Entertainment
“Our 'Toofan' will make history this Eid”: Shakib Khan
Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan, who is once again all set to enthral his fans and admirers on the occasion of Eid with the Raihan Rafi-directed film ‘Toofan’, said that the film will create history once it hits the theatres this upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.
"For the last 25 years, I have acted in a number of movies on a regular basis, alongside our Eid special films - which were admired by our loving fans. This Eid, I can confidently say that ‘Toofan’ will make history if the audience stays with us like this," the lead actor of ‘Toofan’ said on Wednesday night.
The stars of the much-awaited Eid movie 'Toofan' came in front of the media through a grand press event at The Westin Dhaka in the capital.
The star-studded event was attended by 'Toofan' star Shakib Khan, West Bengal’s popular actress Mimi Chakraborty, ‘Aynabaji’ famed popular actress and television presenter Masuma Rahman Nabila, prominently popular actor Chanchal Chowdhury and ‘Toofan’ director Raihan Rafi.
West Bengal’s superstar actress Mimi Chakraborty said, "For years, I have waited to work with the Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan. It was a great experience for me to share the screen with him in this film."
Actress Masuma Rahman Nabila said, "After so many years, I am returning to the big screen with this spectacular film. Seeing everyone's reaction and attention, it appears that the wait for so many years after the first film was worthwhile."
Chanchal Chowdhury, who is currently the centre of audience interest due to his amazing performances in films such as ‘Aynabaji’, ‘Debi’, ‘Hawa’ and more, said, "Even though I have acted in television and films for years, I wanted to share the screen with Shakib Khan for a long time. Thanks to the makers and producers for including me in this whirlwind journey of ‘Toofan’ alongside him."
Director Raihan Rafi said, "You have seen the megastar Shakib Khan in many films but I can undoubtedly say that ‘Toofan’ is different; this is such a film that will take Bangla cinema into a new global height. There are films recognized for changing the respective film industry, and ‘Toofan’ is going to be such a movie."
Rafi and Shakib were competitors on last Eid-Ul-Azha, as Shakib acted in ‘Priyotoma’ alongside West Bengal’s Idhika Paul in lead roles, directed by Himel Ashraf; while Raihan Rafi brought ‘Surongo’, starring Afran Nisho and Tama Mirza in lead roles, produced by Chorki. Both of the films garnered commercial and critical success.
With Shakib Khan's gangster look, Pritom Hasan's grooving song, Chanchal Chowdhury's cool yet dark appearance in the trailer, the VFX and all the other attributes showcased in the film’s teaser - ‘Toofan’ became a centrepoint of the audience's interest. Major multiplexes and theatres in various parts of the country have already prepared for the screening of 'Tofaan', the producers said at the event.
‘Toofan’ is produced by Alpha-i Studios, which is expecting that the film will be the most commercially successful movie of the year. The film's digital partner Chorki and international distributor SVF are expecting the same.
Coming on Eid day (June 17) to electrify moviegoers with an enthralling storm, ‘Toofan’ will have its international release on June 28, according to the producers of the film.
Hollywood's A-listers are lining up behind Joe Biden. Will their support matter in November?
When Robert De Niro showed up outside a Manhattan courthouse to decry Donald Trump as his New York hush money trial was winding down, it sparked a life-imitates-art screaming match with a nearby group of the former president's supporters.
“You are gangsters!” De Niro, who starred in “Goodfellas” and won an Oscar for “The Godfather Part II," shouted at the Trump backers, who responded with obscenities.
There are plenty more Hollywood storylines still to come in the 2024 campaign: Celebrities are increasingly lending their star power to President Joe Biden, hoping to energize their fans to vote for him in November and to entice donors to pony up for his reelection effort.
On Saturday, A-listers George Clooney and Julia Roberts will team up with former President Barack Obama at a Biden fundraiser in Los Angeles, where the three will be interviewed by late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. Roberts and Kimmel have already begun soliciting donations via text for Biden, who is skipping a weekend peace conference on Ukraine being held in Switzerland to attend the event.
Director Steven Spielberg is involved in storytelling efforts for the Democratic National Convention in August. Lenny Kravitz, Barbra Streisand and James Taylor have all performed for Biden donors.
Others who've sent fundraising emails, organized events or otherwise lent their support include Connie Britton of “The White Lotus” fame, singer-songwriter Carole King, “Bridgerton” creator Shonda Rhimes, singer Christina Aguilera, “The Equalizer” actress Queen Latifah and “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill, who turned up in the White House briefing room last month to personally praise the president.
And, in another instance blurring lines between real life and make-believe, during a fundraiser at the home of veteran actor Michael Douglas, Biden, the actual president, congratulated the star of the 1996 hit “The American President” on his fictional administration's success.
Ballot box star power?
For all the celebrity supporters, though, there's little expectation they can determine votes. Rather, they are seen as having the ability to inject excitement that helps energize supporters.
Lexi Underwood, whose credits include the streaming series “Little Fires Everywhere,” calls acting a “contact sport” that allows her to interact with the public and makes her determined to use her influence responsibly. She has participated in a recent virtual ”Students for Biden” event and traveled to Nevada to appear at campaign events focused on women's health issues.
“I’m very fortunate to have certain eyes on me," said Underwood, 20. "I feel really responsible to make sure that what I put out there, either people are being informed on things that they weren’t previously informed on, or that I’m motivating them to get out there and vote.”
Biden's campaign says its chief focus is finding authentic and trusted messengers who can promote the president's policy achievements and raise the alarm about GOP “extremism," and that means deploying everyday supporters as well as famous ones. It has produced ads featuring a Pennsylvania union worker, a Black entrepreneur in Detroit and women adversely affected by strict abortion limits in Texas.
Fai Nelson, a human resources worker who attended a recent Vice President Kamala Harris event in Prince George's County, Maryland, said celebrity voices can make a difference “if they can touch the audience.”
“It’s whether the message is relevant," said Nelson, 42.
Lessons from last time
During the pandemic-era campaign of 2020, Biden's campaign featured celebrities in scores of virtual events that showed the importance of staying flexible so that stars can present themselves in the most authentic ways.
Adrienne Elrod, who served as Biden’s 2020 director of surrogate strategy and operations, said famous Biden supporters often “will come forward with their own ideas” on how to help the campaign and what issues they'd like to focus on.
“We’ll oftentimes have ideas for them as well," she said. “That’s why there’s always a very productive working relationship when we’re engaging these folks.”
De Niro has taken on an increasingly prominent role in Biden's campaign. Before his confrontation with the Trump supporters, the actor held a press conference calling the former president a “clown." He's also attended Biden fundraisers and narrated a campaign ad accusing Trump of having “snapped” after he lost the 2020 election.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the former president's campaign, said, “The only people in America who support Joe Biden’s failing campaign are elitist Hollywood celebrities," adding that Trump “speaks for the forgotten men and women of this country.”
Trump has his own list of celebrity endorsers, which includes musicians Kid Rock and Ted Nugent, UFC CEO Dana White, media personality Caitlyn Jenner and actors Dennis Quaid and Jon Voight, as well as comedian Roseanne Barr.
Elrod said other stars are anxious to follow De Niro's lead for Biden but are waiting "until the moment can truly be maximized" before they get involved. She pointed to 2020, when Bruce Springsteen narrated a Biden ad featuring his song “My Hometown” just before the election.
"I think you’ll see more moments like this, when we’re using those voices strategically and effectively at the time that makes the most sense for us on the campaign,” said Elrod, who is a Biden campaign spokesperson this cycle.
David Schmid, an English professor at the University of Buffalo who studies popular culture, said celebrities can influence fans' aspirations and what they consume. But their influence “over peoples’ voting habits has been really exaggerated," he said.
That's the case for Alex Dillion, a rising sophomore at American University in Washington who also attended the Harris event in Maryland. Asked which famous person might influence him politically, Dillion offered, “Maybe Obama.”
Taylor Swift Effect?
Schmid said one celebrity with outsized political influence might be Taylor Swift, who sent shockwaves even through the NFL last season. She endorsed Biden in 2020 and is being openly courted by the campaign this time on social media, and even in a press release that saluted her latest album.
Her touch isn't a guarantee of victory, though. In 2018, Swift endorsed two Democratic candidates in Tennessee who lost. And Schmid said that even someone as famous as Swift “knows things are polarizing and they don't want to take major risks” on candidates and contentious issues.
For all the Biden team's work with celebrities, the president still tries to cultivate the image of someone in tune with ordinary people.
During a campaign swing through Saginaw, Michigan, the president visited a public golf course and met with community activist Coleman Hurley III and his son.
“The celebrities that have everything they want and they need, they may possibly be out of touch," the older Hurley said later in a phone interview.
As for ordinary Americans, Hurley added, Biden needs to be able to "relate and see where they live ... and then have a conversation about some of the different struggles or issues that we, or other Americans, face.”
‘Baaji’: Chorki premiers trailer of star-studded series on cricket starring Tahsan, Mithila
The Popular OTT platform Chorki is all set to release its brand new original series 'Baaji' ,marking the OTT debut of popular singer-actor Tahsan Khan and also bringing the former celebrity couple Tahsan-Mithila in the same series.
Ahead of the release, the series' trailer was released in a grand ceremony on Tuesday night with the actors of the star-studded series including Tahsan Khan, Mim Mantasha, Nazia Haque Orsha, Rafiath Rashid Mithila and others at a press event, held at the All Community Club in the capital’s Gulshan.
Shakib Khan's "Rajkumar" set to premiere on OTT platform June 13
After much anticipation, film "Rajkumar," starring Shakib Khan, is set to premiere on the OTT platform on June 13.
Directed by Himel Ashraf and produced by Arshad Adnan under the banner of Versatile Media, the film was initially released during the last Eid-ul-Fitr.
"Rajkumar" marks the second collaboration of the successful 'Priyotoma' team, featuring Shakib Khan in the lead role.
The film garnered a positive response in theaters nationwide and also captivated audiences in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates, said a press release.
June 2024 Bollywood Buzz: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Film Releases
For those who missed the theatrical release, "Rajkumar" will soon be available at their fingertips.
Bongo's Chief Content Officer, Mushfiqur Rahman Manzu, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “'Rajkumar' performed exceptionally well during Eid. Viewers are very interested in the film, and many are eagerly waiting to watch it online. That’s why both we and the producers wanted to give the audience another opportunity to watch the film. 'Rajkumar' is our Eid gift to the audience.”
Produced under Arshad Adnan's Versatile Media, "Rajkumar" features an impressive cast, including Shakib Khan and American actress Courtney Coffey in the lead roles. The film also stars Tariq Anam Khan, Mahiya Mahi, Dilara Zaman, Dr. Ejaz, Faruk Ahmed, and Irfan Mridha Shiblu.
Must-watch South Indian Films Being Released in June 2024
The story revolves around a young man's journey to the United States, exploring his love and emotional connections with his family.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: ‘I am completely heartsick and devastated’
Jennifer Lopez has canceled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
“Jennifer is taking time off to be with her children, family and close friends,” they said in a statement.
The tour was to be her first in five years, in support of her first solo album in a decade, “This Is Me... Now” and its companion film.
The tour was scheduled to kick off on June 26 in Orlando, Florida, and conclude in Houston on Aug. 31. Live Nation shared that attendees who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded.
Lopez offered her own statement to fans on her OntheJLo website and newsletter, writing, “I am completely heartsick and devastated about letting you down. Please know that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary.”
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She continued: “I promise I will make it up to you and we will all be together again. I love you all so much. Until next time…”
“This Is Me... Now” was released early this year, 20 years after her hit album, “This Is Me... Then.” Lopez told the AP that the new album was a “miracle” and “a second chance. And I’d love to capture this moment in time the way that album captured that moment in time.”
June 2024 Bollywood Buzz: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Film Releases
Bollywood movies have long captivated audiences with their eclectic storytelling, masterfully weaving together drama, romance, action, and melodic musical interludes. These films boast vibrant choreography, rich cultural tapestries, and enthralling plots that range from epic love sagas to riveting thrillers. Combined with star-studded ensembles and opulent productions, this versatility creates an immersive spectacle that appeals to myriad emotions. As we enter June 2024, let's look at the ten most-anticipated Bollywood films set to grace the silver screen this month.
10 Best Bollywood Movies Set to Sizzle Screens This June
Return Ticket | Drama | June 5, 2024
Co-written and directed by Nisant, the movie features Arbaaz Khan, Mugdha Godse, Vikram Gokhale, and Ruslaan Mumtaz as lead characters. The supporting cast includes Adhyayan Suman, Gurleen Chopra, Tushar Acharya, and Dev Sharma in supporting roles.
‘Return Ticket’ is about a young man named Kunal, who tirelessly strives to win his mother's affection. However, he is shocked to discover a harrowing truth about his birth.
Hamare Baarah | Drama | June 7, 2024
Helmed by Kamal Chandra, this film prompts reflection on societal views regarding family size and the significance of women's empowerment. The story centers on Manzoor Ali Khan Sanjari, portrayed by Annu Kapoor, who insists on having more children despite the associated risks. His daughter, Alfiya, takes him to court to protect her stepmother's life, sparking a conflict between entrenched patriarchal traditions and the pursuit of individual rights.
Read more: Amazon Prime Video June 2024 Releases: Exclusive Films, Web Series, and Shows
Along with Annu, ‘Hamare Baarah’ stars Rahul Bagga, Ashwini Kalsekar, Paritosh Tiwari, Manoj Joshi, Parth Samthaan, and debutant Aditi Bhatpahri in prominent roles.
Blackout | Comedy Thriller | June 7, 2024
Directed by debutant Devang Bhavsar, the film promises a blend of crime, comedy, and thriller. The movie stars Vikrant Massey, Mouni Roy, Jisshu Sengupta, and Sunil Grover, Instagram sensations Karan Sonwane and Saurabh Ghadge, Chhaya Kadam, Ruhani Sharma, and Prasad Oak.
‘Blackout’ follows a man whose life is turned upside down one night when he stumbles upon a truck loaded with cash and gold. Unbeknownst to him, the haul belongs to a mafia gang, thrusting him into a whirlwind of trouble.
Munjya | Comedy Horror | June 7, 2024
Aditya Sarpotdar, renowned for the 2018 horror comedy ‘Stree’, once again comes with a supernatural comedy venture. This fourth film of Maddock Supernatural Universe stars Sharvari, Abhay Verma, Mona Singh, Sathyaraj, and Suhas Joshi.
Read more: Must-watch South Indian Films Being Released in June 2024
The film delves into the legend of Munjya, drawing inspiration from rich Indian folklore and mythology. It unfolds the tale of the titular character, Munjya, a diminutive yet fearsome creature, perceptible solely to the protagonist- a socially awkward, l young man.
Phooli | Drama | June 7, 2024
The movie is directed and written by Avinash Dhyani, who also contributed to the production. Not only that, the film also features him as a magician, named Mahendra Sarkar. Moreover, ‘Phooli’ stars Riya Baluni in the titular role, along with Suruchi Saklani, Prince Juyal, Rishi Raj Bhatt, Sanjay Agarwal, Vijay Bhatt, and Bhagat Singh Ghusain in supporting roles.
The storyline revolves around a young girl named Phooli, who dreams of learning and following her aspirations. However, her circumstances hinder her educational pursuits. Enter a magician who encourages her to excel in her studies and helps her navigate through challenging times.
Korean Dramas to Binge-Watch on Netflix in June 2024
Korean dramas, known for their emotional depth, intricate storytelling, and cultural richness, continue to captivate global audiences. With relatable characters and high production quality, K-dramas seamlessly blend modern and traditional elements, fueling their international appeal. Here's a look at the thrilling line-up of K-drama releases on Netflix for June 2024.
5 K-Dramas Premiering on Netflix This June
The Player 2: Master of the Swindlers | Crime Action | June 3, 2024
Returning from its popular 2018 debut, this action thriller ups the ante as a team of skilled swindlers targets corrupt elites with daring heists and elaborate schemes.
New characters intensify the excitement: Ha Do Kwon as astute prosecutor Kwak Do Su, Jo Sung Ha as President Choi Sang Ho, and Im Seulong as ex-soldier Shin Woo Young. Lee Joon Hyuk plays Hwang In Sik, a quirky director whose innocent demeanor masks his swift and decisive actions. Kim Won Hae reprises his role as prosecutor Jang In Kyu.
Read more: Must-watch South Indian Films Being Released in June 2024
Hierarchy | Romantic Drama | June 7, 2024
Written by Chu Hye-mi and directed by Bae Hyeon-jin, this teen romantic series stars Lee Chae-min, Roh Jeong-eui, Ji Hye-won, Lee Won-jung, and Kim Jae-won. Set in Jooshin High School, a prestigious private institution where students are chosen from birth, the series unfolds a compelling narrative of love, friendship, revenge, and compassion among 18 young people.
My Sweet Mobster | Romantic Drama | June 12, 2024
Directed by Kim Young-hwan and Kim Woo-hyun, the series features Han Sun-hwa, Uhm Tae-goo, and Kwon Yul in the main roles, supported by Park Jae-chan, Kim Hyun-jin, and Moon Ji-in. ‘My Sweet Mobster’ centers on Seo Ji-hwan, wrestling with his shadowy history, and Go Eun-ha, characterized by her buoyant and spirited nature.
Miss Night and Day | Rom-Com | June 15, 2024
Directed by Lee Hyeong-min and Choi Sun-min, the series stars Lee Jung-eun, Choi Jin-hyuk, and Jung Eun-ji in the lead roles, with Baek Seo-ho and Yoon Byung-hee in supporting roles.
Read more: Must-watch South Indian Films Being Released in June 2024
This romantic comedy follows Lim Soon, a job seeker who unexpectedly finds herself aged overnight, and a prosecutor entangled in her life. The narrative revolves around Lee Mi-jin, a woman in her 50s, who starts working as a public intern at the break of dawn.
Agents of Mystery | Reality Show | June 18, 2024
Produced by Jeong Jong Yeon, renowned for the hit unscripted show ‘The Devil's Plan’, this series promises enthralling entertainment. ‘Agents of Mystery’ follows six personalities as they form a team to tackle collaborative problem-solving and brain games.
The show stars Lee Yong Jin, Hyeri, Kim Do Hoon, John Park, and Lee Eun Ji. The tagline, ‘Marvelous Adventures, Marvelous Agents’, hints at the thrilling tasks awaiting these agents as they solve a myriad of cases and mysteries.
Read more: June 2024 Netflix English Originals Lineup: Must-Watch Releases
Summing Up
The June 2024 Netflix line-up of K-dramas is rich with romance and compelling love stories. Despite their different plots, ‘Hierarchy’, ‘Miss Night and Day’, and ‘My Sweet Mobster’ share a common romantic theme. Crime drama enthusiasts can look forward to the thrilling ‘The Player 2: Master of the Swindlers’, while ‘Agents of Mystery’ breaks new ground as a game show in Korean web content. Netflix is set to deliver another delightful month for Korean content lovers.
Read more: Amazon Prime Video June 2024 Releases: Exclusive Films, Web Series, and Shows
Amazon Prime Video June 2024 Releases: Exclusive Films, Web Series, and Shows
Amazon Prime Video continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its diverse selection of original shows, movies, local language productions, and strategic global licensing. With a robust cloud infrastructure, regular content updates, and data-driven user insights, the OTT (over-the-top) platform ensures a consistent stream of engaging content. Viewers eagerly anticipate the monthly line-up tailored to their interests and preferences.
This June, Amazon Prime Video offers an array of exclusive films, web series, and shows that promise to entertain and engage. Here’s a closer look at the must-see releases on this digital platform.
10 Must-See Amazon Prime Shows Streaming This June
Marlon Wayans: Good Grief / Stand-up Comedy Special / June 4, 2024
Marlon Wayans, the multi-talented actor and comedian, returns to the stage with his latest comedy special, “Marlon Wayans: Good Grief”. Directed by Troy Miller, this special, filmed at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, showcases Wayans’ unique comedic style, blending physical humor and witty commentary with heartfelt moments.
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The special delves into Wayans' journey of coping with the loss of both of his parents, touching on themes of family and resilience. Wayans shares poignant anecdotes about his father's teachings and the unexpected challenges of caring for aging parents, providing a touching and hilarious exploration of grief.
Counsel Culture / Talk Show / June 6, 2024
Hosted by Nick Cannon, “Counsel Culture” is a podcast-turned-talk show set to premiere on Prime Video and Amazon Freevee. The show aims to destigmatize discussions around male mental health by addressing topics such as grief, emotional vulnerability, financial security, loyalty, marriage, and trust.
Cannon is joined by various guest co-hosts, including comedian Howie Mandel, former NBA star Lamar Odom, NFL receiver DeSean Jackson, and multi-talented artist Ray-J. The guest panelists also include singer-songwriter August Alsina, therapist Stephan Speaks, psychic medium John Edward, grief expert David Kessler, and comedian Tim Chantarangsu, among others.
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Mothers’ Instinct / Psychological Thriller Film / June 7, 2024
Directed by Benoit Delhomme, "Mothers' Instinct" features a star-studded cast including Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Anders Danielsen Lie, and Josh Charles. This film is a remake of Olivier Masset-Depasse's 2018 French-language movie and is based on the 2012 novel "Mothers' Instinct."
The plot revolves around Alice and Celine, whose peaceful lives are shattered by a tragic incident, unraveling their sisterly bond amidst paranoia, guilt, and suspicion. Delhomme's directorial debut promises a gripping and emotional thriller that explores the depths of maternal love and the consequences of tragedy.
Poolman / Comedy Mystery Movie / June 7, 2024
Chris Pine makes his directorial debut with "Poolman," in which he also serves as producer, co-writer, and lead actor. The film stars DeWanda Wise, Annette Bening, Stephen Tobolowsky, John Ortiz, Clancy Brown, Ray Wise, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Juliet Mills, Danny DeVito, and Ariana DeBose.
Read more: Must-Watch Bollywood Films Releasing in May 2024
"Poolman" follows Darren Barrenman, an unyielding optimist and native Angeleno, who works as a pool cleaner and lives at the Tahitian Tiki apartment block. As he tirelessly strives to improve the living conditions, Barrenman becomes embroiled in a mystery that blends comedy and intrigue.
Beyond The Veil (Season 2) / Drama Series / June 7, 2024
Created by Nadine Ibrahim and Sifa Asani Gowon, "Beyond The Veil" returns for its second season with a talented cast including Jemima Osunde, Ame Aiyejina, Norah Ego, Maryam Booth, and Habiba Zock-Sock. This series offers an alternative portrayal of Northern Nigerian women, showcasing their strength, independence, and authenticity amidst a world often overshadowed by stereotypes.
The new season delves deeper into the lives of these five resilient women as they navigate the complexities of modern life, weaving together captivating storylines of careers, romances, friendships, and cultural clashes that resonate with global audiences.
Read more: Most Hyped South Indian Movies Releasing in May 2024
Sean Baker's 'Anora' wins Palme d'Or, the Cannes Film Festival's top honor
Sean Baker's "Anora," a comic but devastating Brooklyn odyssey about a sex worker who marries the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch, won the Cannes Film Festival's top award, the Palme d'Or.
The win Saturday for "Anora" marked a coronation for Baker, the 53-year-old indie filmmaker of "The Florida Project " who used iPhones to make his 2015 film "Tangerine." It's also, remarkably, the fifth straight Palme d'Or won by specialty distributor Neon, following "Parasite," "Titane," "Triangle of Sadness" and last year's winner, "Anatomy of a Fall." Baker accepted the prize with his movie's star, Mikey Madison, watching in the audience at the Cannes closing ceremony.
"This, literally, has been my singular goal as a filmmaker for the past 30 years, so I'm not really sure what I'm going to do with the rest of my life," said Baker, laughing.
But Baker, the first American filmmaker to win the Palme since Terrence Mallick in 2011 with "The Tree of Life," quickly answered that his ambition would remain to "fight to keep cinema alive." The director said the world needed reminding that "watching a film at home while scrolling through your phone, answering emails and half paying attention is just not the way — although some tech companies would like us to think so."
"So I say the future of cinema is where it started: in a movie theater," said Baker, who dedicated his award to all sex workers "past, present and future."
The awards were chosen by the nine-member jury led by Greta Gerwig, who told reporters she was "forever changed as a filmmaker because of this experience." Gerwig praised "Anora" as having the feeling of classical cinema, saying it felt like an Ernst Lubitsch or Howard Hawks film that lead in unexpected directions.
While "Anora" was arguably the most acclaimed film of the festival, its win was a slight surprise. Many expected either the gentle Indian drama "All We Imagine As Light" or the Iranian film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" to win. Both of those films also took home prizes.
It wasn't the only jolt of the closing ceremony, though. Before George Lucas was given an honorary Palme d'Or, his old friend and sometimes collaborator Francis Ford Coppol a appeared to present it to him, reuniting two of the most pivotal figures of the last half-century of American moviemaking. Coppola, who earlier in the festival premiered his self-financed sci-fi epic "Megalopolis," called him his "kid brother." Lucas called Coppola "a big friend and a brother and a mentor."
"I'm just a kid who grew up in a vineyard in Modesto, California, who makes movies in San Francisco, with my friend Francis," said Lucas. "It's definitely a different world. I've actually never made a film in Hollywood as a director."
"All We Imagine As Light," about sisterhood in modern Mumbai, won the Grand Prix, Cannes' second-highest honor. Payal Kapadia's second feature was the first Indian in competition in Cannes in 30 years.
Afterward, Kapadia urged a wide understanding of Indian cinema, saying "there's amazing work going on in our country."
"Not just Bollywood," said Kapadia.
The jury awarded a special prize to Mohammad Rasoulof's "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," a drama made secretly in Iran. Days ahead of the film's premiere, Rasoulof, facing an eight-year prison sentence, fled Iran on foot. His film, which includes real footage from the 2022-2023 demonstrations in Iran, channels Iranian oppression into a family drama. The Cannes crowd met an emotional Rasoulof with a lengthy standing ovation.
Coralie Fargeat's body horror film "The Substance," starring Demi Moore as a Hollywood actress who goes to gory extremes to remain youthful, won for best screenplay.
"I really believe that movies can change the world, so I hope this movie will be a little stone to build new foundations," said Fargeat. "I really think we need a revolution and I don't think it has really started yet."
Some thought Moore, who attended the awards ceremony, might take best actress. But that honor instead went to an ensemble of actors: Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz for Jacques Audiard's "Emilia Perez," a Spanish-language musical about a Mexican drug lord who transitions to a woman. Gascón, who accepted the award, is the first trans actor to win a major prize at Cannes.
"This award is not just for me. It's for all people who are fighting for themselves and their rights," Gascón told reporters. "We've been insulted, denigrated, subjected to a lot of violence without even knowing why. I think this is award is so much more than anyone could imagine."
Explaining the jury's unusual choice of giving best actress to an ensemble, Gerwig said each performer was a standout, "but together they're transcendent." "Emilia Perez" also won Cannes' jury prize, giving it a rare two awards at a festival where prizes are usually spread around.
Best actor went to Jesse Plemons for Yorgos Lanthimos' "Kinds of Kindness." In the film, three stories are told with largely the same company of actors. Plemons, a standout in several chapters, didn't attend the closing ceremony.
Portuguese director Miguel Gomes won best director for his "Grand Tour," an Asian odyssey in which a man flees his fiancée from Rangoon in 1917.
"Sometimes I get lucky," shrugged Gomes.
The Camera d'Or, the prize for best first feature across all of Cannes official selections, went to Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel for "Armand," starring "The Worst Person in the World" star Renate Reinsve. Tøndel is the grandson of Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman and Norwegian actor Liv Ullman.
Last year's top winners in Cannes went on to considerable arthouse success and awards-season runs through the Oscars. That included the Palme winner "Anatomy of a Fall" and the Grand Prix winner "The Zone of Interest."
Whether this year's Cannes lived up to that lineup was a regular conversation topic during the festival. But it was a notably eventful Cannes not just for the some of the films — including "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" and Kevin Costner's "Horizon: An America Saga" — that screened but for other surrounding dramas.
After stalling for years in France, the #MeToo movement gained momentum ahead of the festival following allegations by Judith Godrèche against two prominent French filmmakers. She brought her short "Moi Aussi" to the festival.
The wars in Gaza and Ukraine were sometimes referenced in press conferences and in subtly symbolic ways on the red carpet. Festival workers, seeking better protections, protested during the opening night ceremony. The Olympic flame, ahead of its arrival in Paris for the summer games, stopped by. Honorary Palmes were also given to Meryl Streep and the Japanese anime factory Studio Ghibli.
‘Obak Bhalobasha’: legendary Warfaze track gets the Coke Studio Bangla treatment
Celebrating 40 years of the country’s pioneering band Warfaze, Coke Studio Bangla season 3 has released a mesmerizing collaboration with the band on Saturday, as the platform brings a revived rendition of the iconic Warfaze song ‘Obak Bhalobasha’.
Admired by listeners for decades, the song was originally written, composed and performed by the former lead vocal of Warfaze Babna Karim and was featured in the band's sophomore album titled ‘Obak Bhalobasha’, released in 1994 from Sargam.
Uploaded on Coke Studio Bangla’s digital platforms on Saturday evening, the song was also premiered at the Liberation War Museum at the same time in the presence of Warfaze members and Coke Studio Bangla producer Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, among others.
The Coke Studio Bangla rendition of the song is composed, arranged and performed by Warfaze alongside the Coke Studio team. This revived edition is produced by the Coke Studio Bangla producer Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, alongside Warfaze co-founder and band leader Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu and its guitarist Samir Hafiz.
Babna Karim, the former lead vocalist of Warfaze penned the original lyrics amidst the serene yet powerful backdrop of crashing waves on a seashore of Cox’s Bazar - the longest uninterrupted natural beach in the world, capturing the untamed beauty of nature. This new version, a tribute to the timeless original, is a symphony of nostalgia and innovation, featuring a choir, a string orchestra, and the distinctive heavily distorted guitar riffs that define Warfaze's sound.
However, this new rendition signifies a beautiful amalgamation of two popular vocalists of the band representing two different eras of Warfaze - as Babna Karim is accompanied by the soulfully melodic Palash Noor, the band's current vocalist. Two other founding fathers of the band, Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal and Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu took their helm as the guitarist and drummer of the song, alongside Samir Hafiz on guitar, Shams on keys, and Roger on bass, accompanied by Md Jalal and Sayonton Mangsang on flutes among others.