSE website.
Madonna's brother Anthony Ciccone dies age 66 as family shares tributes
Page Six claiming he had been living under a bridge in Michigan at one point. Anthony had a rocky relationship with his famous sister and their family, and in 2011 he told the Daily Mail he was "an embarrassment" to them and had been living on the street for 18 months at that time after being sacked by his father from the Ciccone Vineyard and Winery.
Madonna's brother Anthony Ciccone dies aged 66 as family pay tribute
Madonna's older brother, Anthony Ciccone, has tragically died at the age of 66. Musician Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna's sister Melanie Ciccone, announced the devastating news on his Instagram on Saturday 25 February. Posting a black-and-white photo of his brother-in-law, Joe, 62, paid tribute as he penned: "My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening.
Madonna's Older Brother Anthony Dies at 66
Madonna’s brother, Anthony Ciccone, has sadly passed away.
Simu Liu & Girlfriend Allison Hsu Couple Up for Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences' Scientific & Technical Awards 2023
Simu Liu is hitting the red carpet with his girlfriend!
Tom Whitlock Dies: Oscar-Winning Co-Writer Of ‘Top Gun’ Hits ‘Take My Breath Away’ & ‘Danger Zone’ Was 68
Tom Whitlock, who won a Best Song Oscar for co-writing the No. 1 smash ‘Take My Breath Away’ from Top Gun and also wrote the film’s other hit single “Danger Zone,” has died. He was 68.
Bethlyn Hand Dies: Veteran Motion Picture Association Executive Was 85
Bethlyn Hand, the former Senior Vice President of Advertising and Administration for the Motion Picture Association, passed away on February 14. The cause was Alzheimer’s disease, her brother Lloyd Hand said. She was 85.
Chuck Jackson, Singer of Burt Bacharach’s ‘Any Day Now,’ Dies at 85
Thania Garcia Chuck Jackson, a vocalist of the doo-wop group Del-Vikings and the singer in Burt Bacharach and Bob Hilliard’s “Any Day Now,” died on Feb. 16 in Atlanta. He was 85. News of his passing was confirmed in a Facebook post by Ady Croasdell of Ace Records’ Kent Records division, a UK label that had been reissuing his recordings. No cause of death was given. “There are confirmed reports that one of the very greatest soul singers of all time, Chuck Jackson, died on February 16th,” Croasdell wrote. “His 60s and 70s recordings are hugely important works, revered as much now as on release…His passing will be deeply felt around the world.”
Madonna admits surgery and reason for her swollen appearance at Grammys
Pop legend Madonna joked about “swelling from surgery” following the backlash she experienced about her appearance at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Madonna, who is set to go on her biggest tour ever this year, was the subject of criticism recently after she introduced a musical act at the Grammys and was subsequently trending on Twitter because she should “focus on ageing gracefully.” Taking to Twitter on Monday, the 64 year old wrote: “Look how cute I am now that swelling from surgery has gone down.” In the picture, Madonna’s face is visibly different as she sported ripped blue jeans, a black overshirt and a baseball cap, as her orange hair was plaited on either side of her face.
Madonna jokes about “swelling from surgery” after Grammys reaction
Madonna has poked fun at criticism of her appearance at the Grammy Awards earlier this month.The pop icon’s look was vilified by some people on social media after she introduced Sam Smith and Kim Petras ahead of their ‘Unholy’ performance at the February 5 music awards ceremony. People online claimed that she was “unrecognisable” and suggested that the 64-year-old “should focus on ageing gracefully”.Now, Madonna has joked that the “swelling from surgery” has gone down.Look how cute i am now that swelling from surgery has gone down.
Madonna Shares New Photo of Her Face, Says Swelling From Surgery Has Gone Down
Madonna is showing off her new look! The «Material Girl» took to Twitter to share a photo of herself that appears to have been taken on set. «Look how cute i am now that swelling from surgery has gone down.
Sean Penn Says He Gave Oscar to Ukraine’s President Out of ‘Shame Towards the Motion Picture Academy’ (Video)
“smelt [my Oscar] in public” if the producers did not include Zelenskyy in the telecast. In November, he gifted him the statuette during a visit to Kyiv.“It’s just a symbolic silly thing, but if I know this is here then I’ll feel better and strong enough for the fights,” Penn told Zelenskyy at the time.