Melania Trump: An Enigmatic Journey from Immigrant to First Lady – Amazon’s Unfiltered Glimpse

The political landscape is abuzz with the announcement of an upcoming documentary chronicling the life of Melania Trump—a woman who has captivated the world with her poise, resilience, and unwavering advocacy for children. Produced by Amazon Prime Video, this film promises an “unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look” into the world of the former First Lady, a Slovenian-born immigrant who defied all odds to grace the hallowed halls of the White House.

“I think part of the beauty is that mystery. She doesn’t need to be out there. She has confidence. She has a lot of self-confidence,” her husband, former President Donald Trump, once remarked in an interview with Megyn Kelly—a sentiment that encapsulates Melania’s enigmatic allure. And now, with the backing of executive producers Melania Trump herself and Fernando Sulichin of New Element Media, the world will finally get a glimpse into the life of this captivating figure.

The choice of director, Brett Ratner, renowned for his work on blockbuster films like “Rush Hour” and “X-Men: The Last Stand,” only adds to the intrigue surrounding this project. As filming commences in December 2024, anticipation builds for what promises to be a cinematic tour de force—a raw, unfiltered portrayal of a woman who has navigated the treacherous waters of politics with grace and fortitude.

Melania’s journey to the White House is a testament to the American dream—a story of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of children. During her tenure as First Lady, her “BE BEST” initiative strived to “promote a world for children based on healthy living, kindness, and respect.” Her efforts extended beyond the confines of the Oval Office, as she collaborated with Congress to secure funding for youth in foster care—a cause that remains close to her heart.

“My focus would continue to be creating a safe and nurturing space for children to learn, grow and thrive,” Melania affirmed, her words echoing the sentiments of a woman whose compassion knows no bounds. And her dedication to this cause has only grown stronger, as evidenced by her recent ventures into the realm of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), with proceeds supporting her “Fostering the Future” initiative—a program aimed at providing scholarships and educational opportunities to foster children.

Yet, amidst the accolades and accomplishments, Melania’s life has been a tapestry of challenges and controversies—a narrative that this documentary promises to unravel with unflinching honesty. From navigating the complexities of her husband’s presidency to facing the scrutiny of a media landscape that often refused to accept her place in the political arena, Melania has emerged as a symbol of resilience and strength.

As the world eagerly awaits the release of this documentary in the second half of 2025, one thing is certain: Melania Trump’s story is far from over. Her journey—one that transcends borders, defies expectations, and inspires countless individuals—is a testament to the enduring spirit of the American dream. And with this film, we are granted a front-row seat to witness the unfolding of a narrative that will undoubtedly captivate audiences worldwide.

In a world where political divisions run deep, Melania’s story serves as a unifying force—a reminder that beneath the veneer of power and privilege lies a human story of triumph, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Whether you align with her political leanings or not, this documentary promises to be a cinematic tour de force—a compelling portrait of a woman who has defied all odds and emerged as a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream.

Pamela Anderson ‘Almost Got Killed on a Plane’ After Being Mistaken for a Member of The Chicks: A Man Got Put in Handcuffs for ‘Trying to Attack Me’

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Pamela Anderson was asked during an interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast if she’s ever been mistaken for another celebrity, and her answer ended up being quite shocking. It turns out a man once tried to attack Anderson on an airplane because he thought she was a member of The Chicks, the legendary country music trio previously known as the Dixie Chicks.

“This one time, I was on a flight and this guy came up to me and said, ‘Do you know what this country’s done for you?’” Anderson said. “And I was like, ‘Oh, my God. What have I done?’ I was like oh god. I looked back and he was [angry]. Then this stewardess had to handcuff him to the chair because he was trying to attack me.”

“Yeah. Ended up he thought I was a Dixie Chick. Remember that whole Dixie Chick thing?” Anderson continued. “I almost got killed on a plane. I was scared to fly after that, a little bit.”

Anderson chuckled while recounting the story, but it was no laughing matter at the time. The Golden Globe nominee did not disclose when the incident took place, but it was likely sometime in 2003 amid the national firestorm against The Chicks after lead singer Natalie Maines said during a March 10, 2003 concert in London that her band was ashamed President George W. Bush was from Texas amid the invasion of Iraq. The band’s reputation imploded and their music sales plummeted due to the controversial remark. The backlash is chronicled in The Chicks’ 2006 documentary “Shut Up and Sing.”

While Maines apologized for the remark, she told Time Magazine during the press tour for the documentary that she actually had no regrets over making the comment, adding: “I apologized for disrespecting the office of the president. But I don’t feel that way anymore. I don’t feel he is owed any respect whatsoever.”

The Chicks officially changed their name from the Dixie Chicks in 2020 as the word “Dixie” has historical ties to the Confederacy and the United States’ history of racism.

Watch Anderson’s full interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast in the video below.

Man charged in Tupac Shakur killing files motion to dismiss the case

LAS VEGAS (AP) — An ex-gang leader is seeking to have all the charges against him dismissed in the 1990s killing of rap music icon Tupac Shakur.

Attorney Carl Arnold filed the motion on Monday in the District Court of Nevada to dismiss charges against Duane Davis in the 1996 shooting of Shakur. The motion alleges “egregious” constitutional violations because of a 27-year delay in prosecution. The motion also asserts a lack of corroborating evidence and failure to honor immunity agreements granted to Davis by federal and local authorities.

“The prosecution has failed to justify a decades-long delay that has irreversibly prejudiced my client,” Arnold said in a news release. “Moreover, the failure to honor immunity agreements undermines the criminal justice system’s integrity and seriously questions this prosecution.”

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the filing. He has said evidence against Davis is strong and it will be up to a jury to decide the credibility of Davis’ accounts of the shooting including those in a 2019 memoir.

Davis is originally from Compton, California. He was arrested in the case in September 2023 near Las Vegas. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and has sought to be released since shortly after his arrest.

Davis is accused of orchestrating and enabling the shooting that killed Shakur and wounded rap music mogul Marion “Suge” Knight after a brawl at a Las Vegas Strip casino involving Shakur and Davis’ nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson.

Authorities have said that the gunfire stemmed from competition between East Coast members of a Bloods gang sect and West Coast groups of a Crips sect, including Davis, for dominance in a genre known at the time as “gangsta rap.”

In interviews and a 2019 tell-all memoir that described his life as a leader of a Crips gang sect in Compton, Davis said he obtained a .40-caliber handgun and handed it to Anderson in the back seat of a car from which he and authorities say shots were fired at Shakur and Knight in another car at an intersection near the Las Vegas Strip. Davis didn’t identify Anderson as the shooter.

Shakur died a week later in a nearby hospital. He was 25. Knight survived and is serving a 28-year prison sentence in connection with the killing of a Compton man in 2015.

Anderson denied involvement in Shakur’s death and died in 1998 at age 23 in a shooting in Compton. The other two men in the car are also dead.

A Las Vegas police detective testified to a grand jury that police do not have the gun that was used to shoot at Shakur and Knight, nor did they find the vehicle from which shots were fired.

‘The Brutalist,’ ‘Emilia Perez’ triumph at Golden Globes

Two wildly audacious films — Brady Corbet’s 215-minute postwar epic “The Brutalist” and Jacques Audiard’s Spanish language, genre-shifting trans musical “Emilia Perez” — won top honours at the 82nd Golden Globes on Sunday.

The Globes, which are still finding their footing after years of scandal and makeover, scattered awards around to a number of films. But the awards group put its strongest support behind a pair of movies that sought to defy easy categorization.

“The Brutalist” was crowned best film, drama, putting one of 2024’s most ambitious films on course to be a major contender at the Academy Awards. The film, shot in VistaVision and released with an intermission, also won best director for Corbet and best actor for Adrien Brody. In his acceptance speech, Corbet spoke about filmmakers needing approval on the final cut.

“I was told that this film was un-distributable,” said Corbet. “No one was asking for a three-and-half-hour film about a mid-century designer in 70mm. But it works.”

Adriana Paz, from left, Edgar Ramirez, Selena Gomez, Jacques Audiard, Karla Sofia Gascon and Zoe Saldana pose in the press room with the award for best motion picture – musical or comedy for “Emilia Perez” during the 82nd Golden Globes, Jan. 5, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

“Emilia Perez” won best film, comedy or musical, elevating the Oscar chances of Netflix’s top contender. It also won best supporting actress for Zoe Saldana, best song (“El Mal”) and best non-English language film. Audiard, the French director, made way for Karla Sofia Gascon, the film’s transgender star who plays a Mexican drug lord who undergoes gender affirming surgery, to speak on behalf of the film.

“The light always wins over darkness,” said Gascon, gesturing to her brightly orange dress. “You can maybe put us in jail. You can beat us up. But you never can take away our soul or existence or identity.”

“I am who I am. Not who you want.”

Demi Moore poses in the press room with the award for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy for “The Substance” during the 82nd Golden Globes, Jan. 5, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Demi wins her first Globe

Though the Globes audience was particularly starry, including nominees Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet, Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig, most of the winners hailed from smaller, less seen films.

That included some surprises. One was Demi Moore’s win for best actress in a comedy or musical. Her comeback performance in “The Substance,” about a Hollywood star who resorts to an experimental process to regain her youth, landed the 62-year-old Moore her first Globe — a victory that came over the heavily favoured Mikey Madison of “Anora.”

“I’m just in shock right now. I’ve been doing this a long time, like over 45 years, and this is the first thing I’ve ever won as an actor,” said Moore, who was last nominated by the Globes for a film role in 1991 for “Ghost.” “Thirty years ago, I had a producer tell me that I was a popcorn actress.”

Best actress, in a drama film, was an even bigger surprise. The Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres won for her performance in “I’m Still Here,” a based-on-a-true-story drama about a family living through the disappearance of political dissident Rubens Paiva in 1970s Rio de Janeiro. Torres dedicated the award to her mother, the great actor Fernanda Montenegro, who appears in “I’m Still Here,” too.

“She was here 25 years ago,” said Torres. “And this is like a proof that art can endure through life even through difficult moments.”

Best supporting actor in a musical or comedy went to Sebastian Stan for “A Different Man,” in which Stan plays a man with a deformed face who’s healed. Stan, who was also nominated for playing Donald Trump in “The Apprentice,” noted that both films were hard to get made.

“These are tough subject maters but these films are real and they’re necessary,” said Stan. “But we can’t be afraid and look away.”

Nikki Glaser arrives at the 82nd Golden Globes, Jan. 5, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Glaser lightly roasts the Globes

Comedian Nikki Glaser kicked off the Globes, with a promise: “I’m not here to roast you.”

But Glaser, a stand-up whose breakthrough came in a withering roast of Tom Brady, made her way around the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, on Sunday picking out plenty of targets in an opening monologue she had worked out extensively in comedy clubs beforehand.

While Glaser might not have reached Tina Fey and Amy Poehler levels of laughs, the monologue was a winner, and a dramatic improvement over last year’s host, Jo Koy. Last year’s Globes, following a diversity and ethics scandal that led to the dissolution of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, were widely panned. But they delivered where it counted: Ratings rebounded to about 10 million viewers, according to Nielsen. CBS, who waded in after NBC dumped the Globes, signed up for five more years.

Hosting the Globes two weeks before the inauguration of Donald Trump, Glaser reserved perhaps her most cutting line for the entire room of Hollywood stars.

“You could really do anything … except tell the country who to vote for,” said Glaser. “But it’s OK, you’ll get ’em next time … if there is one. I’m scared.”

The Globes are now owned by Todd Boehly’s Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions, which acquired the award show from the now defunct Hollywood Foreign Press Association. However, more than a dozen former HFPA members are currently seeking to have the sale to Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions rescinded.

A win for ‘Wicked’

Unlike last year’s Oscar race, when “Oppenheimer” rolled, this year’s season has more uncertain, with a field of contenders. Most of the movies that are seen as having a chance — “Conclave,” “Emilia Perez,” “The Brutalist,” “Wicked” and “Anora” — came away with at least one award Sunday. The exception was Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning “Anora,” which went home empty handed despite five nominations.

The Globes’ award for cinematic and box-office achievement went to Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked,” which has nearly collected US$700 million in theatres. In a heavily arthouse Oscar field, “Wicked” is easily the biggest hit in the best picture mix. Accepting the award, Chu argued for “a radical act of optimism” in art.

Though few awards have been predictable this season, Kieran Culkin is emerging has the clear favourite for best supporting actor. Culkin won Sunday for his performance in Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain,” his second Globe in the past year following a win for the HBO series “Succession.” He called the Globes “basically the best date night that my wife and I ever have,” and then thanked her for “putting up what you call my mania.”

The papal thriller “Conclave” took best screenplay, for Peter Straughan’s script. “Flow,” the wordless Latvian animated parable about a cat in a flooded world, took best animated film, winning over studio blockbusters like “Inside Out 2” and “The Wild Robot.” Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross won best score for their thumping music for “Challengers.”

Ali Wong poses with the award for best performance in stand-up comedy on television for “Ali Wong: Single Lady” during the 82nd Golden Globes, Jan. 5, 2025, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

TV prizes

Most of the TV winners were oft-awarded series, including the Emmy champ “Shogun.” It won four awards, including best drama series and acting wins for Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai and Tadanobu Asano. Other repeat winners were: “Hacks” (best comedy series, actress for Jean Smart), “The Bear” (Jeremy Allen White for best actor) and “Baby Reindeer” (best limited series).

Ali Wong won for best stand-up performance, Jodie Foster for “True Detective” and Colin Farrell for his physical transformation in “The Penguin.”

“I guess it’s prosthetics from here on out,” said Farrell.

Aubrey Plaza breaks silence on death of husband after ‘unimaginable tragedy’

ACTRESS Aubrey Plaza has given her first statement since the tragic death of her husband Jeff Baena at age 47.

Screenwriter and director Baena – who married the White Lotus star in 2021 – was found dead at their Los Angeles home on Friday.

Marking her first public comment on the sudden tragedy, a rep for the actress said: “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”

Baena’s body was found by an assistant at the property, which the couple bought together in 2022, at 10.25am.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The U.S. Sun obtained the LA County Fire Department’s radio call which states it dispatched a unit “to a hanging” at the address in Los Feliz.

Los Angeles Police Department told The U.S. Sun: “We responded to a death Investigation and the case is being handled by the Coroner’s Office.”

The LA County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the screenwriter died by hanging.

Plaza’s statement came after she was forced to ditch her debut hosting role in the Golden Globes ceremony.

She was scheduled to help host the annual event but didn’t appear due to the sudden death of her long-time husband.

The acting world has spent the last few days mourning Baena who had impressed Hollywood with several well-liked films.

The cameras then panned to Brutalist leading man Adrien Brody who was holding back tears.

Baena and Plaza – who starred in Parks and Recreation – wed more than four years ago after a decade together.

They kept both the engagement and marriage a secret before Plaza described Baena as her “darling husband” in a touching Instagram post in 2021.

Commenting on an Instagram post by the Baena’s pal Adam Pally, Brad wrote: “I am broken.”

Baena has left behind his wife, mum Barbra Stern, stepfather Roger Stern and stepmother Michele Baena.

He also has one brother in Brad and two step-siblings in Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.

Baena was born and raised in Miami before he headed to New York to attend film school at university.

He then started his journey as a filmmaker in Los Angeles where he became a writer.

In 2004 he co-wrote the hit film I Heart Huckabees and worked with Hollywood elites Jason Schwartzman, Jude Law and Naomi Watts.

A decade later, he found his big solo break with the zombie flick Life After Beth which starred his eventual wife Plaza as well as comedy star John C. Reilly.

The film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize before its A24 release.

Plaza publicly praised her then-boyfriend for helping her cut through the film and TV industry.

She told People: “I think that when you’re with someone that is in your field, they understand what you’re dealing with on a deeper level.

“So obviously you are able to support each other and really understand kind of the journey that we’re both on.”

Baena’s career saw him be nominated for several awards for his writing and directorial skills.

He bagged himself a second Grand Jury Prize nomination in 2016 for Joshy.

His The Little Hours project from a year later was also put up for the Audience Award at the 2017 Edinburgh International Film Festival.

The filmmaker also had a go at writing for TV with the Showtime series Cinema Toast which he created, wrote, directed and executive produced.

Man charged in Tupac Shakur killing files motion to dismiss the case

LAS VEGAS (AP) – An ex-gang leader is seeking to have all the charges against him dismissed in the 1990s killing of rap music icon Tupac Shakur.

Attorney Carl Arnold filed the motion on Monday in the District Court of Nevada to dismiss charges against Duane Davis in the 1996 shooting of Shakur. The motion alleges “egregious” constitutional violations because of a 27-year delay in prosecution. The motion also asserts a lack of corroborating evidence and failure to honor immunity agreements granted to Davis by federal and local authorities.

“The prosecution has failed to justify a decades-long delay that has irreversibly prejudiced my client,” Arnold said in a news release. “Moreover, the failure to honor immunity agreements undermines the criminal justice system´s integrity and seriously questions this prosecution.”

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the filing. He has said evidence against Davis is strong and it will be up to a jury to decide the credibility of Davis´ accounts of the shooting including those in a 2019 memoir.

Davis is originally from Compton, California. He was arrested in the case in September 2023 near Las Vegas. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and has sought to be released since shortly after his arrest.

Davis is accused of orchestrating and enabling the shooting that killed Shakur and wounded rap music mogul Marion “Suge” Knight after a brawl at a Las Vegas Strip casino involving Shakur and Davis´ nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson.

FILE – Rapper Tupac Shakur attends a voter registration event in South Central Los Angeles, Aug. 15, 1996. (AP Photo/Frank Wiese, File)

Authorities have said that the gunfire stemmed from competition between East Coast members of a Bloods gang sect and West Coast groups of a Crips sect, including Davis, for dominance in a genre known at the time as “gangsta rap.”

In interviews and a 2019 tell-all memoir that described his life as a leader of a Crips gang sect in Compton, Davis said he obtained a .40-caliber handgun and handed it to Anderson in the back seat of a car from which he and authorities say shots were fired at Shakur and Knight in another car at an intersection near the Las Vegas Strip. Davis didn´t identify Anderson as the shooter.

Shakur died a week later in a nearby hospital. He was 25. Knight survived and is serving a 28-year prison sentence in connection with the killing of a Compton man in 2015.

Anderson denied involvement in Shakur´s death and died in 1998 at age 23 in a shooting in Compton. The other two men in the car are also dead.

A Las Vegas police detective testified to a grand jury that police do not have the gun that was used to shoot at Shakur and Knight, nor did they find the vehicle from which shots were fired.

FILE – Duane “Keffe D” Davis arrives in Clark County District Court, Nov. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

FILE – Duane “Keffe D” Davis, left, who is accused of orchestrating the 1996 slaying of hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur, listens to his attorney Carl Arnold during a hearing at the Regional Justice Center, on July 23, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP, File)

Will Smith Won’t Star in Next ‘Matrix’ Movie, Despite Cryptic Teaser Post

Will Smith will not be joining Warner Bros. and director Drew Goddard in a new Matrix movie for the studio, insiders tell The Hollywood Reporter.

That leaves open a mystery Smith sparked on Monday with a cryptic Instagram post noting how Smith passed on the starring role of Neo in the original 1999 sci-fi epic The Matrix, directed by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski.

The Instagram post — featuring Matrix-style computer font — stated: “In 1997, the Wachowski’s offered Will Smith the role of Neo in The Matrix. Smith turned it down. He chose Wild Wild West, believing it was a better fit for him at the time. But the question remains: What would The Matrix have been like with Will Smith as Neo? Wake up, Will… The Matrix has you…”

The Matrix went on to be a generation-defining hit, while Barry Sonnenfeld’s Wild Wild West was beaten up by critics and flopped at the box office. Smith starred opposite Kevin Kline, and played a gun-blazing former Civil War hero, in a rare miss for the king of the 1990s box office.

It is unclear what, if anything, Smith’s post on Monday is teasing.

Goddard, the writer-director behind The Martian, The Cabin in the Woods and World War Z, was tapped to write and direct a new Matrix feature for Warner Bros. last year. This will be the first Matrix film not directed by a Wachowski sibling, though Lana Wachowski will act as an executive producer on the new project.

Released just over 25 years ago, The Matrix swept the imaginations of audiences with a mind-bending story, envelope-pushing special effects and a defining performance from Keanu Reeves. The movie, grossing $467 million worldwide at the time, became a pop culture touchstone. The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions were released back to back in 2003 to extend the film franchise, with The Matrix: Resurrections arriving in 2021.

Smith rose to fame as a rapper and star of the ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and became one of the world’s biggest movie stars, doing films such as Independence Day (1996) and Men in Black (1997). He landed a hit last year with co-star Martin Lawrence in Sony’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which aimed in part to jump-start Smith’s movie career after he faced a scandal after slapping Oscar host Chris Rock on live television in 2022.

Nikki Glaser gets Golden Globes, ‘Ozempic’s biggest night,’ underway. Zoe Saldana wins 1st award

Comedian Nikki Glaser kicked off what she called “Ozempic’s biggest night,” the 82nd Golden Globes, with a promise: “I’m not here to roast you.”

But Glaser, a stand-up whose breakthrough came in a withering roast of Tom Brady, made her way around the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, picking out plenty of targets in an opening monologue she had worked out extensively in comedy clubs beforehand.

Glaser, hosting the Globes two weeks before the inauguration of Donald Trump, reserved perhaps her most cutting line for the whole room of Hollywood stars.

“You could really do anything … except tell the country who to vote for,” said Glaser. “But it’s OK, you’ll get ’em next time … if there is one. I’m scared.”

She then turned toward “Wicked” star Ariana Grande with a request: “Ariana, hold my finger.”

Glaser complimented Timothée Chalamet, nominated for his performance as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” for having “the most gorgeous eye-lashes on your upper lip.”

While Glaser might not have reached Tina Fey and Amy Poehler levels of laughs, the monologue was mostly a winner, and a dramatic improvement over last year’s host, Jo Koy. Glaser assured the crowd that, win or lose, “the point of making art is to start a tequila brand so popular that you never have to make art again.”

The night’s first winner was Zoe Saldaña for best supporting actress. Saldaña won for her performance in Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Perez,” the trans musical that came in with a leading 10 nods, followed by Brady Corbet’s postwar epic “The Brutalist,” with seven, and Edward Berger’s papal thriller “Conclave,” with six. Among the top-nominated series were “The Bear,” “Shogun” and “Only Murders in the Building.”

After a rocky few years and the disbanding of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the Golden Globes have seemingly stabilized. The question heading into Sunday was: But can they still put on a good show?

Last year’s comeback edition, hosted by Koy, was widely panned, but it delivered where it counted: Ratings rebounded to about 10 million viewers, according to Nielsen. CBS, who waded in after NBC dumped the Globes, signed up for five more years.

The Globes are now owned by Todd Boehly’s Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions, which acquired the award show from the now defunct Hollywood Foreign Press Association. After diversity and ethics scandals, the HFPA sold off the Globes and dissolved. However, more than a dozen former HFPA members are seeking to have the sale to Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions rescinded.

Either way, the Globes’ primary reason for being, from studios’ perspectives, is to serve as one big marketing event for its awards contenders. It’s still almost two months until the Academy Awards on March 2.

But unlike last year, where “Oppenheimer” steamrolled and the billion-dollar-grossing “Barbie” juiced the race, this year’s top contenders are more arthouse, and no clear favorite has yet emerged.

The Globes are taking place about two weeks before the Trump’s inauguration. So far in Hollywood’s awards season, most nominees have tried to stay out of the political fray, with the major exception of “The Apprentice,” the young Trump drama starring Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong. Both actors were nominated by the Globes, with Stan picking up a second nod for his performance in “A Different Man.”

FDA Takes Bold Step to Bridge the Gap in Pulse Oximeter Accuracy for All Skin Tones

In a significant move to enhance patient care across all demographics, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just put forth new draft guidance aimed at improving the performance of pulse oximeters—which are crucial devices for estimating blood oxygen levels. This updated guidance is particularly noteworthy as it addresses long-standing concerns regarding the accuracy of these devices across different skin tones, a topic that has gained attention in recent years due to disparities noted in clinical settings.

Current research has illuminated troubling accuracy differences between pulse oximeters when used on individuals with varying skin pigmentation. This variance can lead to misdiagnoses or delayed medical interventions, especially in darker-skinned individuals. The FDA has acknowledged these limitations, previously informing both patients and healthcare providers of the risks associated with pulse oximetry—”Pulse oximeters have limitations and a risk of inaccuracy under certain circumstances.”

To combat this issue, the FDA’s draft recommendations urge manufacturers to gather more comprehensive clinical data, thereby refining the design and validation of pulse oximeters utilized in medical contexts. By implementing these changes, the FDA aims to ensure that patients of all skin tones receive equal accuracy in their health assessments. As Dr. Michelle Tarver—director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health—asserts, “Our draft recommendations are based on the best available science to help address concerns of disparate performance of pulse oximeters based on an individual’s skin pigmentation.”

These recommendations are not merely bureaucratic red tape; they are a call to action for manufacturers to step up their game. The FDA believes that many existing pulse oximeters on the market might meet the newly proposed performance criteria without necessitating drastic hardware or software changes. If a manufacturer is able to demonstrate comparable performance across skin tones with just updated labeling, the FDA intends to process their submissions swiftly—within 30 days—prompting faster access to reliable devices for the public.

It’s important to note that this guidance specifically targets pulse oximeters intended for medical purposes, primarily utilized in hospitals and doctors’ offices. These devices are used to monitor oxygen saturation levels, which are pivotal in making clinical decisions. In contrast, pulse oximeters marketed as general wellness tools or those aimed at sports and aviation purposes won’t fall under the FDA’s scrutiny, leaving consumers to navigate the marketplace on their own.

In a bid to bolster transparency, the FDA plans to create a publicly accessible webpage listing all FDA-cleared pulse oximeters demonstrating accurate performance across different skin tones. This move will empower healthcare providers and consumers alike, enabling them to identify appropriate tools for effective patient care.

The initiative stems from thorough discussions and data gathering. The FDA engaged multiple stakeholders—scientists, clinicians, and manufacturers—while also conducting two clinical studies to scrutinize pulse oximeter accuracy among diverse populations. These studies serve as a foundational element for the FDA’s updated guidance.

As the FDA gears up for the next steps, they are actively soliciting public comments on the draft guidance within the next 60 days. Post-review, the agency will consider these inputs before finalizing their recommendations.

This effort marks a pivotal stride towards equity in healthcare technology, particularly in a landscape where disparities can have dire consequences. By pressing for rigorous standards that ensure accurate health monitoring—no matter your skin tone—the FDA is signaling that health and wellness should be universally accessible. It’s a bold statement that reminds us: health equity isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity.

FDA Takes Bold Stance: Ensuring Pulse Oximeters Work for All Skin Tones!

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a bold step to rectify a pressing issue in healthcare — the reliability of pulse oximeters across diverse skin tones. These devices, which measure blood oxygen levels, have come under fire for their inconsistent performance, particularly for individuals with darker skin. This highlights a sobering truth in medicine: clinical outcomes shouldn’t be a game of chance influenced by one’s pigmentation. It’s about time we confront this inequity head-on.,Dr. Michelle Tarver, leading the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, has made it clear — “This draft guidance is aligned with the FDA’s broader commitment to helping facilitate the development of high-quality, safe, and effective medical devices.” With this initiative, the FDA isn’t merely pushing for accuracy; they are advocating for a healthcare system where every patient, no matter their background, receives equitable treatment.,The crux of the FDA’s strategy lies in proposing new guidelines that refine the study designs and validation procedures for pulse oximeters. The aim is straightforward: to eliminate performance discrepancies that have left so many patients vulnerable. During this process, the agency has undertaken a thorough analysis of extensive data sets, comprising laboratory testing and real-world performance metrics to ensure accuracy across the spectrum of skin tones. This rigorous evaluation underscores the FDA’s steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive healthcare environment.,Pulse oximeters are not just devices; they are critical tools that influence clinical decisions. Yet, the FDA acknowledges their limitations. These gadgets are useful, yes, but “pulse oximeters have limitations and a risk of inaccuracy under certain circumstances.” This statement sends a powerful message — reliance on technology must come with scrutiny, particularly in the medical field where lives hang in the balance.,In a shift that could streamline access to reliable medical devices, the FDA is poised to expedite the review process for existing pulse oximeters that can meet the new performance criteria without substantial changes. Imagine a rapid 30-day turnaround for decisions, granting healthcare providers swift access to safe, effective tools they can trust. It’s a win-win situation; manufacturers can adapt, and patients receive the quality care they deserve.,But here’s the kicker — this draft guidance does not extend to pulse oximeters marketed as general wellness products. So next time you see one in a convenience store, remember: “To date, a large number of pulse oximeters available over the counter or for sporting/aviation are considered general wellness products that have not been evaluated by the FDA for use in clinical decision-making.” This is a crucial reminder for consumers to exercise caution — when it comes to your health, don’t settle for unverified gadgets.,Transparency is also a cornerstone of this initiative. The FDA plans to establish a publicly accessible webpage listing all FDA-cleared pulse oximeters intended for medical use. This resource is designed to empower healthcare providers and everyday consumers alike, enabling informed decisions in an often confusing market landscape.,As the FDA opens the floor for public comments on their draft guidance, stakeholders are presented with an invaluable opportunity — to influence the final recommendations. For the next 60 days, these comments will be meticulously reviewed, further ensuring that the final guidance resonates with the diverse voices of the patient population that this initiative is meant to serve.,The bottom line? Ensuring equal access to reliable medical devices like pulse oximeters is not just a regulatory move — it’s a monumental leap toward a fairer healthcare system. With the FDA leading this charge, we are witnessing a pivotal juncture in medical history. This isn’t just a makeover for pulse oximeters; it’s a transformation that recognizes and celebrates the inherent diversity within our communities, prioritizing the well-being of every individual, irrespective of their skin tone.