entertainment
It's official: Orsha and Imran are a married couple
Popular television actors Nazia Haque Orsha and Mostafizur Noor Imran have revealed they tied the knot recently.
This happened to be a pleasant surprise to the netizens after the actress shared a couple of images as newlyweds on her Facebook profile on Sunday.
Photographed by Badhon Mahmud, the couple was seen in this candid photoshoot beside a bamboo garden in a rural setting and traditional Bengali attire.
"With nature and family, 'I' is now 'Us' -- officially married,” Orsha wrote in the post's caption. Although Orsha shared the photos on Sunday, the couple got married in recent months, according to various sources.
Fans and admirers of the newlywed, along with celebrities from different arenas congratulated the couple, offering blessings and good wishes.
Nazia Haque Orsha came to the television industry after securing the fourth position in the popular beauty contest Lux Channel i Superstar 2009. Since then, the actress has delivered promising performances and become a reliable name to the fiction makers for intriguing and challenging characters.
Mostafizur Noor Imran, a well-known stage performer and theatre actor-instructor, made his film debut in ‘Guerilla’ (2011). He appeared prominently in ‘Alpha’, ‘Shimanter Choruibhati’, and ‘Extra’ (Iti, Tomari Dhaka), among many more films and television projects.
After playing significant roles in online series such as ‘Money Honey’ and ‘Ekattor’, Imran received massive applause with his portrayal in two of OTT platform HoiChoi’s popular original series - first as Sub-Inspector Moloy Kumar in the Ashfaque Nipun directed ‘Mohanagar’ (season one) and then as Amlan in the Tanim Noor directed ‘Kaiser’.
The newlywed couple was seen together in the Chorki-flick ‘Jahan’ (2023) and the Chorki original film ‘Sahosh’ (2022).
This marks the third celebrity marriage in the country’s entertainment arena in the new year, as popular actress and model Moushumi Hamid tied the knot on Friday (January 12) with her fiance Abu Sayeed Rana and popular actor Farhan Ahmed Jovan married his fiance Sajin Ahmed Nirjona on the same day.
‘The Beekeeper’ Review: Jason Statham has more than a bee in his bonnet
Secret agents and murderous assassins seem to lurk in increasingly mundane places.
Remember “The Accountant" with Ben Affleck? Or “The Tax Collector” with Shia LaBeouf? Or more recently, how about “The Bricklayer” with Adam Eckhardt? You probably don't — none of these films were exactly Oscar winners. But there's probably a notary public somewhere wondering when he's going to get his Liam Neeson treatment.
“The Beekeeper,” the new Jason Statham revenge thriller, may have them all beaten — or at least bee-ten. The film, directed by David Ayer (who also did “The Tax Collector”) has found probably the widest disparity yet between innocuous occupation and savage killer. As bodies accrue, so do the double takes from those confused by the source of all the mayhem. Again and again they utter in disbelief: “A beekeeper?”
Believe it, honey. “The Beekeeper” carries that ludicrous premise as far as it can, and then well beyond. If you've been searching for a movie where Jason Statham gravely vows to “protect the hive” an implausible number of times, you have found it.
The bee metaphors — there is even, rather impressively, a “To bee or not to bee” reference — come fast and furious in “The Beekeeper,” a movie that flirts with a so-bad-it's-good vibe but is too serious to quite pull it off. It can be divertingly bonkers, but ends up a rather grim and slipshod “John Wick” ripoff.
The film, scripted by Kurt Wimmer, begins the action with one of the more absurd inciting incidents in recent memory. Statham is a humble beekeeper for Eloise Parker (Phylicia Rashad) on a New England farm. She soon falls victim to a phishing scam that robs her of all her money, including the $2 million charity fund she manages. Eloise calls a number that pops up on her screen and is talked into sharing her passwords by a smarmy scammer (David Witts) who's simultaneously using the call as a lesson to a room full of hackers who cheer him on like the predatory stock brokers of “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Eloise doesn't press CTRL-ALT-DELETE or even call the fraud department of her bank. She kills herself. And guess who's mad? The beekeeper.
Eloise's daughter, Verona (a good Emmy Raver-Lampman), is an FBI agent who throws herself into the case. But meanwhile Statham's beekeeper, after a well-placed call, gets the location of the call center. He turns up with a few tanks of gasoline and some terse words about, you know, the hive, and burns down the place, killing a few people along the way.
That brings the attention of higher-ups. Only the guy in charge is a 28-year-old twerp named Derek Danforth (Josh Hutcherson, enjoying himself) who brashly underestimates his new enemy at every step of the way. His entitlement is owed to his rather good connections. He's protected by the former head of the CIA, Wallace Westwyld (Jeremy Irons) and happens to be the son of the U.S. president (Jemma Redgrave).
Fingers get cut off and bodies accumulate as our man — his name turns out to be Adam Clay — tears through the criminal apparatus with ruthless blunt force. Statham, who has both the look and personality of a bullet, dispatches anyone in his path with the kind efficiency I dream of bringing to opening a pickle jar. A few twists of the wrist and he's done.
Clay, brace yourselves, isn't just an actual beekeeper. He's a retired Beekeeper, an elite, clandestine secret service that operates well off the government books and that adopts a surprising amount of its mission statements from the natural way of bees. They have a whole secret order and stuff, bringing “The Beekeeper” into plainly “Wick”-ian — and less fun — territory.
Yes, this silly beekeeper thriller goes all the way to the top. As the movie's renegade protagonist makes his way closer and closer to the White House, with blood and chaos in his wake, “The Beekeeper” begins to feel like an uncomfortable B-movie crosspollination of today's conspiracy theory-marred political landscape, with a violent, self-appointed guardian of America slashing his way toward the president. Most of the dead bodies are secret service.
Disquieting thoughts, maybe, for a beekeeper movie. Ayer's movie is mostly just having some cynical world-building fun, even if its hero feels like a part more suited to Mr. Bean. And, besides, while John Wick was first propelled into action by the death of his dog, Clay doesn't bat an eye when his honeycombs get blown to smithereens. This guy doesn't even really care about bees.
“The Beekeeper” an MGM release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for strong violence throughout, pervasive language, some sexual references and drug use. Running time: 105 minutes. Two stars out of four.
‘Top Gun 3’ in the making?
According to a source close to the project, Paramount is working on a script for the next installment of the high-octane aviation film franchise, “Top Gun”.
Tom Cruise is preparing to return for the third edition of “Top Gun”, reports CNN.
The film is still in its initial stages of development, but ideas are in the works for a sequel that will follow 2022's "Top Gun: Maverick" and the original "Top Gun" from 1986, according to the source.
Read: 'Oppenheimer' dominates Golden Globes, 'Poor Things' upsets 'Barbie' in comedy
There are no deals in place yet, but CNN has learned that the plan is to reunite the film's producers —Cruise, Jerry Bruckheimer, and director Joseph Kosinski — and, given that the film is a sequel to "Maverick," Cruise's younger co-stars, Miles Teller and Glen Powell, may also return.
The script has not been finalised, but writer Ehren Kruger, who co-wrote "Top Gun: Maverick," is working on a first draft, according to the source.
Paramount has declined to make a statement. Tom Cruise’s representatives did not reply to CNN's request for comment, said the report.
Read: ‘I'm on medication’: Karan Johar
Given the enormous success of "Top Gun: Maverick," which grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide and received six Oscar nominations, including best picture and adapted screenplay, the development of another sequel is not surprising, it added.
Most Hyped Bollywood Films Releasing in February 2024
Bollywood, the vibrant heart of India's film industry, transcends borders with its rich cultural tapestry and captivating storytelling. Renowned for its versatile productions, pulsating music, and compelling narratives, Bollywood films hold a global allure. As February 2024 approaches, anticipation surges for the release of 9 highly awaited movies, each promising to enthral audiences worldwide with unique themes and star-studded casts.
Most Anticipated Bollywood Films Coming in February 2024
Section 108
"Section 108," an upcoming Hindi crime thriller directed by Rasikh Khan, is slated for release on February 2, 2024. The storyline revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a billionaire, leading to a legal battle where the insurance company questions the legitimacy of the case.
The film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui portraying the character of lawyer Tahoor Khan, along with Regina Cassandra, Aasif Khan, and Saanand Verma in pivotal roles.
This gripping narrative delves into the complexities of deceit, investigation, and legal intricacies in a high-stakes scenario.
Read more: Top South Indian Films Hitting the Screens in February 2024
Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya
Directed and written by Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah, this movie is a captivating blend of drama and romance starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. What’s more, the stellar appearances of veteran actors, Dharmendra and Dimple Kapadia will mesmerise the cinephiles.
The plot centres around the story of a hapless young man, portrayed by Shahid Kapoor, whose life takes an adventurous turn upon encountering the woman of his dreams, played by Kriti Sanon. Amidst a whirlwind of comical mishaps and perilous encounters, he tries to win her heart while battling an ominous adversary.
Hitting the screen on February 9, 2024, the film promises a unique amalgamation of romance, humour, and thrilling escapades in an imaginative futuristic world.
LSD 2
"LSD 2: Love, Sex Aur Dhokha 2," directed by Dibakar Banerjee, is set to captivate audiences on February 16, 2024, in India. This sequel explores the theme of "Love in the Times of the Internet," portraying the intricate challenges that modern relationships face within a tech-driven society.
Read more: February 2024 Lineup of Netflix Originals in English
The storyline follows the complexities of contemporary love, friendship, and self-discovery. Starring Nimrit Ahluwalia, Rossana Elsa Scugugia, and Anupam Joardar, this film is an intriguing portrayal of the intricacies and vulnerabilities inherent in relationships, capturing the essence of modern-day connections with its captivating narrative.
Operation Valentine
"Operation Valentine," promises to be an enthralling mix of action, drama, and thriller genres. Releasing on February 16, 2024, the film highlights the bravery of India's Air Force heroes confronting a monumental aerial assault. Directed by Shakti Pratap Singh, the film stars Manushi Chhillar, Varun Tej, and Mir Sarwar.
Varun Tej portrays IAF officer Arjun Dev, aka Rudra, embodying the spirit of patriotism and dedication. Celebrating the valour of Indian soldiers, this film presents a patriotic tale that pays homage to the resilience and courage of those who safeguard the nation's integrity.
The Immortal Ashwatthama
"The Immortal Ashwatthama," directed by Aditya Dhar, is an eagerly anticipated action-adventure-fantasy film slated for release around February 16, 2024.
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Starring Vicky Kaushal, Allu Arjun, and Sara Ali Khan, this epic tale promises a spell-binding portrayal of Ashwatthama's journey, exploring themes of redemption, immortality, and a fusion of ancient tales with futuristic elements. With a blend of science fiction and mythology, the movie draws inspiration from the Mahabharata, offering a unique narrative.
"The Immortal Ashwatthama" is expected to be a captivating cinematic venture, eagerly awaited by audiences for its innovative storytelling and awesome cast.
“Kingba Tomar Keu Na”: Joy Shahriar releases latest single
Renowned singer-musician-composer Joy Shahriar’s latest single “Kingba Tomar Keu Na” has been released recently across major streaming platforms and social networking sites.
Aajob Records, the official label of the singer, produced the song while the music video was shot under the label of Aajob Karkhana.
This marks the first single solo track of the singer in the new year, and sharing his excitement with UNB, Joy Shahriar said that he is eyeing to release of several new songs this year.
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“Thrilled to begin the new year with my new solo track “Kingba Tomar Keu Na” - a song very close to my heart. This is the first track of my list of upcoming solo songs in 2024,” Joy Shariar told UNB.
Amin Zamael Tilok did the 3:46-minute-long track’s guitars and programming. Maruf-Ul Haque played the bass guitar, and music artist Nabid Salehin Niloy designed the sound for the track.
Penned by British-Bangladeshi author and lyricist Dr Eshrar Latif, the song is composed by Joy Shahriar himself.
“It was a pleasure to add my voice to the song's lyrics, written by one of my favourite writers, Eshrar Latif," Joy Shahriar said.
Also read: Asiatic EXP joins hands with AB Kitchen to promote Ayub Bachchu’s songs
Over recent years, Joy Shahriar established himself as one of the prominent music artists in the country. His first studio album as a singer-songwriter was ‘Shotti Bolchhi’ (2009), which was a massive hit.
Listeners can enjoy the song across Joy Shahriar’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, as well as iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other renowned music platforms.
Actress Moushumi Hamid to tie the knot on Friday
Popular actress Moushumi Hamid is going to tie the knot on Friday (January 12) with her fiance Abu Sayeed Rana.
The ceremony of ‘gaye holud’ was held on Wednesday evening with her longtime friend.
The pictures of her ‘gaye holud’, adorned in a stunning yellow saree and flowery accessories, have already spread through social media.
Moushumi said that she met with Abu Sayeed Rana two years ago while doing a work directed by director Golam Sohrab Dodul. Then their relationship deepened and turned into love while working on the series "Guti". "Apart from writing, Rana is also associated with production," she shared.
“I am thrilled to announce that our marriage is set to take place tomorrow, with the blessing and consent of both our families," the actress added.
Moushumi started her career in 2010 through the Lux Channel i Superstar competition. Since then, the actress has dedicatedly contributed to both TV dramas and movies.
Top South Indian Films Hitting the Screens in February 2024
The month of Valentine's is approaching, while New Year's revelry still holds its flame. Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada film industries are gearing up to enthrall audiences with movies featuring innovative storylines, talented directions, and powerful acting. Let's take a look at the 10 most anticipated South Indian movies coming in February.
12 Most Hyped South Indian Movies Releasing in February 2024
Iyer in Arabia | Malayalam | February 2, 2024
M.A. Nishad takes the reins as the writer and director for this film, which brings back the beloved on-screen duo Mukesh and Urvashi. Anand Madhusoodhanan is the musical maestro behind the scenes, enhancing the film's auditory experience.
The ensemble cast includes talented actors such as Shine Tom Chacko, Durga Krishna, and Dhyan Sreenivasan. Iyer Kanda Dubai enriches this film as a comedy entertainer. What’s more, Sreenivasan's intriguing portrayal in Arab Sheikh attire on the poster suggests a delightful and complete drama.
Read more: Is Shah Rukh Khan Starring in Dhoom 4?
Vadakkupatti Ramasamy | Tamil | February 2, 2024
With this film, Santhanam Neelamegam reunites with director Karthik Yogi once again. The ensemble cast also includes Tamizh of Jai Bhim fame, along with talented individuals such as John Vijay, Megha Akash, MS Bhaskar, Seshu, Rajendran, Nizhalgal Ravi, and Ravi Mariya.
Set against the backdrop of a real-life incident unfolding in a village during the 1960s-70s, the Tamil film delves into the depths of this historical occurrence, offering a poignant portrayal.
Additionally, the narrative weaves around the significance of the iconic Tamil name, Ramaswamy, exploring its enduring impact and historical meaning hidden within.
Read more: January 2024's Top 10 Hollywood Films: A Cinematic Feast for Movie Lovers
Ondu Sarala Prema Kathe | Kannada | February 8, 2024
In his latest endeavor, acclaimed director Suni, known for his diverse storytelling, is poised to mesmerize audiences once again. Bankrolled by Mysuru Ramesh, the movie features Vinay Rajkumar, Mallika Singh, and Swasthik Krishnan in leading roles, with the special appearance of Raghavendra Rajkumar. The cast is further strengthened by Rajesh Nataranga, Aruna Balaraj, and Sadhu Kokila.
Ondu Sarala Prema Kathe is a straightforward romantic story enriched by an enchanting musical odyssey.
Yatra 2 | Telugu | February 8, 2024
Yatra 2 is a sequel to the 2019 film Yatra. It is a political drama that unfolds the compelling narrative of YSR Jagan's ascent in the political arena. Mammootty portrays the role of YSR, while Jiiva depicts his son, Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Read more: Must-see South Indian Films Releasing in January 2024
This Telugu film intricately explores the aftermath of YS Rajasekhar Reddy's demise and sheds light on the support garnered by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Under the directorial guidance of Mahi V. Raghav, the movie features a stellar cast, including Ketaki Narayan, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Suzanne Bernert, contributing to the nuanced depiction of this political narrative.
Eagle | Telugu | February 9, 2024
Eagle, an intense action thriller, is skillfully written and directed by renowned Tollywood cinematographer Karthik Gattamneni. Ravi Teja stars in the titular role. The other major cast members include Anupama Parameswaran, Navdeep, Madhoo, Kavya Thapar, and Srinivas Avasarala.
Read more: 10 Must-Watch Bollywood Films Releasing in January 2024
The narrative centers around a series of relentless assaults, methodically eliminating multiple men, perpetrated by an unidentified individual. This spree captures the attention of the government, leading to a concerted effort to neutralize this mysterious figure. As the plot unfolds, questions arise about the enigmatic character's identity.
This Telugu movie tells a captivating story, unraveling the layers of mystery surrounding his existence.
Ooru Peru Bhairavakona | Telugu | February 9, 2024
Helmed by Vi Anand, the film boasts a stellar cast, with Sundeep Kishan, Varsha Bollamma, Rajsekhar Aningi, and Kavya Thapar taking on the lead roles.
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The plot revolves around embarking on a quest for urgently needed answers. The protagonist ventures into the mysterious realm of Bhairavakona, where escape seems to be an elusive concept.
Under the production prowess of Rajesh Danda, Balaji Gutta, and Anil Sunkara, Ooru Peru Bhairavakona is coupled with a musical score by Sekhar Chandra.
Lindsay Lohan, Reneé Rapp and the stars of the new 'Mean Girls' turn out for premiere
She doesn't even go here, but Lindsay Lohan still joined the cast of the new "Mean Girls" at the musical film's premiere Monday night in New York.
Lohan, the star of the original 2004 film, reunited with Tina Fey — who wrote both the classic film, the Broadway show it inspired and this new adaptation — and posed with the new Cady Heron, Angourie Rice, on the pink carpet.
"It was an amazing movie to work on when I did it, and I can't wait to see this new iterative version of it. I think it's gonna be wonderful," Lohan told The Associated Press.
February 2024 Lineup of Netflix Originals in English
Lohan said it "felt great" to hear of the movie's impact on teens over the years and was excited that the new film, which releases Friday, will deal with new topics.
"I loved Lindsay's performance in the 2004 film so much, it's one of my favorites," Rice said. "So in everything I did, I just hoped that my performance would be adding to the legacy that she started."
Just like the 2004 version, the musical movie follows Cady's move to the suburbs, where she experiences the treacherous hierarchies of high school. There, she finds herself accepted by an elite yet shallow group of girls known as the Plastics, led by Regina George — here played by Reneé Rapp. It's billed as "a new twist from Tina Fey," incorporating songs and new technology, but Fey said the "core story" still resonates two decades later.
'Oppenheimer' dominates Golden Globes, 'Poor Things' upsets 'Barbie' in comedy
"In a way, things haven't changed that much, right? People have new ways to mess with each other, right? They can do it over the internet, but it's still just human beings pulling someone else down to make themselves momentarily feel better, right?" she told the AP.
Lohan concurred, saying the movie is a good "wake-up call."
"I think the characters in this movie definitely were relatable, too, and I think that's so important," she said, "and it's good to have a new refresher of it 20 years later for people to see and know that it's still goes on and cliques still happen."
In addition to Lohan, Fey, Rice and Rapp, the starry premiere featured actors from the new movie like Jon Hamm,Auli'i Cravalho and Busy Philipps, as well as directors Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. and producer Lorne Michaels.Megan Thee Stallion, who recently released the song "Not My Fault" with Rapp, and Fey's "30 Rock" co-star Jane Krakowski also turned out.
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As for Lohan, she told the AP she starts filming a Netflix movie next week and is in "Irish Rose," out on the streaming service in March. She said she's also filming "something else coming up this summer."
When asked what it's like having a baby and seeing what kids go through as teenagers, as portrayed in "Mean Girls," Lohan replied, "Oh my god, he's not a teenager yet."
"Don't rush me. I want to savor every moment," she continued. "But it's a blessing. It's the biggest blessing in the world."
February 2024 Lineup of Netflix Originals in English
The new year brings exciting new shows on Netflix. After a slow start in January, Netflix is poised to bring some highly anticipated shows and movies in February. With that said, let’s dive in to see what Netflix has in store for its viewers in February.
List of English Language Netflix Originals Coming in February 2024
Orion and the Dark
Orion and the Dark, a highly anticipated animated fantasy adventure comedy film from DreamWorks Animation, follows the story of Orion, a seemingly unassuming kid with an irrational fear of everything. But most of all, Orion fears the dark. And by happenstance, Orion befriends the embodiment of the dark and slowly makes his way to enjoy life.
The cast includes Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser, and Werner Herzog in lead roles. The movie is written by Charlie Kaufman with direction from Sean Charmatz.
Orion and the Dark will premier on February 2.
Read more: The year in films: A ‘cinematic’ 2023 for the industry
One Day
The new Netflix series One Day is based on the acclaimed David Nicholls novel of the same name.
The story follows the life of Dexter and Emma as they graduate from the University of Edinburgh. What’s interesting is that the book follows the life of the duo in each successive year in each chapter of the book. A total of 20 chapters cover 20 years in their life.
The story is of clandestine love as both go on in their life staying best of friends. While they yearn for each other, no one confesses and life goes on.
The Netflix show stars Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall in lead roles. The series is directed by Molly Manners.
One Day will be aired on February 8.
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A Killer Paradox
A Killer Paradox is a highly anticipated K-Drama. The Academy Award-winning actor of Parasite, Choi Woo Shik, stars in this new thriller series. He is accompanied by Son Seok Koo and Lee Hee Jeon.
The story is about the average life of Lee Tang, a happy-to-go college student. However, Lee Tang’s life takes a turn for the worse as he finds out about his supernatural ability to detect the sinister past of people. What came as a surprise soon transformed Lee Tang into a vigilante trying to bring justice and punish the ones doing unethical deeds.
The series is slated to premiere on February 9.
Read more: 10 Must-Watch Bollywood Films Releasing in January 2024
The Heartbreak Agency
Ever had a heartbreak? We all know how that feels. The Heartbreak Agency follows the life of Maria as she helps her heartbroken clients get over their grief. On one such occasion, Maria helps one of her clients out of a troublesome relationship. Unbeknownst to her, the boyfriend decides to expose Maria as a heartbreak fraud. And so begins the hilarious tale of a cat and mouse chase.
The Heartbreak Agency stars Rosalie Thomass and Laurence Rupp in the lead roles. The film is directed by Shirel Peleg with screenplay by Antonia Rothe-Liermann and Malte Welding.
The Heartbreak Agency premiers on February 14, perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day.
Read more: January 2024 Amazon Prime Video Line-up: Must-See Shows and Movies
'Oppenheimer' dominates Golden Globes, 'Poor Things' upsets 'Barbie' in comedy
Christopher Nolan's blockbuster biopic "Oppenheimer" dominated the 81st Golden Globes, winning five awards including best drama, while Yorgos Lanthimos' Frankenstein riff "Poor Things" pulled off an upset victory over "Barbie" to triumph in the best comedy or musical category.
If awards season has been building toward a second match-up of Barbenheimer, this round went to "Oppenheimer." The film also won best director for Nolan, best drama actor for Cillian Murphy, best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr. and for Ludwig Göransson's score.
"I don't think it was a no-brainer by any stretch of the imagination to make a three-hour talky movie — R-rated by the way — about one of the darkest developments in our history," said producer Emma Thomas accepting the night's final award and thanking Universal chief Donna Langley.
Also read: Oppenheimer: 10 Fascinating Facts to Know Before Watching the Movie
Along with best comedy or musical, "Poor Things" also won for Emma Stone's performance as Bella, a Victorian-era woman experiencing a surreal sexual awakening.
"I see this as a rom-com," said Stone. "But in the sense that Bella falls in love with life itself, rather than a person. She accepts the good and the bad in equal measure, and that really made me look at life differently."
Lily Gladstone won best actress in a dramatic film for Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon." Gladstone, who began her speech speaking the language of her native tribe, Blackfeet Nation, is the first Indigenous winner in the category.
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"This is a historic win," said Gladstone. "It doesn't just belong to me."
The Globes were in their ninth decade but facing a new and uncertain chapter. After a tumultuous few years of scandal, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was dissolved, leaving a new Globes, on a new network (CBS), to try to regain its perch as the third biggest award show of the year, after the Oscars and Grammys. Even the menu (sushi from Nobu) was remade.
"Golden Globes journalists, thank you for changing your game, therefore changing your name," said Downey in his acceptance speech.
It got off to a rocky start. Host Jo Koy took the stage at the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom in Beverly Hills, California . The Filipino American stand-up hit on some expected topics: Ozempic, Meryl Streep's knack for winning awards and the long-running "Oppenheimer." ("I needed another hour.")
After one joke flubbed, Koy, who was named host after some bigger names reportedly passed, also noted how fast he was thrust into the job.
"Yo, I got the gig 10 days ago. You want a perfect monologue?" said Koy. "I wrote some of these and they're the ones you're laughing at."
HI, BARBIE
Downey's win, his third Globe, denied one to "Kenergy." Ryan Gosling had been seen as his stiffest competition, just one of the many head-to-head contests between "Oppenheimer" and Greta Gerwig's "Barbie." The filmmakers faced each other in the best director category, where Nolan triumphed.
It was two hours before "Barbie," the year's biggest hit with more than $1.4 billion in ticket sales, won an award Sunday. Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For?" took best song, and swiftly after, "Barbie" took the Globes' new honor for "cinematic and box office achievement." Some thought that award might go to Taylor Swift, whose "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" also set box-office records. Swift, though, remains winless in five Globe nods.
Margot Robbie, star and producer of "Barbie," accepted the award in a pink gown modeled after 1977's Superstar Barbie.
"We'd like to dedicate this to every single person on the planet who dressed up and went to the greatest place on Earth: the movie theaters," said Robbie.
"Barbie" and "Oppenheimer," two blockbusters brought together by a common release date, also faced off in the best screenplay category. But in an upset, Justine Triet and Arthur Harari won for the script to the French courtroom drama "Anatomy of a Fall." Later, Triet's film picked up best international film, too.
Though the Globes have no direct correlation with the Academy Awards, they can boost campaigns at a crucial juncture. Oscar nomination voting starts Thursday, and the twin sensations of Barbenheimer remain frontrunners.
Other contenders loom, though, like "Poor Things" and "The Holdovers."
Paul Giamatti and Da'Vine Joy Randolph both won for Alexander Payne's "The Holdovers." Giamatti, reuniting with Payne two decades after "Sideways," won best actor and Randolph won for her supporting performance as a grieving woman in the 1970s-set boarding school drama.
"Oh, Mary you have changed my life," Randolph said of her character. "You have made me feel seen in so many ways that I have never imagined."
Hayao Miyazaki's "The Boy and the Heron" won best animated film, an upset over "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."
'SUCCESSION' AND 'THE BEAR' LEAD TV WINNERS
The final season of "Succession" cleaned up on the television side. It won best drama series for the third time, a mark that ties a record set by "Mad Men" and "The X-Files." Three stars from the HBO series also won: Matt Macfadyen, Sarah Snook and Kieran Culkin.
"It is bittersweet, but things like this make it rather sweeter," said "Succession" creator Jesse Armstrong.
Hulu's "The Bear" also came away with a trio of awards, including best comedy series. Jeremy Allen White won for the second time, but this time he had company. Ayo Edebiri won her first Globe for her leading performance in the Hulu show's second season. She thanked the assistants of her agents and managers.
"To the people who answer my emails, you're the real ones," said Edebiri.
"Beef" won three awards: best limited series as well as acting awards for Ali Wong and Steven Yeun.
The Globes also added a new stand-up special award. That went, surprisingly, to Ricky Gervais, who didn't attend the show he so often hosted. Some expected Chris Rock to win for "Selective Outrage," his stand-up response to the Will Smith slap.
THE GLOBES COMEBACK
A few years ago, the Golden Globes were on the cusp of collapse. After The Los Angeles Times reported that the HFPA had no Black members, Hollywood boycotted the organization. The 2022 Globes were all but canceled and taken off TV. After reforms, the Globes returned to NBC last year in a one-year deal, but the show was booted to Tuesday evening. With Jerrod Carmichael hosting, the telecast attracted 6.3 million viewers, a new low on NBC and a far cry from the 20 million that once tuned in.
The Golden Globes were acquired by Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions, which Penske Media owns, and turned into a for-profit venture. The HFPA (which typically numbered around 90 voters) was dissolved and a group of some 300 entertainment journalists from around the world now vote for the awards.
Questions still remain about the Globes' long-term future, but their value to Hollywood studios remains providing a marketing boost to awards contenders. (The Oscars won't be held until March 10.) This year, because of the actors and writers strikes, the Globes are airing ahead of the Emmys, which were postponed to Jan. 15.
With movie ticket sales still 20% off the pre-pandemic pace and the industry facing a potentially perilous 2024 at the box office, Hollywood needed the Golden Globes as much as it ever has.
The most comical evaluation on the Globes came from presenters Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig, who blamed the awards body for the constant interruption of a song they found irresistible while otherwise solemnly presenting best actor in a comedy or musical movie.
A furious, dancing Ferrell shouted: "The Golden Globes have not changed!"