The animated film KPop Demon Hunters has officially secured its place among the contenders for the prestigious 98th Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the list of eligible films for the Animated Feature Film category on Friday, revealing that the Netflix sensation is one of 35 contenders. Earlier this year, the film enjoyed a qualifying theatrical run in major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Joining KPop Demon Hunters in the race are notable titles such as Disney’s upcoming releases, Elio and Zootopia 2, along with Crunchyroll/Sony’s highly anticipated Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. Fans eagerly await the announcement of the final nominations, which will be revealed on January 22.
Rosalía’s Spiritual Shift in New Album ‘Lux’
In Barcelona, Spain, acclaimed artist Rosalía has taken a bold artistic turn with her latest album, Lux. Known for her fusion of flamenco and urban Latin music, Rosalía’s new work dives deep into themes of spirituality and devotion. The album’s 15 tracks prominently feature lyrics that express a longing for the divine, marking a significant departure from her previous Grammy-winning projects.
The album has attracted attention from the Vatican, with praise from the Cardinal overseeing cultural affairs. Bishops throughout Spain have also expressed admiration for Rosalía’s exploration of faith through her music, indicating the profound impact Lux has had beyond the borders of the music industry.
Remembering Ornella Vanoni and Celebrating Eddie Murphy
The entertainment world mourns the loss of Ornella Vanoni, a beloved Italian singer whose career spanned an impressive seven decades. Vanoni passed away at the age of 91 from cardiac arrest at her home in Milan. Known for her timeless hits such as Senza Fine and L’appuntamento, she sold over 55 million albums and collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Gino Paoli and Herbie Hancock. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences, highlighting Vanoni’s significant cultural legacy.
In a celebratory note, Eddie Murphy is set to receive a life achievement award from the American Film Institute. The prestigious accolade will be presented during a gala tribute in Los Angeles on April 18. Murphy, who has made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry over nearly 50 years, is the 51st recipient of this honor.
Jordan Peele’s Historical Documentary and Pras Michel’s Sentencing
Moving into the realm of documentary filmmaking, Jordan Peele has released a new docuseries titled High Horse: The Black Cowboy. Currently streaming on Peacock, the three-part series aims to shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of Black cowboys in American history. Directed by Jason Perez, this project expands on themes introduced in Peele’s 2022 film Nope, exploring systemic racism and the historical erasure of Black narratives in the cowboy genre.
In legal news, Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a member of the Grammy-winning group Fugees, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement in illegally funnelling foreign donations to former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. Following his conviction on 10 counts, the U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly handed down the sentence, despite prosecutors recommending a life sentence.
Eurovision to Revise Voting Amid Allegations
The Eurovision Song Contest has announced changes to its voting system following allegations of governmental interference by Israel. The European Broadcasting Union, which oversees the event, aims to implement reforms that enhance trust and transparency among participants. Israel, which has participated for over 50 years, has faced intensified scrutiny amid concerns over the actions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s government in relation to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, these stories highlight the dynamic interplay of art, culture, and societal issues, resonating with audiences around the world.
