‘I’m Still Here’ Takes Top Honor at Palm Springs International Film Festival

All the Hollywood Premieres and Events Canceled Due to L.A. Fires: AFI Awards, BAFTA Tea and More 4 days ago

The 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival has revealed this year’s juried award winners. PSIFF took place from Jan. 2-13, 2025, and screened 165 films from over 71 countries, including 68 premieres. The line-up includes 35 of the International Feature Film Oscar Submissions along with Talking Pictures, New Voices New Visions, Modern Masters, Queer Cinema, True Stories, World Cinema Now and more.

Previously announced winners include the Desert Views Award, Young Cineastes Award and Bridging the Borders Award. The Audience Awards for Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature will be announced on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 12.

The FIPRESCI jury members were Canadian film critic Brian D. Johnson, Brazilian film critic Marcelo Janot and Italian film critic and Paola Caseslla. This special jury reviewed 35 of the official submissions for the Academy Awards International Feature Film category that were selected to screen at this year’s festival.

See the full winners list below.

FIPRESCI Prize for Best International Feature Film: “I’m Still Here” (Brazil), Director Walter Salles

Jury Statement: “‘To I’m Still Here,’ for conveying the horror of encroaching dictatorship from the intimate perspective of a mother defending not just her family of five, but her dignity. Evoking the severity of the violence without resorting to melodrama, director Walter Salles captures a critical moment of history in scrupulous and compelling detail.”

FIPRESCI Prize for Best International Screenplay: “Vermiglio” (Italy), Director Maura Delpero

Jury Statement: “To writer-director Maura Delpero, for subverting the conventions of a wartime drama within the framework of an elegant period piece — and letting the story unfold through the eyes of complicated female characters.”

FIPRESCI Prize for the Best Actress in an International Feature Film: Zoe Saldaña – “Emilia Pérez” (France), Director Jacques Audiard

Jury Statement: “To Zoe Saldaña, for the ferocity and complexity of her performance in ‘Emilia Pérez,’ which shows a virtuosic range of expression, from song and dance to her potent interpretation of a morally shaded character. Although her character plays a supporting role, she drives the narrative with the power of a protagonist.”

FIPRESCI Prize for Best Actor in an International Feature Film: Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Provái – “Kneecap” (Ireland), Director Rich Peppiatt

Jury Statement: “To Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Provái, for their seamless performance as an ensemble of musicians who make their acting debut in ‘Kneecap.’ Proving equally authentic and explosive in both capacities, they bring a fresh and propulsive energy to the whole notion of cultural identity.”

Best Documentary Award Special Mention: “Blue Road – The Edna O’Brien Story” (Ireland/United Kingdom), Director Sinéad O’Shea

Best Documentary Award: “No Other Land” (Palestine), Directors Yuval Abraham, Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Rachel Szor

The Documentary Award is presented to the director for the most compelling non-fiction filmmaking from among those selected to screen at the festival. The films were juried by Dale Cohen (UCLA Documentary Film Legal Clinic), Matthew Carey (Deadline), and Tishon Pugh (New Orleans Film Society).

Jury Statement: “For its compelling immersion into the lives of Palestinian villagers in the West Bank who face the constant threat of expulsion from their homes by the Israel Defense Forces and attacks by Israeli settlers, we award the Best Documentary Award to ‘No Other Land.’ This film foregrounds the bond between two filmmakers – one Palestinian, the other Israeli – without sentimentalizing the relationship, but emphasizing the different rules that apply to Israelis who live under civil law and Palestinians governed by Israeli military justice. We complement festival programmers on an extraordinary selection of documentaries in competition and award a Special Mention to ‘Blue Road – The Edna O’Brien Story,’ which reveals the creative genius and exceptional life force of the great Irish writer.”

New Voices New Visions Special Mention: “Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight” (South Africa), Director Embeth Davidtz

New Voices New Visions Award: “The New Year That Never Came” (Romania), Director Bogdan Mureșanu

The New Voices New Visions Award focuses on films that the festival programming team felt represent the most distinctive new directors who have emerged in the last year. The films were juried by Beth Barett (Seattle International Film Festival), Gil Robertson (African American Film Critics Association), and Justine Barda (Telescope Film).

Jury Statement: “The director of our winning film lives up to the promise he showed in 2019 when his short ‘The Christmas Gift’ won ShortFests’ Best of the Festival Award. We appreciated the way that he incorporates a myriad of storylines, bringing them to a triumphant conclusion set to Ravel’s Bolero. We especially admired his use of dark comedy to explore the impact on individual citizens of the Ceausescu dictatorship and its fall. We’d also like to give a Special Mention to Lexi Ventor for her stunning portrayal of Bobo in ‘Don’t Let’s Go the Dogs Tonight.’ Her presence and emotional intelligence offer a child’s eye view of the experience Zimbabwe faced as it entered its period of decolonization.”

Ibero-American Special Mention: “Manas” (Brazil/Portugal), Director Marianna Brennand

Ibero-American Award: “Sujo” (Mexico), Director Astrid Rondero, Fernanda Valadez

The Ibero-American Award is presented to the best film from Latin America, Spain or Portugal selected to screen at the festival. The award aims to highlight the creativity seen in modern Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American films. The films were judged by Anna Marie De La Fuente (Variety), Chloë Roddick (Morelia International Film Festival), and Danny Hastings (Official Latino Film Festival).

Jury Statement: “We have unanimously selected ‘Sujo’ for its elegant, nuanced portrayal of a young boy struggling to escape overwhelming violence and poverty in a small Mexican town. The film is meticulously paced and darkly poetic, offering its protagonist an unusually optimistic and humane ending to his story. Featuring outstanding performances from its young cast and beautiful, ethereal cinematography, ‘Sujo’ cements filmmaker duo Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez’s rising-star status in the contemporary Mexican cinema scene.”

Desert Views Special Mention: “Desert Angel” (United States), Director Vincent DeLuca

Desert Views Award Winner: “Checkpoint Zoo” (United States/Ukraine), Director Joshua Zeman

Awarded by the Desert Views Jury made up of locals to a film that, in the spirit of neighborliness, promotes understanding and acceptance among people. The films were judged by Jose Macias (Desert Hot Springs), Margaret Quirante (Morongo Valley), Matt Ramirez (Cathedral City), Tanisha L. Alston (Palm Desert), and Sohelia Crane (Palm Desert).

Jury Statement: “The 2025 Desert Views Jury is proud to present the Desert Views Award to ‘Checkpoint Zoo.’ This film embodies the spirit of community through a small group of local Ukrainians that captured the hearts of a global audience through social media posts in the early chaotic days of the Russian invasion. Against all odds and great personal sacrifice, an unlikely group of volunteers united their community and inspired hope globally in an effort to rescue animals.”

Young Cineastes Special Mention: “Superboys of Malegaon” (India/United States), Director Reema Kagti

Young Cineastes Award Winner: “Tatami” (Georgia/Israel/Iran), Directors Zar Amir Ebrahimi and Guy Nattiv

The Young Cineastes jury is composed of high school students with a passion for cinema. The films were judged by Joseph Manjarrez (Palm Springs High School), Lyla Valentine (Palm Desert High School), and Stephanie Lopez (Palm Springs High School).

Jury Statement: “The 2025 Young Cineastes Jury is proud to present the Young Cineastes Award to ‘Tatami.’ We selected this film because it is a ‘non-fiction’ fictional story packed with unique visuals, that brings foreign political awareness to its viewers. The film tells a story of resilience where every decision impacts individuals’ lives.”

Bridging the Borders Special Mention: “Happy Holidays” (Palestine/Germany/France/Italy/Qatar), Director Scandar Copti

Bridging the Borders Award: “Souleymane’s Story” (France), Director Boris Lojkine

At a time when physical, religious, racial, cultural, and economic borders divide the population of our planet, efforts to bridge those borders should be appreciated. In that spirit, Cinema Without Borders presents the Bridging the Borders Award sponsored by 360 MEDIA to a film that is most successful in bridging and connecting the people of our world closer together. The winner of the 2025 Bridging the Borders Award presented by Cinema Without Borders and sponsored by 360 Media will receive a cash award of $2000. The films were judged by Abbas Yari, Ali Murat Erkorkmaz, Bijan Tehrani, Granaz Moussavi, Keely Badger, Marcy Garriott, Michael Franck, Matt Ferro, Susan Morgan Cooper, and Vladek Juszkiewicz.

Palm Springs ShortFest is scheduled to return June 24-30, 2025.

‘Landman’ Finale: Billy Bob Thornton on That Jerry Jones Cameo and Why Tommy’s New Reality After That Violent Ending Goes ‘Against His Nature’

SPOILER ALERT: This post contains spoilers from “The Crumbs of Hope,” the Season 1 finale of “Landman,” now streaming on Paramount+

If the beginning and end of Season 1 of Paramount+’s “Landman” is any indication, co-creator and writer Taylor Sheridan may have it out for star Billy Bob Thornton.

“I think Taylor is trying to kill me,” Thornton tells Variety. “He had me beat up at the beginning and beat up at the end. At least he let me throw a few punches myself there in the middle.”

He’s joking, of course. There is no “Landman” without Tommy Norris, Thornton’s no-nonsense land rights agent and operations manager for the M-Tex oil company. But that doesn’t mean Sheridan, who wrote all 10 episodes of Season 1, didn’t put his hero through the wringer.

In the finale, Norris is informed that his boss and close friend Monty (Jon Hamm) is not likely to recover from his massive heart attack in last week’s episode, and among his final wishes is for Tommy to be promoted to president of M-Tex and be the executor of his estate, the second of which he immediately vows to fulfill alongside Monty’s wife, Cami (Demi Moore). The monumental shift in Tommy’s world is sidelined, however, when he is kidnapped minutes later by Jimenez (Alex Meraz), the local drug cartel leader who has been threatening M-Tex’s drilling sites all season. Of course, this is an unsurprising turn of events, considering that Tommy brought in the military to “execute training drills on the oil fields,” a.k.a. scare off the cartel’s drug trades. Unfortunately, one of those drills inadvertently bombed one of those said trades, and killed some of Jimenez’s men.

Tortured within a few inches of his life with hammers, nails and gasoline in the backroom of a club, Tommy’s fate is looking grim when Jimenez and his men are executed by their boss, Galino, played by Andy Garcia. The tense scene, during which Galino all but demands a resistant Tommy be his partner rather than his adversary, is the first time Thornton says he has ever shared the screen with his long-time friend, Garcia.

“Andy is such a great guy and great actor, and when we did those scenes at the end of the last episode, it felt so good, because we kind of had us two old veterans going head to head,” Thornton says. “It was quite an experience, and I have to say every moment of it felt real. Tommy’s dealing with someone now who is really smart. The other guys were hired to work for him, but now Tommy’s talking to the man himself. There are advantages and disadvantages to that. Since he is so smart, who knows what Tommy is going to get tricked into?”

In the season’s final moments, Tommy is sent home with at least one new nail wound in his leg — and a much bigger problem on his hands. Series co-creator Christian Wallace, who was behind the podcast “Boomtown” on which the show is based, calls this new partnership “a blessing and a curse” for Tommy moving forward. (Paramount+ hasn’t officially ordered a second season.)

“The cartel and the oil industry are kind of these odd neighbors living side by side in West Texas,” Wallace says. “Now Andy’s character is thinking he is going to make a change and utilize that proximity in a way that could benefit him.”

Thornton sums the threat up succinctly: “What’s the saying? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Tommy figures if he semi-befriends this guy, maybe they can actually work this out, because it is going to happen one way or another.”

While Garcia’s appearance gave the finale some surprise starpower, the series is still making headlines for last week’s unexpected cameo from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who delivered a lengthy monologue at Monty’s hospital bedside that has since gone viral. Wallace confirms the scene was unscripted, and happened because of Sheridan’s long-standing friendship with Jones.

“Taylor just kind of said, ‘We are going to let Jerry Jones do his thing and tell this incredible story from his own life,’” Wallace says. “And I think everyone on set that day was floored by how genuine and vulnerable he was when he delivered it. It was a pretty powerful moment.”

Thornton had a front-row seat to Jones’ one-and-done monologue, as Tommy enters the scene and simply sits to the side while Jones tells of his own intertwined history of family, football and oil.

“Jerry Jones is an Arkansan like me originally, and we had never met,” he says. “I only met him that morning, and we just went right into it. Essentially, he was telling his own life story, and so it was completely natural. And it was pretty heavy being in the room listening to that. It made you feel like you weren’t in a scene in a [TV show.] It made you feel like you were just sitting there listening to a guy tell his story.”

While Jones’ speech was inspiring, it came too late for Hamm’s Monty, whose intubated body Cami and their daughters are seen crying over in the final moments of the season finale. “It is safe to say that Monty has passed,” Wallace says. “But when you take one major player off the board, it opens up opportunities for other players — and I think that’s all I’m at liberty to say at this point.”

Killing off Hamm’s character isn’t just strategic for the ascension of Tommy, but also maybe for Cami. High off her Golden Globes win for “The Substance,” and a current frontrunner to be nominated for an Oscar, Wallace says they are thrilled to have Moore in the cast and plan to keep her around should the show continue. “There is a lot more story left to tell with Cami,” he says. “Taylor has big plans, that’s all I’m going to say.”

Anyone worried that Tommy’s promotion might mean less time in the oil fields and more time in boardrooms can holster such concerns though — at least if Thornton has anything to say about it. While he doesn’t know what Sheridan and Wallace might cook up for a second season, he expects Tommy will seize the reins of M-Tex on his own terms.

“Tommy would much rather be out there doing what he’s been doing, but unfortunately, under these circumstances, it’s the right thing to do,” Thornton says. “Tommy knows he can be helpful. But he also certainly never wanted to be some type of executive person — it’s against his nature. So I don’t think that Tommy is going to stop being a landman. I don’t know this for a fact, but I know the character — and I know I sure wouldn’t stop.”

Lily Allen checks into trauma clinic after collapse of her marriage

Lily Allen has checked into an £8,000-a-week trauma treatment centre after telling friends she was close to a nervous breakdown after the collapse of her marriage.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the singer’s mental health deteriorated significantly after she returned from holiday to her marital home in New York last week – having split from her husband, the Stranger Things actor David Harbour, in December after discovering he was using the celebrity dating app Raya.

While she was at their Brooklyn townhouse, I am told that Lily felt ‘triggered’ by the thought of him being elsewhere in the city with another woman.

A source said: ‘It was very painful for Lily to return home. David used to be her saviour and now he’s a trigger for her. Lily settled her kids back into the family home and took them to school for their new term, then flew herself straight to rehab. She went a day earlier than intended as she felt wobbly and desperate to escape.’

She will spend several weeks at the residential retreat in the US where she is expected to take part in intensive group counselling sessions and one-on-one therapy in which she will be urged to ‘unpack’ her emotions.

Cocooned from the outside world – having surrendered her mobile phone – she will also be encouraged to eat healthily and take walks in the countryside.

The latest chapter in the star’s often troubled life has caused her close-knit friends dismay but, as one told me, they hope that she ‘is now on the road to recovery’.

The Mail On Sunday can reveal Lily Allen’s (pictured on February 27) mental wellbeing has significantly deteriorated after returning to her marital home following her split

Her husband David Harbour was seen strolling the street of New York with his close friend and Black Widow co-star Scarlett Johansson (pictured)

His stepchildren expected to see him on a safari in Kenya – however he was instead with another woman at a temple in Rishikesh in India

What makes this painful episode particularly upsetting, they say, is that 39-year-old Lily had pegged her hopes of a better life on her husband – who plays heroic police chief Jim Hopper in Netflix’s Stranger Things – following past drink and drugs issues.

Another source said: ‘She wants to make sure she’s feeling physically well again so she can be there for her daughters as the best mother she can be.

‘Everyone thinks David is the steady one and Lily is the crazy head-case. But the reality is that Lily was calmer and more grounded than she’s ever been – until she discovered that her marriage was unexpectedly over. She is taking the responsible course of action with a trip to a retreat to get her head straight.’

Though they didn’t meet in person, the couple were in touch briefly last week to arrange for David to look after his stepdaughters Ethel, 11, and Marnie, 13, in their mother’s absence. He is close to the girls, who are said to dote on him and know little of what has happened.

They were expecting their stepfather to join them for their Christmas safari in Kenya. But, as this newspaper revealed, he was instead seen with another woman at a temple in Rishikesh in India, in the foothills of the Himalayas, having reactivated his dating profile on Raya around a month earlier. When the actor landed back in the US this week, the mystery woman – thought to be in her twenties – was nowhere to be seen.

But after his wife left town, he was seen walking in the city with Scarlett Johansson. The pair have been close friends since they appeared together in the 2021 film Black Widow. He was also pictured puffing on a cigar.

A source told me: ‘While David was strolling around New York smoking cigars and looking carefree, you can only imagine how Lily was feeling. Her heartbreak was made worse by being near to him in Brooklyn.’

Earlier this month, I revealed Lily turned amateur sleuth after suspecting her husband of cheating. She joined the Raya app herself and was left in ‘agony’ when she discovered her husband had already set up a profile, listed as having been active for at least a month.

Lily Allen has heartbreaking previously admitted she can’t concentrate on anything apart from the overwhelming pain she is feeling amid her split from David Harbour

Rumors have swirled for months that the pair’s five-year romance was on the rocks, but a friend of the Smile hitmaker previously confirmed that they officially ‘separated’

Lily Allen has taken her daughters on holiday amid her split from her husband David Harbour

Since then, she told listeners of her BBC podcast, ‘I’ve been spiralling and spiralling, and it’s got out of control.’

In the same episode, she said she had a panic attack over Christmas and admitted fleeing a London stage play she was watching during the interval because she was unable to ‘concentrate on anything except the pain I’m going through’.

Read MoreEXCLUSIVE Lily Allen can’t focus on anything apart from ‘pain’ she’s in after confirming David Harbour split

The couple first got together after the release of Lily’s shocking 2018 tell-all memoir, which detailed her drug and alcohol use, her encounters with female sex workers during a music tour and the collapse of her marriage to builder Sam Cooper, the father of her two daughters.

After she discovered Sam had quickly moved on with a younger girlfriend – India Windsor-Clive, daughter of the Earl of Plymouth, to whom he is now married – she was said to be determined to find love again.

Turning her life around, she conquered her addictions and then met Harbour, a fellow member of Alcoholics Anonymous, via Raya. Following a whirlwind romance he moved into her West London flat during the 2020 lockdown.

She has since admitted that it was during this time she had sex sober for the first time.

By the time they got married in Las Vegas in September 2020, Lily seemed healthy and, say friends, as happy as she has ever been.

The low-key wedding, with just her two daughters as witnesses, was followed by a reception at an In-N-Out burger joint. Though the ceremony was officiated by an Elvis impersonator, Lily declared herself serious about marriage – and told friends she had every intention of staying married to David for the rest of her life.

David and Lily on their wedding day in 2020 which was followed by a reception at an In-N-Out burger join

Pictured the singer’s wedding band and engagement ring from her marriage to David Harbour

Lily turned Wagatha Christie to find out if her husband David was looking for other women amid split rumours

Her reactivated Raya account came to light just days after her admission on her podcast that she is ‘ not in a great place mentally’ and ‘bored of men’

After moving to New York she settled into blissful mundanity – a joyful novelty after years of globe-trotting as a ‘ladette’ pop star. Relishing the relative anonymity of living in America, where she is much less famous than her 49-year-old husband, she became a stay-at-home mum. Weekends were spent cooking extravagant Sunday roasts for the family. At the school gates, other mothers saw her simply as the real-life wife of TV’s Jim Hopper. Outwardly, at least, all seemed pretty much perfect.

In the past few months, however, listeners of Lily’s chart-topping podcast Miss Me? began to suspect that all was not quite as it seemed in their marriage. While she has never specifically talked about the cracks in their relationship, she has dropped some subtle hints.

Read More Lily Allen takes her daughters Ethel, 13, and Marnie, 11, on safari amid split from David Harbour

As an avid listener myself, I began picking up clues. In July, Lily confessed that David made unusual ‘kinky sex’ requests in the bedroom, which she rejected.

Speaking with her co-host and best friend Miquita Oliver, she said: ‘I wonder if I kink-shame my husband. Because he quite often asks for things, and I’m like, “No, babe, it’s not happening.” ‘

Her husband made a cameo appearance in another episode that month. Initially gushing about his wife, he later divulged that she could be too needy, which gave him the ‘ick’. A few months later, Lily repeatedly mentioned feeling gloomy, but did not elaborate.

In October she stopped wearing her wedding ring and a month later I noticed it had been some weeks since she had mentioned her husband. Normally his name cropped up frequently. Things became clearer when she admitted last month: ‘I’m having a bit of a rough time of it at the moment. But I’m trying to soldier on.’

She had previously told how her daughters had found themselves in the firing line of her emotional state. ‘I exploded and screamed at the kids. I was like, “I can’t handle this at the moment; I’m going through so much, I need you two to behave yourselves”.’

The British singer, 39, bared her soul during a Miss Me? podcast episode, which she hosts with friend Miquita Oliver, as she confirmed their separation (pictured with David in 2020)

Another clue to the cause of her turmoil came when Lily announced: ‘I’m so bored of men.’

At the same time a source told The Mail on Sunday that Lily was ‘struggling’ with life.

Now she has gone so far as to confess, ‘when life is tough… having to hold things together is really, really hard. We’re going to get through it and be fine’.

A source said: ‘Lily hasn’t relapsed with drugs and alcohol through this ordeal, thankfully. But she is going to spend the few weeks having a lot of therapy, which she badly needs. After a wonderful holiday with her kids in Kenya, albeit without David, she came back to London to spend time with old friends and family.

‘After that she flew to New York and it was then that she felt, frankly, on the edge of a nervous breakdown. She feels insecure, believing David may have a girl with him in New York.

‘People tend to think of him as TV’s Mr Nice Guy, a great dad and a real-life version of the good cop from Stranger Things. But in reality the way their break-up came about was not honourable or kind and has left her totally shaken up.’

David has had a well-documented battle with alcoholism and bipolar disorder in the past and was, by his own admission, a ‘terrible human being’ before getting clean 25 years ago.

The source added: ‘Lily has always been there for David, holding his hand through professional or personal ups and downs. That’s what marriage means to her.’

‘Den of Thieves 2’ opens at No. 1 as ‘Better Man’ flops

NEW YORK (AP) — On a quiet weekend in movie theaters, while much of Hollywood’s attention was on the wildfires that continue to rage in Los Angeles, Lionsgate’s “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” debuted atop the box office with $15.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Mid-January is often a slow moviegoing period, and that was slightly exacerbated by the closures of about 10 theaters in Los Angeles, the country’s top box-office market.

A sequel to the Gerard Butler 2018 heist thriller, “Den of Thieves 2” performed similarly to the original. The first installment, released by STX, opened with $15.2 million seven years ago. O’Shea Jackson Jr. co-stars in the sequel, which debuted in 3,008 North American theaters.

Butler’s films are becoming something of a regular feature in January. He also starred in “Plane,” which managed $32.1 million after launching on Jan. 13 in 2023.

“Den of Thieves 2,” made for about $40 million, was a bit more costly to make. Audiences liked it well enough, giving it a “B+” CinemaScore. Reviews (58% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) weren’t particularly good. But it counted as Lionsgate’s first No.1 opening since “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” in November 2023.

Also entering wide release over the weekend was the Robbie Williams movie “Better Man,” one of the more audacious spins on the music biopic in recent years. Rather than going the more tradition routes of Elton John (“Rocketman”) or Elvis Presley (“Elvis”), the British popstar is portrayed by a CGI chimpanzee in Michael Gracey’s film.

The Paramount Pictures release, produced for $110 million and acquired by Paramount for $25 million, didn’t catch on much better than Williams’ previous forays into the United States. It tanked, with $1.1 million in ticket sales from 1,291 locations. Gracey’s previous feature, 2017’s “The Greatest Showman” ($459 million worldwide), fared far better in theaters. Reviews, however, have been very good for “Better Man.”

It was bested by “The Last Showgirl,” the Las Vegas drama starring Pamela Anderson. The Roadside Attractions release expanded to 870 theaters and collected $1.5 million.

Also outdoing “Better Man” was Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist.” Coming off winning best drama at the Golden Globes, the A24 postwar epic grossed a hefty $1.4 million from just 68 locations. It expands wider in the coming weeks.

The weekend’s lion share of business went to holiday holdovers, including “Mufasa: The Lion King,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” “Nosferatu” and “Moana 2.”

In its fourth week of release, Barry Jenkins “Mufasa” continued to do well, adding $13.2 million to bring its total to $539.7 million worldwide. Also on its fourth weekend, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” padded its $384.8 million global total with $11 million. Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu,” the surprise hit of the Christmas period, collected $6.8 million in ticket sales, bringing the vampire tale to $81.1 million domestically.

The Walt Disney Co.’s “Moana 2,” in its seventh week of release, added $6.5 million to bring its global tally to $989.8 million. In the coming days, it will become the third Disney film released in 2024 to notch $1 billion, joining “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool and Wolverine.”

Final domestic figures will be released Monday. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

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Djimon Hounsou says he’s ‘still struggling to make a living’ despite 2 Oscar noms

Despite roles in such acclaimed films as Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, Steven Spielberg’s Amistad, and Edward Zwick’s Blood Diamond — the latter two having earned him Academy Award nominations — Hounsou says he isn’t compensated fairly for his work.

“I’m still struggling to make a living,” the actor admitted during an interview for CNN’s African Voices Changemakers. “I’ve been in this business making films now for over two decades with two Oscar nominations, been in many blockbuster films, and yet I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid.”

The actor has embraced franchise and big-budget opportunities in recent years, appearing in movies like Guardians of the Galaxy, Furious 7, Disney’s live action The Legend of Tarzan, Captain Marvel, Shazam, A Quiet Place Part II, and Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon.

Hounsou first broke out with a leading role in Spielberg’s 1997 historical drama, Amistad, and though his performance was critically acclaimed, he was overlooked when it came time for Oscar nominations — though his costar Anthony Hopkins was not.

“I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars, talking about the fact that they thought that I had just came off the boat and off the streets,” Hounsou recalled in the CNN interview. “Even though I successfully did that [film], they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect. This conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go.”

When the interviewer voiced surprise that Hounsou is still underpaid despite his accolades and stature in the industry, the actor replied, “That’s a sign for you that systemic racism is not something you can deal with lightly. It’s so deeply inserted in everything that we do, across the board.”

This is not the first time Hounsou has addressed the issue of pay equity for people of color in Hollywood. While promoting his role in the blockbuster DC film Shazam! Fury of the Gods, he told The Guardian that he feels “cheated” by the inequalities he’s experienced throughout his career.

“I’ve come up in the business with some people who are absolutely well off and have very little of my accolades,” Hounsou told the outlet. “So I feel cheated, tremendously cheated, in terms of finances and in terms of the workload as well. I still have to prove why I need to get paid. They always come at me with a complete low ball: ‘We only have this much for the role, but we love you so much and we really think you can bring so much.’”

He added that fellow actor Viola Davis described the issue “beautifully,” explaining, “She’s won an Oscar, she’s won an Emmy, she’s won a Tony, and she still can’t get paid. Film after film, it’s a struggle. I have yet to meet the film that paid me fairly.”

Davis famously commented on the issue during a panel at a 2018 Women of the World event, where she noted, “I have a career that’s probably comparable to Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Sigourney Weaver…. People say, ‘You’re a Black Meryl Streep. There is no one like you.’ Okay, then if there’s no one like me, you think I’m that, you pay me what I’m worth. You give me what I’m worth.”

Hounsou, who grew up in Benin and France before moving to the U.S. at 23 to pursue acting, explained that his work on Amistad inspired the creation of his Djimon Hounsou Foundation, which seeks to “champion a visceral connection between the countries of the African diaspora and the motherland and to heal the wounds that slavery left behind,” per its website.

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“My acting work really opened my eyes,” Hounsou shared, citing his role in the Spielberg film. “As I was doing research for [Amistad], I became profoundly aware of the disconnect between Afro-descendants from their roots and culture. Because when you don’t know where you came from, you don’t know who you are.”

He continued, “I had this compelling need to do something for my people for my continent, and that was really what compelled me to start my [foundation] so many years later.”

Harry Kane’s Penalty Magic Keeps Bayern on Top While EastEnders’ Roxy Mitchell Finds Her Happy Ever After

MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany, Jan 11 (Reuters) — In a display of precision mingled with drama, Bundesliga’s leading marksman Harry Kane once again proved his worth. The England captain, with the flick of a boot and the steely gaze of a man destined for greatness, netted a decisive penalty that pushed Bayern Munich to a 1-0 triumph over Borussia Moenchengladbach. This victory, however understated, keeps Bayern firmly perched at the top of the league, maintaining a four-point cushion over their nearest rival, Bayer Leverkusen.

With the winter chill lingering in Moenchengladbach’s air, Bayern swiftly seized control, dominating possession to the tune of 70% in the first half. Yet, despite their dominance, converting possession into points proved elusive. Thomas Mueller and Leon Goretzka came tantalizingly close, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, yearning for that crucial breakthrough.

Timing is everything in sports — and Kane’s timing was impeccable. In the 68th minute, as tension reached a crescendo, the opportune moment arrived. Kane confidently approached the penalty spot following a foul on Michael Olise, sending Gladbach’s keeper Moritz Nicolas the wrong way, and bagged his 15th league goal of the season. The crowd erupted as Bayern’s hopes soared.

Gladbach, resolute in their defensive strategy, seemed almost content to absorb Bayern’s relentless pressure. Their ambitions shifted dramatically in the second half when Tim Kleindienst’s header narrowly missed its mark. The near-miss was a fleeting moment of hope in a match predominantly dictated by the Bavarians.

Manuel Neuer, marking his return after a month-long absence due to injury, found the night more of a spectator affair, as Gladbach’s efforts towards goal were virtually nonexistent. Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany’s hope for a late equalizer was dashed as neither Alphonso Davies nor Serge Gnabry could capitalize on their chances.

As the final whistle rang across the stadium, Gladbach settled into the reality of their plight — slipping to 10th place and marking their first home game this season without a goal.

In another corner of the world, away from the thunderous roars of Bundesliga, a different kind of celebration was brewing. EastEnders’ Roxy Mitchell, portrayed by Rita Simons, was on the cusp of new beginnings. Following a sweet private gesture, Simons is set to tie the knot to long-time partner Ben Harlow. The couple, who’ve been smitten ever since their stage days in “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” are ready to embark on this new chapter.

A friend of the couple revealed, “Rita and Ben have been together for a while now and they’re blissfully happy. Getting engaged is the natural step for them to take.”

Simons’ journey, from her celebrated role in EastEnders to her soulful performances in reality shows, paints a picture of resilience and rediscovery. Once married to Theo Silveston, with whom she shares twin daughters, Rita now finds happiness anew post-separation.

The anticipation builds, akin to the tension of a match-winning penalty. Simons, with her unmistakable aura, is said to be timing the announcement of her engagement “just right.” As love stories go, hers resonates, not just for its romantic undertones but for the emblematic bouts of triumph that often follow tribulations.

From the fields of soccer to the realms of showbiz, stories of precision, timing, and new beginnings unfold, each waiting for that pivotal moment to shine.

Love, Loyalty, and Lattes: Tom and Zendaya’s Delightful Dance with Noon and the Digital Dilemmas of Modern Romance

Amid the glitzy backdrop of Hollywood romances and red-carpet engagements, Tom Holland and Zendaya have captured the imaginations of fans worldwide, celebrating not just their love for one another but also their shared affection for a certain four-legged friend—Noon, the Miniature Schnauzer. This heartwarming tale of companionship and celebrity life unfolds against the backdrop of Holland’s recent venture, the launch of his non-alcoholic drink brand, Bero, at Target.

In a playful Instagram video that has since captivated audiences, Holland, with his brother Harry by his side, delves into a lighthearted game. The brothers assign characteristics of their siblings to each of Bero’s beverages, arriving humorously at the Noon Wheat. As Holland describes it, this particular brew is “really fruity” and “super tasty,” all while being named in tribute to Noon—a subtle nod to Zendaya’s cherished pet. The affection for the pooch doesn’t stop there. Zendaya has previously shared her own musings, declaring Noon as her “kid” and “forever puppy” but admitting, with an endearing touch of jealousy, that the dog seems to adore Holland above all.

This furry fascination isn’t the sole focus of Holland’s—and Zendaya’s—adorations. The couple, who recently became engaged during the festive season, have intertwined their lives in ways beyond just shared pet love. A sizable diamond ring on Zendaya’s finger at the 2025 Golden Globes hinted at the romantic turn in their story—one that Holland had reportedly been eager to pursue “for a while.” A source familiar with the couple remarked, “He’s always been crazy about her. He always knew she was the one.”

But this isn’t just a tale of young love rushing into matrimonial plans. In a world that often sees celebrity relationships hurtling toward quick engagements and flashbulb marriages, Holland and Zendaya are taking a decidedly different approach. Engraved in their relationship is a sense of deliberate pacing—evident as they mark their commitment with matching tattoos: a bespoke “z” on Holland and a “t” on Zendaya. Far from being content with grand gestures alone, they savor the quiet joy of this chapter, unhurried by the pressures of the limelight.

Meanwhile, in a realm seemingly divorced from celebrity engagements, questions of privacy and technology loom large. Is your air fryer innocuously preparing your tofu, or perhaps clandestinely listening in on your household chatter? A recent debate—sparked by tech journalist Kim Komando’s discussion—explores this unnerving notion as it pertains to smart appliances, specifically those hailing from certain Chinese manufacturers. Reports from consumer watchdogs like Which? reveal these devices, once synced with users’ phones, could potentially access microphones and transmit recordings, flags that raise concerns about user data security.

While the explosive claim of air fryers as covert spies might verge on hyperbole, the underlying issue of data privacy is palpable. The Which? report, though not labeling these activities as espionage, sheds light on the extensive data permissions required by apps for these fryers, sparking a dialogue about digital surveillance. With the concerns orbiting major brands like Xiaomi and Aigostar, who reportedly dispatch data to China, the discourse underscores a need for consumers to scrutinize app permissions vigilantly.

The paradox of our modern era—the intimate versus the invasive—plays out vividly in these narratives. Holland and Zendaya signify a personal, tender story unrolling in the public eye, while the specter of privacy breaches through everyday devices serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of our connected lives. Their juxtaposition presents a duality that mirrors the textured fabric of contemporary existence—where love blossoms amidst digital trepidations, each rippling through the tapestry of modern culture.

Felipe Bunes’ Grappling Masterclass: From Underdog to Octagon Maestro at UFC Vegas 101

In the pulsating realm of mixed martial arts, where the canvas of the octagon serves as both a battlefield and a stage, Felipe Bunes etched his name with precision and flair at UFC Vegas 101. Against a towering and presumably formidable opponent, Bunes demonstrated a masterclass in grappling—a trait deeply embedded in Brazilian fighting culture.

The storyline was set from the get-go. Jose Johnson, standing at an imposing six feet in the flyweight division, came out with every intention to dominate. His strategy? Overwhelm Bunes early, perhaps exploiting his reach and height advantage. But, as the saying goes, ‘the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.’ Bunes, unperturbed by Johnson’s size, decided to launch the first tactical move—a takedown attempt that was promptly countered by Johnson, who found himself in an advantageous top position.

What followed was like watching a chess master in a blitz match—intense, calculated, and thrilling. Bunes, from his back, sought an armbar, a maneuver that Johnson, through sheer will or skill, initially evaded. Yet, anyone familiar with Brazilian jiu-jitsu knows that a true practitioner never truly gives up on a move, but rather transitions, adapts, and repositions. And that’s precisely what Bunes did.

The scramble that ensued was a testament to Bunes’ tenacity and expertise. In a swift re-engagement, Bunes latched his submission specialist skills onto Johnson once more. Before the crowd could fully grasp the elegance of the technique, Johnson was compelled to tap out—a stark reminder of the armbar’s potency and Bunes’ grappling dominance.

Official time of stoppage? 2:04 into Round 1. A pristine execution that not only turned heads but also sent a clear message to the division: underestimate “Felipinho” at your peril.

Bunes’ victory was a stark contrast to his previous outing, where he was halted by Joshua Van in the second round. This triumphant display was capped off with a callout to UFC veteran Tim Elliott—an audacious move, but one befitting a fighter replete with renewed confidence.

For Johnson, however, the night was doubly bitter. His campaign for 2025 has started under gray skies, marred first by missing weight—over by 2.5 pounds, costing him a significant chunk of his purse—and now, with his record slipping to 1-3 in the UFC.

In the ever-evolving dance of mixed martial arts, the narrative is constantly shaped and reshaped by the performers inside the cage. On this night, Felipe Bunes not only shaped the narrative—he owned it.

Tom Holland and Zendaya: A Romance with a Personal Touch, Sealed with a Wag and a Tattoo

In a world where celebrity engagements often light up social media like a Fourth of July fireworks display, Tom Holland and Zendaya have managed to blend the grandeur of their blossoming romance with the simplicity of everyday life—and they’ve done it with a little help from man’s best friend. Enter Noon, the charming Miniature Schnauzer who has not only captured their hearts but has carved out a cute, furry niche in their engagement story.

Tom Holland, everyone’s favorite neighborhood Spider-Man, recently shared a charming Instagram video that was less about saving the world and more about spreading the love. While introducing Bero, his non-alcoholic drink brand now available at Target, Holland made a delightful nod to “Noon Wheat,” a beverage inspired by Zendaya’s beloved pooch. Described by Holland as “really fruity” and “super tasty,” this drink mirrors the playful essence of Noon—a name now etched into the essence of this lovers’ beverage lineup.

This isn’t just a whimsical marketing ploy, mind you. It’s a testament to the affection Holland and Zendaya harbor for their four-legged family member. As Zendaya jestingly noted, Noon seems to adore Holland more than he does her, a sentiment not unfamiliar to dog owners everywhere. “He makes me very happy. He brings a lot of joy to all the sets we’ve been on,” Zendaya warmly shared in a Vanity Fair interview, her words steeped in an unmistakable love.

But it’s not just the dog’s paw-sitive presence that has been a hallmark of their relationship. Their engagement news—sparkling as brightly as the diamond ring Zendaya debuted at the 2025 Golden Globes—reveals a couple intent on savoring every facet of their shared journey. According to sources close to the duo, Holland had been planning to pop the question for quite some time. “He’s always been crazy about her. He always knew she was the one. They have something very special,” a friend noted, emphasizing the depth of their connection with undeniable clarity.

This engagement isn’t just ink on a tabloid page; it’s marked permanently on their skin with matching tattoos. Both stars sport each other’s initials—Zendaya with a subtle “t” and Holland with a discreet “z”—a custom creation by Boston Tattoo Company that further cements their bond. “They were lovely to meet and it was a lot of fun!” shared Lily Jarnryd, the tattoo artist in charge of immortalizing their initials.

For now, the couple revels in this chapter of their lives, choosing to bask in the glow of their engagement without the looming urgency of wedding bells. Despite their hectic schedules and demanding careers, patience seems to be their guiding principle. Holland, ever the romantic at heart, has found a charming myriad of ways to express his devotion—”always had this sweet way of letting the world know that Zendaya is his,” as one insider revealed.

In an industry often dominated by fleeting romances and ephemeral connections, Tom Holland and Zendaya offer a refreshing narrative of love grounded in simplicity, support, and shared experiences. Whether it’s through the wag of a tail or the purity of a mutual gaze, they’re proving one thing—love needs no grand gestures; sometimes, it’s the small, genuine moments that matter most.

From the Court to the Ice: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Mastery and Sam Aston’s Grace Illuminate the Pursuit of Excellence

In the labyrinthine corridors of Madison Square Garden, the air was thick with anticipation—an arena famed for its electric atmosphere was ready for another spectacle. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the OKC Thunder’s maestro, orchestrated a performance that was nothing short of a masterclass, mesmerizing fans and critics alike as he led his team to a commanding victory over the New York Knicks.

The Knicks, once hopeful, found themselves on the wrong end of a relentless storm. Jalen Brunson, amid the chaos, sought solace on the court, yet every move seemed preordained to fail against the unstoppable force that was Gilgeous-Alexander. Like a seasoned chess player, SGA maneuvered through the Knicks’ defenses—his 39-point performance leaving them, and the crowd, in awe.

His artistry was evident in every motion, every calculated leap, culminating in a display that coach Mark Daigneault described as the epitome of growth. “He can make it look easy sometimes, but it’s not easy,” Daigneault noted, hinting at SGA’s ever-expanding prowess. The Thunder’s offensive salvo was equally supported by Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe, whose career-high eight 3-pointers were a tribute to resilience and the ‘law of averages’ he firmly believes in.

Meanwhile, in a different spotlight, Sam Aston, beloved for his portrayal of Chesney Brown on Coronation Street, embarked on a new journey—all eyes turning to Dancing on Ice. While the icy stage might seem worlds away from the cobblestones of Weatherfield, Aston is quick to assure fans of his impending return. “I’m not being written out for this or anything like that,” he promised, emphasizing his enduring commitment to the show.

Dancing on Ice presents a different sort of challenge—a spectacle of glitz and glamor that even Aston approaches with a touch of modesty. Despite being the bookmakers’ favorite, he laughed off the notion, attributing his success to sheer enjoyment and the thrill of learning to skate. Yet, one tradition—fake tan—remains unadopted. “I can’t be swanning around on the cobbles with a fake tan,” he quipped, maintaining a connection to his character’s frugal image.

The narrative of both stars on different stages speaks to the broader themes of resilience and adaptability. Whether it’s Gilgeous-Alexander’s tactical brilliance on the court or Aston’s graceful pirouettes on the ice, both remind us of the pursuit of excellence—each in their unique arena. As the curtain falls on these tales, they leave us eagerly anticipating their next moves, whether it’s the Thunder’s continued dominance or Aston’s next twist on the ice.