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The AIDS fundraising group announced on Friday that Thursday’s annual Cannes Eurotrash gathering raised $16 million. In the next sentence, the group stated that it had raised $17 million the previous year.
Realizing what they’d admitted, amFAR then deleted the press release from its site. But the damage was done. Several outlets had already picked it up.
amFAR used to be an important organization in the fight against AIDS. But in its 30th year, plagued by scandals, the party is over. CEO Kevin Robert Frost (so pretentious that he made his name seem like the late famed poet) makes $600,000 a year even if the group’s funds are depleted. The whole staff is living it up.
Demi Moore hosted this year, and was not on the top of her game. She couldn’t get the crowd to settle down or pay attention. Cher performed, bringing her whole production along. Who paid for that? Nick Jonas and Joe Jonas were also flown in, and they sang together.
amFAR used to have a lot of movie stars in its audience, especially those who were in attendance in Cannes. But now it’s just models and crashers and Europeans who’ll pay for tickets just to be near some kind of celebrity. Nearly no one came from the actual Cannes Film Festival this year. The pictures are very revealing.
After a tough weekend, things are worse today at the box office.
“Garfield” the cat movie clawed its way to number 1, bypassing what seems to be the falling-apart “Furiosa” Mad Max movie.
The four day totals for both movies are the lowest in three decades for a Memorial Day weekend. Respectively, they’re at $31 million and $32 million. Things will only go downhill from here.
Even though today is a HOLIDAY, predictions are pretty bad for all movies. The Monday guesstimates are all down from Sunday by 14% to 30%. Isn’t today the day to go to the movies? You have nothing to do!
One of the biggest flops is the Amy Winehouse movie, “Back to Black.” It’s made just $5 million in 11 days after taking in $25 million internationally. “Back to Black” will show up on flights soon.
Bruce Springsteen overdid it, and now he’s paying the price.
Springsteen and the E Street Band have cancelled two more shows — in Prague and Milan — after suddenly postponing Marseille. They say they’ll return to work on June 12th in Madrid. That’s two weeks from now.
The band played a three hour show in Sunderland, England in pouring rain. The next day Springsteen accepted the Ivor Award in London — the first international songwriter to receive the distinction. Sir Paul McCartney inducted him.
At the ceremony, Springsteen’s voice was cracking and sounded scratchy.
Bruce sent himself and his health issues up on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” this past season. He’ll probably get an Emmy nomination for it. But message to Bruce: this is real life! Take care of yourself!
TMZ and other outlets are reporting the tragic death in LA overnight of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor.
Wactor, 37, was shot and killed in downtown LA early in the morning by thieves who were attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his car.
Wactor played Brando Corbin on “General Hospital” from 2020-22. His character was killed off despite his popularity in typical ridiculous soap fashion: by a killer using a poison hook.
Several “General Hospital” cast members have died, had health issues, or serious legal issues in the last couple of years.
Many “General Hospital” castmates have been posting to Social Media:
Sofia Mattson, who played his love interest, wrote on Instagram: “My heart is so utterly broken… Johnny was the absolute best. So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hard working and humble. With a huge heart that spread so much kindness and joy. He always made sure everyone around him felt seen, heard and loved. I admire the man he was so much and I’m a better person for having known him.
We shared so many special moments, both on and off screen, and I will forever cherish them deeply in my heart. You will be so incredibly missed Johnny… I’m sure you’re already busy taking care of everyone up there “
Johnny Wactor was not only my tv dad for more than 25 episodes on General Hospital but he was a great human, a kind soul, an inspiration and a one of a kind actor. May your soul rest in peace. Heaven gained an Angel❤️ #generalhospital#ghpic.twitter.com/3EvHAol3TJ
Johnny Wactor was a beautiful, beautiful soul. So talented. As you can see from the promo clip, always up for anything. Funny as all heck. Fit as all hell but also loved ice cream and ate all the junk I did as well.
#JohnnyWactor When the tears slow down, I am literally sick to my stomach at this news. Johnny was one of those rare young men in this business who was kind, unassuming, humble, and always thought about other people. A talented young guy who just wanted to share that talent with… pic.twitter.com/IQVqvhe3nn
Hollywood is mourning the death of Richard M. Sherman one half of the legendary Sherman brothers died today at the age of 95. Richard and his late brother, Robert Sherman wrote songs for classic Disney fare such as “Mary Poppins”, “The Jungle Book,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and many more. The Disney theme park anthem, “It’s A Small World,” is the most the publicly performed song of all time according to Time.com.
The Shermans (Robert died in 2012 at age 86) wrote an estimated 1,000 songs for 50 movies, including “Lets Get Together” from “The Parent Trap” and songs in “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree” “Charlotte’s Web” amongst others. They were responsible for more movie musical songs than anyone in history. The brothers also penned “You’re Sixteen,” a hit for Johnny Burnette and then Ringo Starr.
Richard and Robert were the recipients of multiple awards including the Songwriters Hall of Fame and The National Medal of Honor. Their success was massive but the brothers’ relationship was often troubled. The documentary “The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story” which was produced and directed by their sons Gregory V. Sherman and Jeffrey C. Sherman, tells their story poignantly and beautifully. The brothers were named Disney legends in 1990.
Director and Pixar chief creative officer Pete Doctor said in a statement today, “You don’t get songs like ‘Spoonful of Sugar’ without a genuine love of life, which Richard passed on to everyone lucky enough to be around him,” Even in his 90s, he had more energy and enthusiasm than anyone, and I always left renewed by Richard’s infectious joy for life.”
On a very personal note: I, as well as so many others lucky enough to know him, know how genuinely kind and gracious he was. A true gentleman. About a decade ago I took my brother Aran, who was struggling with cancer, to the Academy to for a screening of “Young Frankenstein” one of his favorite movies. Richard was there. I knew Richard and his equally lovely wife, Elizabeth, and always loved seeing them. Aran was a huge fan of his. I went over to Richard and asked if he could come and meet him, as Aran was frail and needed to sit. Richard came over and not only did he say hello, he sat with him for 20 plus minutes and chatted with him about movies and music. I saw my brother truly happy; a rare moment at a tough time for him. He passed away soon after, but I never forgot it and thanked him repeatedly through the years since then.
As the songwriter Diane Warren wrote today, “Richard sadly left us today, but his songs never will. Today, it’s a sad world after all.” Richard Sherman is irreplaceable. The Sherman Brothers’ timeless songs will live forever.
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wrote an estimated 1,000 songs for 50 movies, including “Lets Get Together” from “The Parent Trap” and songs in “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree” “Charlotte’s Web” amongst others. They were responsible for more movie musical songs, “It’s A Small World than anyone in history. Richard also penned “You’re Sixteen” a hit for Ringo Starr.
Richard and Robert were the recipients of multiple awards including the Songwriters Hall of Fame and The National Medal of Honor. Their success was massive but the brother’s relationship was often troubled. The documentary “The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story” which was produced and directed by their sons Gregory V. Sherman and Jeffrey C. Sherman, tells their story poignantly and beautifully. The brothers were named Disney legends in 1990.
Director and Pixar chief creative officer Pete Doctor said in a statement today, “You don’t get songs like ‘Spoonful of Sugar’ without a genuine love of life, which Richard passed on to everyone lucky enough to be around him,” Even in his 90s, he had more energy and enthusiasm than anyone, and I always left renewed by Richard’s infectious joy for life.”
I, as well as so many others lucky enough to know him, know how genuinely kind and gracious he was. A true gentleman. About a decade ago I took my brother Aran, who was struggling with cancer, to the Academy to for a screening of “Young Frankenstein” one of his favorite movies. Richard was there. I knew Richard and his equally lovely wife Elizabeth and always loved seeing them. Aran was a huge fan of his. I went over to Richard and asked if he could come and meet him, as Aran was frail and needed to sit. Richard came over and not only did he say hello, he sat with him for 20 plus minutes and chatted with him about movies and music. I saw my brother truly happy; a rare moment at a tough time for him. He passed away soon after, but I never forgot it and thanked him repeatedly through the years since then. As the songwriter Diane Warren wrote today, “Richard sadly left us today, but his songs never will. Today, it’s a sad world after all.” Richard Sherman; you are irreplaceable. The Sherman Brothers timeless songs will live forever.
There are 36 movies ahead of “Furiosa: A Mad Max Story” on the all time Memorial Day opening weekend list.
“Furiosa” today become number 36 on the list. That breaks an all time low, or high, depending on how you look at it.
For “Furiosa,” the take from Thursday through today, Sunday, is $25.5 millon.
The movie ahead of it on the Memorial Day weekend list is “Rambo: First Blood, Part 2” with $25.52 million.
This isn’t about the quality of “Furiosa.” George Miller’s film has B+ Cinemascore, and high numbers from Rotten Tomatoes. It’s a well made movie. But the studios have taught the moviegoing audience that if they don’t come out to theaters now, they’ll see “Furiosa” at home by the middle of the summer. So why get off the couch?
The box office is in shambles, also partly due to the strikes from last year. Aside from “Deadpool and Wolverine,” there isn’t a lot of light at the end of the tunnel. Will Smith’s “Bad Boys” movie will be more a test of his popularity two years after he lost his mind at the Oscars and slapped Chris Rock on stage (followed by cursing him out).
The new “Garfield” movie, also out this weekend, has turned into a disappointment, as well.
All of this may be a blessing in disguise for “The Fall Guy” and for “If,” two films that got written off. But they may hold up a bit in theaters for the people still wanting to get out of the house.
Cannes Film Festival winners are being announced right now on the Croisette. Keep refreshing…
The Palme D’or has gone to Sean Baker and his “Anora.” Baker, an American who works on a small budget, also directed the much admired “The Florida Project,” “red Rocket,” and “Tangerine.”
The Award for Best Director goes to MIGUEL GOMES for GRAND TOUR.
This means the Cannes jury has shunned Francis Ford Coppola and his $120 million bet, “Megalopolis.” The film still has no US distributor as well. Putting “Megalopolis” into competition was a mistake, of course. Last year, Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” was shown out of competition. Coppola’s legacy, besides his great films, is one of taking huge chances that don’t always work out.
So now what? Coppola will return to the US with a lot of foreign distribution deals but nothing at home, and no awards with which to promote the film. This is going to be tricky. But we always root for him!
The Jury Prize goes to EMILIA PÉREZ by JACQUES AUDIARD.
The Grand Prize goes to ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT by PAYAL KAPADIA.
The Award for Best Actor goes to JESSE PLEMONS in KINDS OF KINDNESS by YÓRGOS LÁNTHIMOS.
FOUR WAY TIE! The Award for Best Actress goes to ADRIANA PAZ, ZOE SALDAÑA, KARLA SOFÍA GASCÓN, SELENA GOMEZ in EMILIA PÉREZ de JACQUES AUDIARD.
The Award for Best Screenplay goes to CORALIE FARGEAT for THE SUBSTANCE.
The Special Award for Best Screenplay goes to THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG by MOHAMMAD RASOULOF
La Mention Spéciale de la Caméra d’or est remise à MONGREL de WEI LIANG CHIANG & YOU QIAO YIN, présenté dans le cadre de la Quinzaine des Cinéastes.
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The Special Mention for Caméra d’or goes to MONGREL by WEI LIANG CHIANG & YOU QIAO YIN, presented at the Directors’ Fortnight.… pic.twitter.com/2vbSQG2P5B
— Festival de Cannes (@Festival_Cannes) May 25, 2024
Bruce Springsteen has cancelled his Marseille, France show tonight at the last minute.
He posted an announcement: “Due to a loss of voice and on medical orders, Bruce Springsteen is unable to sing and perform this evening. This evening’s concert planned at the Orange Vélodrome in Marseilles has unfortunately been postponed to a later date.”
The very young at heart 74 year old Springsteen and the E Street Band have been burning it in the US and recently in England and Ireland. Marseille would have been show number 17 on this leg. Bruce has had health issues cancel shows a lot this last year, including an 8 month break because of a painful peptic ulcer.
But the Boss is only human. His next show is three days from now in Prague. Speedy recovery!
PS Bruce was certainly singing up a storm in Dublin. See below.
1/2 En raison d’une extinction de voix et sur ordre médical, Bruce Springsteen n’est pas en mesure de chanter et de monter sur scène ce soir. Le concert de ce soir prévu à l’Orange Vélodrome de Marseille est malheureusement reporté à une date ultérieure. pic.twitter.com/mnk6670oso
Saturday: today, tonight are crucial for the new releases of the week.
So far, “Furiosa” is making everyone nervosa. The “Mad Max” story has made just $10.5 million from previews through last night. It’s actually following the path of the most recent new release, “If.” It’s hoped that “Furiosa” will add $20 million on Saturday and Sunday.
The return of “Garfield” the cat for family viewing is also scratching the furniture. We need some purring. “Garfield” has grossed $8.4 million over the two day opening. Its claws could be sharper After all those mixed metaphors, let’s hope it doesn’t cough up a hairball. Are families too complacent at home?
It does look like a historically low Memorial Day weekend is coming to the box office. If only “Hit Man” were reporting numbers, we’d have something exciting to report. But it’s not playing anywhere. Thanks, Netflix. This is no help.
There are plenty of seats today at the Paris Theater, by the way. No surprise, everyone’s away for the weekend. What a mess.
Will Smith’s “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is getting a worldwide promotional tour.
So far Will and Martin Lawrence have been in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, Mexico, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Miami.
The film opens June 7th but so far Sony has kept Smith away from any real press in the US, especially Los Angeles and New York. I’m told some outlets in Los Angeles pulled out of a junket because they were told not to ask about “the slap.”
That’s right. Will Smith’s famous live slap or punch of Chris Rock on the stage of the Oscars is being avoided at all costs. Smith was punished with a 10 year ejection by the Academy. He immediately lost work. Smith has been mostly persona non grata in Hollywood for the two years since the slap.
So, of course, now he’s back, starring in a big studio film. Has Hollywood forgiven and forgotten? Can you really attack someone on live TV in front of a worldwide audience and get away with it?
Maybe you can.
So far no entertainment reporter has been brave enough to ask a single question about the Slap. Will Will Smith get away with it? And what about Martin Lawrence? I’m hearing odd things about his appearance from those who’ve talked to him. He didn’t look well at the Emmy Awards back in January. Everyone is rooting for him, whatever is wrong.
We’ll see how the Slap figures into all this on June 6th, when “Bad Boys” plays previews.
