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2023 Oscars Ceremony on ABC: Here Are Nominees

Music Observer Staff on February 6, 2023

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

The 2023 Oscars nominations were revealed Tuesday morning by actors Allison Williams and Riz Ahmed.

The highly anticipated list is a mix of prestige films, blockbusters and international dramas alongside high-profile contenders like “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “TÁR,” “The Fabelmans,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” and “All Quiet on the Western Front” all received nods.

Jimmy Kimmel, who presided over the 2017 and 2018 ceremonies, will serve as host for the third time. The ceremony will be broadcast on ABC. Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner are in charge of producing the program.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer teased that the next ceremony would be “a return to cinema, international cinema and a show about the love of diverse artists.” He said there was a “big surprise”.

The 95th Annual Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 12 at 8 p.m. ABC ET/5pm PT.

One of the most esteemed award ceremonies in the film industry is the Oscars. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards the Oscar statuette each year to honor outstanding contributions to filmmaking.

Amazingly, the Oscars have been held every year since 1929, with the exception of a few years during World War II. The ceremony is typically held in late February or early March at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California.

The show is broadcast live on television and is seen by millions of viewers around the world.

Oscar nominees are determined by the voting members of the Academy, which is made up of over 9,000 industry professionals. The voting process will be split in two, with the nominees announced in January and the winners announced at his March awards ceremony.

Oscars Ceremony

The Academy Awards recognize outstanding performances in various categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.

There are also categories for technical achievements, such as Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Visual Effects.

The Best Picture category is often considered the most prestigious, with past winners including classics such as “The Godfather,” “Schindler’s List,” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”

The Oscars ceremony itself is a star-studded event, with the biggest names in Hollywood walking the red carpet and taking to the stage to present and accept awards. The show also features live performances from some of the world’s biggest musicians, as well as comedic segments and montages celebrating the year in film.

In recent years, the Academy has made a concerted effort to increase diversity and inclusion among its nominees and winners.

The #OscarsSoWhite controversy of 2015, which saw all 20 acting nominees that year being white, prompted the Academy to take steps to diversify its voting membership and increase representation of people of color and other underrepresented groups in the film industry.

The Oscars remain one of the most widely-watched and highly-anticipated awards shows in the entertainment industry, with the ceremony and its nominees and winners often making headlines around the world.

The next Oscars ceremony is set to take place in March 2022, and as always, all eyes will be on the nominees, winners, and all the glitz and glamour that surrounds the event.

Best Picture

All Quiet on the Western Front

Avatar: The Way of Water

The Banshees of Inisherin

Elvis

Everything Everywhere All at Once

The Fabelmans

TÁR

Top Gun: Maverick

Triangle of Sadness

Women Talking

Best Director

Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans

Todd Field, TÁR

Ruben Östlund, Triangle of Sadness

Best Actor

Austin Butler, Elvis

Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin

Brendan Fraser, The Whale

Paul Mescal, Aftersun

Bill Nighy, Living

Best Actress

Cate Blanchett, TÁR

Ana de Armas, Blonde

Andrea Riseborough, To Leslie

Michelle Williams, The Fabelmans

Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Supporting Actor

Brendan Gleeson, The Banshees of Inisherin

Brian Tyree Henry, Causeway

Judd Hirsch, The Fabelmans

Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of Inisherin

Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Supporting Actress

Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Hong Chau, The Whale

Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin

Jamie Lee Curtis, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Stephanie Hsu, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson, and Ian Stokell, All Quiet on the Western Front

Rian Johnson, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Kazuo Ishiguro, Living

Screenplay by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie, story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks, Top Gun: Maverick

Sarah Polley, Women Talking

Best Writing (Original Screenplay)

Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner, The Fabelmans

Todd Field, TÁR

Ruben Östlund, Triangle of Sadness

Best Animated Feature Film

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On

Puss In Boots: The Last Wish

The Sea Beast

Turning Red

Best International Feature Film

All Quiet on the Western Front

Argentina, 1985

Close

The Quiet Girl

Best Documentary Feature

All That Breathes

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed

Fire of Love

A House Made of Splinters

Navalny

Best Film Editing

Mikkel E.G. Nielsen, The Banshees of Inisherin

Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond, Elvis

Paul Rogers, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Monika Willi, TÁR

Eddie Hamilton, Top Gun: Maverick

Best Cinematography

James Friend, All Quiet on the Western Front

Darius Khondji, Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths

Mandy Walker, Elvis

Roger Deakins, Empire of Light

Florian Hoffmeister, TÁR

Best Costume Design

Mary Zophres, Babylon

Ruth E. Carter, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Catherine Martin, Elvis

Shirley Kurata, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Jenny Beavan, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Heike Merker and Linda Eisenhamerová, All Quiet on the Western Front

Naomi Donne, Mike Marino, and Mike Fontaine, The Batman

Camille Friend and Joel Harlow, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Mark Coulier, Jason Baird, and Aldo Signoretti, Elvis

Adrien Morot, Judy Chin, and Anne Marie Bradley, The Whale

Best Production Design

Christian M. Goldbeck and Ernestine Hipper, All Quiet on the Western Front

Dylan Cole, Ben Procter, and Vanessa Cole, Avatar: The Way of Water

Florencia Martin and Anthony Carlino, Babylon

Catherine Martin, Karen Murphy, and Bev Dunn, Elvis

Rick Carter and Karen O’Hara, The Fabelmans

Best Music (Original Song)

“Applause” from Tell It Like a Woman, music and lyrics by Dianne Warren

“Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick, music and lyrics by Lady Gaga and BloodPop

“Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, music and lyrics by Tems, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler, and Ludwig Goransson

“Naatu Naatu” from RRR, music by M.M. Keeravaani, lyrics by Chandrabose

“This Is a Life” from Everything Everywhere All at Once, music by Ryan Lott, David Byrne, and Mitski, lyrics by Ryan Lott

Best Music (Original Score)

Volker Bertelmann, All Quiet on the Western Front

Justin Hurwitz, Babylon

Carter Burwell, The Banshees of Inisherin

Son Lux, Everything Everywhere All at Once

John Williams, The Fabelmans

Best Sound

Viktor Prášil, Frank Kruse, Markus Stemler, Lars Ginzel, and Stefan Korte, All Quiet on the Western Front

Julian Howarth, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Dick Bernstein, Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, and Michael Hedges, Avatar: The Way of Water

Stuart Wilson, William Files, Douglas Murray, and Andy Nelson, The Batman

David Lee, Wayne Pashley, Andy Nelson, and Michael Keller, Elvis

Mark Weingarten, James H. Mather, Al Nelson, Chris Burdon, and Mark Taylor, Top Gun: Maverick

Best Visual Effects

Frank Petzold, Viktor Müller, Markus Frank, and Kamil Jafar, All Quiet on the Western Front

Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, and Daniel Barrett, Avatar: The Way of Water

Dan Lemmon, Russell Earl, Anders Langlands, and Dominic Tuohy, The Batman

Geoffrey Baumann, Craig Hammack, R. Christopher White, and Dan Sudick, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ryan Tudhope, Seth Hill, Bryan Litson, and Scott R. Fisher, Top Gun: Maverick

Best Animated Short Film

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

The Flying Sailor

Ice Merchants

My Year of Dicks

An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake, and I Think I Believe It

Best Live Action Short Film

An Irish Goodbye

Ivalu

Le Pupille

Night Ride

The Red Suitcase

Best Documentary Short

The Elephant Whisperers

Haulout

How Do You Measure a Year?

The Martha Mitchell Effect

Stranger at the Gate

Photo: Haber Global

Mastodon and Gojira Announces 2023 Joint Headline Concert

Music Observer Staff on February 6, 2023

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Mastodon and Gojira have announced a 2023 joint headline tour. On a tour known as the Mega-Monsters Tour, it will tour across North America this spring and summer. Each date will begin with Lorna Shore. The complete schedule for the co-headlining tour can be found here.

Starting April 18th in Portland, Oregon, the Mega Monsters Tour will see the band perform across most of the West Coast and South.

Mastodon and Gojira will resume touring in June and July after a brief hiatus. They will play across the East Coast and Midwest before ending their tour on September 2nd in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

In 2021, Mastodon released their eighth album, Hushed and Grim. Medium Rarities was also released earlier by the Atlanta-based sludge metal band.

Gojira’s latest album, Fortitude, is out in 2021. This was followed in 2016 by the release of the French avant-metal band’s full-length album Magma.

Mastodon

Mastodon is a heavy metal group based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Troy Sanders (bass and vocals), Brent Hinds (lead on his guitar and vocals), Bill Kelliher (rhythm on his guitar and backing vocals), and Brann Dailor (drums and vocals) make up his band formed in 2000. To do.

Eight studio albums, as well as a variety of miscellaneous releases, have been made by Mastodon. Remission, the band’s 2002 debut album, received high marks from critics for its distinctive sound.

Leviathan, the group’s second full-length release, is a concept album based on Herman Melville’s book Moby-Dick. Revolver, Kerrang!, and Rolling Stone all named the album “Album of the Year” in 2004.

Blood Mountain, the group’s third album, which was released in 2006, contained the song “Colony of Birchmen,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007 for Best Metal Performance.

Crack the Skye and The Hunter, both of which debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2011 and saw significant commercial success in the United States, were Blood Mountain’s immediate predecessors in 2009 and 2011, respectively.

The song “Curl of the Burl,” which appears on The Hunter, was nominated for a Grammy in 2012 for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance. The third Grammy-nominated song by Mastodon, “High Road,” can be found on the band’s 2014 album Once More ‘Round the Sun, which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Gojira

French heavy metal band Gojira hails from Ondres.

The band’s original members have remained the same since its name was changed to Gojira in 2001: brothers Joe (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Mario Duplantier (drums), Christian Andreu (lead guitar), and Jean-Michel Labadie (bass).

Gojira are renowned for their progressive and technical death metal genres as well as their lyrics, which often have spiritual, philosophical, or environmental themes.

The band’s career has seen a transition from “complete obscurity throughout the first half to widespread global recognition in the second.”

Terra Incognita (2001) and The Link (2003), Gojira’s first two albums, as well as their rousing live performances, helped them become known as a top French metal band. A silent film score called Maciste All’Inferno was written and played for a single performance in Bordeaux.

The British metal press reviewed their third album, the critically acclaimed From Mars to Sirius (2005), which included the songs “Backbone,” “The Heaviest Matter of the Universe,” and “Flying Whales.”

After that, the band joined Prosthetic Records, which increased their exposure in North America. The Way of All Flesh (2008), the follow-up album, debuted on the Billboard 200, and Gojira subsequently began their first foreign headlining tour.

The band started working with several metal artists to record the Sea Shepherd EP in a group setting. Roadrunner Records signed Gojira in 2011.

L’Enfant Sauvage (2012) and Magma (2016), two albums by the band, reached their highest points at thirty-four and twenty-four on the Billboard 200, respectively.

On their breakout album Magma, Gojira abandoned death metal in favor of a simpler sound. They released “Another World,” their first single to reach the Billboard chart, in 2020.

Gojira and Mastodon Dates:

04-18 Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum

04-20 Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion

04-21 Los Angeles, CA – The Forum

04-22 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre

04-23 Las Vegas, NV – Virgin

04-26 Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

04-28 Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

04-29 Austin, TX – Moody Center

04-30 Oklahoma City, OK – Zoo Amphitheatre

05-02 Nashville, TN – Municipal Auditorium

05-04 Boca Raton, FL – Sunset Cove Amphitheater

05-05 St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre

05-06 Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

05-07 Asheville, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee Center

05-09 Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union Live

05-10 Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion

05-11 Reading, PA – Santander Arena

08-09 Cincinnati, OH – MegaCorp Pavilion

08-10 Cleveland, OH – Jacob’s Pavilion

08-11 Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE Outdoors

08-12 New York, NY – Coney Island Amphitheater

08-13 Syracuse, NY – OneCenter

08-15 Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple

08-17 Toronto, Ontario – RBC Echo Beach

08-18 Laval, Quebec – Place Bell

08-19 Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena

08-20 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall

08-23 Milwaukee, WI – BMO Pavilion

08-25 Hammond, IN – Horseshoe

08-26 Omaha, NE – Westfair Amphitheater

08-27 Minneapolis, MN – Waite Park Amphitheater

08-29 St. Louis, MO – The Factory

08-30 Kansas City, MO – Azura Amphitheater

09-01 Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheater

09-02 Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater

‘Abbott Elementary’ and ‘The Dropout’ Win Big at 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards

Music Observer Staff on January 30, 2023

Image commercially licensed from DepositPhotos

The 28th annual Critics Choice Awards, hosted by Chelsea Handler, aired live Sunday on The CW and gave a peek into the awards season as it unfolds.

Hosted by the Critics Choice Association, the Critics Choice Awards aim to recognize the best in film and television each year and can boost several awards campaigns leading up to the Oscars.

As the evening wore on, Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans and A24’s Everything Everywhere All at Once were closely followed with 11 and 14 nominations each in the category of motion pictures.

In the television category, ABC’s hit comedy Abbott Elementary received six nominations and the final season of Better Call Saul received five nominations.

At the awards ceremony, Everything Everywhere won the top awards of the night: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan), Best Director (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Best Original Screenplay, Received Best Editing Award.

Best Drama Series, Best Actor in a Drama Series for Bob Odenkirk, and Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Giancarlo Esposito were all wins for Better Call Saul at the television awards.

Abbott Elementary and The Dropout won two awards each, with Abbott Elementary winning Sheryl Lee Ralph Awards for Best Comedy Series and Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and Amanda Seyfried winning Best Limited Series and Best for The Dropout.

John Goodman presented Jeff Bridges with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Kate Hudson presented fellow Glass Onion member Janelle Monae with the Sheehar Award.

TV Critics Votes

Since their debut in 2011, the Critics’ Choice Awards have grown to be among the most esteemed honors in television. The awards are distinctive in that television critics and journalists cast their votes, not industry insiders or the general public.

This allows for a more diverse range of voices and perspectives to be represented in the selection of winners.

One of the most notable aspects of the Critics’ Choice Awards is the wide range of categories that are recognized. Awards are given for performances in both drama and comedy series, as well as for miniseries and made-for-TV movies.

There are also categories for individual performances, such as best actor and actress, as well as awards for writing, directing, and production.

The Critics’ Choice Awards have also been praised for their inclusion of streaming and cable television shows, which have increasingly become a major part of the television landscape in recent years. This has helped to ensure that the awards are representative of the most current and innovative trends in television.

It’s worth noting that the Critics Choice Association and the Academy, which votes on the Oscars, don’t share membership, so while the Critics Choice Awards winners may align with eventual Oscar winners, they are not a guaranteed predictor of the Academy’s choices.

The Critics Choice Awards provide a valuable opportunity for films, television shows, and actors to gain recognition and momentum in the competitive awards season. The complete list of winners can be found on the Critics Choice Association’s website and below.

Critics Choice Awards Artists, Films and Shows

FILM

Best Picture

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Actor

Brendan Fraser, The Whale

Best Actress

Cate Blanchett, Tár

Best Supporting Actor

Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Supporting Actress

Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Best Young Actor/Actress

Gabriel LaBelle, The Fabelmans

Best Acting Ensemble

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Best Director

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Original Screenplay

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Adapted Screenplay

Sarah Polley, Women Talking

Best Cinematography

Claudio Miranda, Top Gun: Maverick

Best Production Design

Florencia Martin, Anthony Carlino, Babylon

Best Editing

Paul Rogers, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Costume Design

Ruth E. Carter, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Best Hair and Makeup

Elvis

Best Visual Effects

Avatar: The Way of Water

Best Comedy

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Best Animated Film

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Best Foreign Language Film

RRR

Best Song

“Naatu Naatu,” RRR

Best Score

Hildur Guðnadóttir, Tár

TV

Best Drama Series

Better Call Saul (AMC)

Best Actor in a Drama Series

Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul (AMC)

Best Actress In A Drama Series

Zendaya – Euphoria (HBO)

Best Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

Giancarlo Esposito – Better Call Saul (AMC)

Best Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

Jennifer Coolidge – The White Lotus (HBO)

Best Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Best Actor In A Comedy Series

Jeremy Allen White – The Bear (FX)

Best Actress In A Comedy Series

Jean Smart – Hacks (HBO Max)

Best Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

Henry Winkler – Barry (HBO)

Best Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

Sheryl Lee Ralph – Abbott Elementary (ABC)

Best Limited Series

The Dropout (Hulu)

Best Movie Made For Television

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (The Roku Channel)

Best Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie Made For Television

Daniel Radcliffe – Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (The Roku Channel)

Best Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie Made For Television

Amanda Seyfried – The Dropout (Hulu)

Best Supporting Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie Made For Television

Paul Walter Hauser – Black Bird (Apple TV+)

Best Supporting Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie Made For Television

Niecy Nash-Betts – Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Netflix)

Best Foreign Language Series

Pachinko (Apple TV+)

Best Animated Series

Harley Quinn (HBO Max)

Best Talk Show

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Best Comedy Special

Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special (Netflix)

Rihanna Fans Rejoice: New Album R9 Teased in Super Bowl Trailer

Music Observer Staff on January 30, 2023

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

The wait is finally over, Rihanna fans. In the trailer for her upcoming Super Bowl 2023 Halftime Show, the singer has teased her highly anticipated ninth album, R9.

A trailer released by Rihanna and Apple Music shows Rihanna wearing a yellow-green coat and displaying a large message, “Where’s the album?” vibration.

Just a few months ago, Rihanna blessed her fans with her new song “Lift Me Up” for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Soundtrack. But fans are eagerly awaiting more music from the singer, who hasn’t released an album since Anti 2016.

Apple’s involvement in the halftime show, which also sponsors the event, has led to speculation that Apple may be involved in the release of the R9.

Rihanna took a vacation to become a millionaire and start a family, but she’s officially “retired” and ready to take over the music scene again.

Fans can catch her at the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show on February 12 at Fox. Mark her calendar and get ready to dance with Rihanna again.

Rihanna

Since the release of her debut album Music of the Sun in 2005, Barbadian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Rihanna has become a household name. She has enthralled audiences with her undeniable talent, breathtaking beauty, and unapologetic attitude over the years.

Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna began singing at a young age, and at the age of 15, she was discovered by American record producer Evan Rogers.

Her debut album was dropped in 2005, and its lead single, “Pon de Replay,” quickly rose to the top of the charts, establishing Rihanna as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Since then, Rihanna has released eight studio albums, each one more successful than the last. With her unique blend of R&B, pop, and dancehall, she has sold over 250 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Her hit singles include “Umbrella,” “Disturbia,” “We Found Love,” and “Work,” all of which have become worldwide anthems.

A Musical and Fashion Legend

Rihanna is not only known for her music but also her fashion sense and business acumen. She has collaborated with major fashion brands such as Puma, Stance, and Savage X Fenty, and has also launched her own cosmetics line, Fenty Beauty, and lingerie line, Savage X Fenty.

With a net worth of over $600 million, she has also been named to Forbes’ Billionaires List in 2020 and 2021, making her one of the richest female musicians in the world.

In addition to her business ventures, Rihanna is also known for her philanthropy and activism.

She has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the International Organization for Migration, and has also established the Clara Lionel Foundation, which supports education, health, and emergency response programs around the world.

Rihanna is not only a talented musician, but also a savvy businesswoman, fashion icon, and philanthropist. Her influence on the music industry and pop culture is undeniable, and her career is showing no signs of slowing down.

With her long-awaited ninth album, R9, on the horizon, fans are eagerly awaiting new music from the queen of pop.

Apple Music

Apple Music is a streaming service launched by Apple Inc. in June 2015. It allows users to stream and download over 70 million songs, as well as access a wide variety of playlists, radio stations, and live events.

Furthermore, Apple Music includes a feature called “Connect,” which allows artists to share content such as photos, lyrics, and videos with their fans.

Apple Music has quickly become a major player in the music streaming industry, with over 60 million subscribers worldwide as of 2021.

The service is available in over 100 countries and is compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and PCs. It also has a separate app for Apple Watch, CarPlay and home speakers via AirPlay 2.

One of the unique features of Apple Music is its integration with the Siri voice assistant. Users can ask Siri to play a specific song, album, or artist, as well as control playback and access playlists and radio stations.

All Musical Needs

Apple Music also offers a variety of exclusive content, including live concerts, original video content, and exclusive album releases. The service has also been known to feature collaborations with various well-known artists, including Taylor Swift, Drake, and Dua Lipa.

In addition to streaming music, Apple Music also includes a feature called “Beats 1,” which is a live, 24/7 worldwide radio station featuring a lineup of renowned DJ’s and hosts, including Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, and Brooke Reese.

Apple Music is a subscription-based service, with plans starting at $9.99 per month for an individual subscription and $14.99 for a family subscription. Additionally, the service also offers a student plan for $4.99 per month, and a discounted annual plan for $99 per year.

Overall, Apple Music is a comprehensive and versatile music streaming service that offers a wide range of features and exclusive content. Its integration with Siri and other Apple devices, along with its exclusive content, make it a popular choice among music enthusiasts.

John Williams, Composer of Iconic Film Scores, Changes Retirement Plans

Music Observer Staff on January 30, 2023

Image commercially licensed from DepositPhotos

It’s good news for fans of John Williams, who is the composer responsible for some of the most well-known film scores in history.

Williams had previously announced his intention to retire from film music following the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Fate, but chose to continue working in the industry.

The 90-year-old composer, who has worked on scores for films such as Star Wars, Jaws, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, had said that The Fabelmans directed by Steven Spielberg and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny would be his final two scores.

Williams, however, revealed that he’s not actually retiring while sitting down with Spielberg at a special event and recalling their 50-year working relationship on Thursday night.

The news will delight fans of William’s work, who have come to appreciate his masterful composition and ability to heighten the film’s emotional impact.

Williams has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including five Academy Awards and seven BAFTA Awards.

We don’t know what Williams will be working on next as far as projects go. Fans can anticipate more of his iconic, unforgettable, and sentimental scores in the future, regardless of the circumstances. Williams’ talent ensures that the films he scores in the future will be huge hits.

In the meantime, fans can check out Williams and Spielberg’s latest collaboration, The Fablemans. It’s currently circling awards season. It’s a testament to the enduring partnership between the two and the magic they can create on screen when they work together.

“I’ll stick around for awhile,” he stated. “I can’t retire from music. A day without music is a mistake.”

The Reason Why

In a recent interview, Williams said his longtime partnership with director Steven Spielberg was a key reason for his decision to continue working.

“One thing Steven isn’t is a man you can say no to,” Williams quipped, drawing a laugh from the director, who added, “I just found out he’s not retiring.”

Williams went on to explain how Spielberg’s father worked at the Shoah foundation until he was 101 or 102, and joked that he has “ten years to go” to match the director’s father’s output and enduring work ethic.

Spielberg, in turn, acknowledged the importance of Williams’ contributions to his films, and promised to figure out what he’s directing next so that he can give Williams a project to work on. The director is currently developing a new take on the Frank Bullitt story, which was previously told in the 1968 film Bullitt starring Steve McQueen. Bradley Cooper has been named as the potential star for the new film.

With Williams’ commitment to continue working and Spielberg’s promise to give him a new project, fans can look forward to more exciting and iconic scores from the award-winning composer.

Perhaps Williams will have the opportunity to score a car chase through the streets of San Francisco in his next undertaking.

Composer of Iconic Scores

John Williams is a name synonymous with film music. The composer has been behind some of the most iconic and memorable scores in movie history, including Star Wars, Jaws, Indiana Jones, and Superman, to name just a few.

With more than 50 years of experience in the film industry, Williams has become one of the most respected and celebrated composers of all time.

Born in New York City in 1932, Williams began his musical career as a jazz pianist before studying composition at the Juilliard School.

He later landed a job as a pianist for the Columbia Pictures studio, where he began writing music for films. His first major film score was for the 1962 film “The Secret of Santa Vittoria”, but it was his work on the 1973 film “Jaws” that really put him on the map.

The now-iconic theme of the shark has become one of the most recognizable pieces of music in the world, and Williams earned his first Academy Award nomination for his contribution on the film.

What He Received for His Work

Over the next few decades, Williams continued to compose for some of the biggest films in Hollywood.

His partnership with director Steven Spielberg, which began with “Jaws”, has resulted in some of the most memorable scores in movie history, including “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”, “Jurassic Park”, and the “Indiana Jones” series.

He also composed the music for all of the “Star Wars” films, from the original trilogy to the most recent films in the series.

Williams has been recognized for his work with numerous awards and accolades. He has been nominated for 52 Academy Awards, winning five, and has also been nominated for 48 Grammy Awards, winning seven.

He also has received four Golden Globe Awards, and won four BAFTA Awards. He is also a Kennedy Center Honoree and a National Medal of Arts recipient. He is the third most Oscar-nominated person, after Walt Disney and Katharine Hepburn.

Spielberg-Williams Collaboration

Williams has composed the scores for many of Spielberg’s films, beginning with their first collaboration on the 1975 film “Jaws”.

The now-iconic theme of the shark has become one of the most recognizable pieces of music in the world.

The two continued to work together on some of the most iconic films of all time, including “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”, “Indiana Jones”, and the “Jurassic Park” series. Williams’ score for “E.T.” was nominated for an Academy Award and his score for “Schindler’s List” won him his fifth Academy Award.

Williams’ score for “Jurassic Park” helped the film become a box office hit and was also nominated for an Academy award.

Their collaboration has also yielded the iconic music of the “Star Wars” series. Williams composed the music for all the “Star Wars” films, from the original trilogy to the most recent films in the series.

The main theme of “Star Wars” is considered to be one of the greatest and most recognizable melodies in the history of film music, and has become synonymous with the franchise.

The partnership between Williams and Spielberg has been one of the most enduring and successful in the film industry.

Williams has been able to perfectly capture the emotional tone of Spielberg’s films with his music, and their collaboration has resulted in some of the most memorable and iconic scores in movie history.

Golden Globe Awards: Inclusion and Diversity Take Center Stage

Music Observer Staff on January 23, 2023

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The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) organizes the Golden Globe Awards, an annual ceremony that recognizes excellence in film and television.

The ceremony was held for the 80th time in its history, but this year’s edition was particularly noteworthy because of the racial exclusion scandals that have plagued the organization in recent times.

No one in the 87 members of the HFPA was Black, which led to widespread criticism and calls for reform in 2021, according to a Los Angeles Times report.

As a result of the scandal, several high-profile individuals and organizations, including actor Tom Cruise, returned the Golden Globe Awards, and NBC, the network that traditionally aired the ceremony, decided not to air the ceremony in 2021.

Following the scandal, the HFPA has pledged to take steps to promote inclusion within the organization.

These included efforts to recruit a more diverse group of members and increase transparency regarding the organization’s finances and governance. The association also pledged to increase funding for scholarships and grants to minority groups.

Many in the industry have called for more to be done to address the underlying problems with race and representation in Hollywood while the HFPA’s reform efforts are still ongoing.

Some have called for a complete overhaul of the awards ceremony, arguing that the Golden Globes lack credibility due to the HFPA’s controversial history.

Most Coveted Awards Show

Despite these challenges, the Golden Globe Awards remains one of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious and watched events, with many talented actors, directors and writers continuing to be recognized at the awards ceremony each year.

However, it will be important to see if the association can get a hold of the situation and actively make changes so that the awards ceremony can be truly inclusive and honoring the talents of all people.

The night began with host Jerrod Carmichael taking the stage and explaining how he came to be the host, with a quip about being Black and a detailed account of his decision-making process.

The trophy distribution then began, with several notable films and performances taking home awards.

The Banshees of Inisherin, a tragicomedy set on an Irish island, led all movies with eight nominations and ultimately took home the best comedy film trophy, while Colin Farrell won in the best actor in a comedy/musical category.

Writer-director Martin McDonagh also took home the best screenplay award.

Another film, Everything Everywhere All at Once, also fared well, with Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan both winning in the best actress and best supporting actor in a series, limited series, or motion picture made for television categories respectively.

The Fablemans also came into frame, with the film winning best drama film and Steven Spielberg winning best director.

It was a night of diverse wins, showcasing the talent and different voices of various cultures in the film industry and it was not just limited to a few people. The night was a reminder that the industry needs to look beyond their usual suspects and recognize talents from all backgrounds.

Golden Globe Artists and Shows

Film

Best Motion Picture — Drama

The Fabelmans

Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy

The Banshees of Inisherin

Best Motion Picture — Non-English Language

Argentina, 1985

Best Motion Picture — Animated

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Best Director — Motion Picture

Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans

Best Screenplay — Motion Picture

Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama

Austin Butler, Elvis

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama

Cate Blanchett, Tár

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy

Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy

Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture

Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture

Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Best Original Score — Motion Picture

Justin Hurwitz, Babylon

Best Original Song — Motion Picture

“Naatu Naatu” by M.M. Keeravani, Kala Bhairava, Rahul Sipligunj from RRR

Television

Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy

Abbott Elementary

Best Television Series – Drama

House of the Dragon

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama

Kevin Costner, Yellowstone

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama

Zendaya, Euphoria

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy

Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy

Jeremy Allen White, The Bear

Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Television Series

Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary

Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Television Series

Julia Garner, Ozark

Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

The White Lotus

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Evan Peters, Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Amanda Seyfried, The Dropout

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Jennifer Coolidge, The White Lotus

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Paul Walter Hauser, Black Bird

Stephanie Hsu Resembles Lana Condor, Mistaken at the Red Carpet

Music Observer Staff on January 23, 2023

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Stephanie Hsu, the Broadway musical “Everything Everywhere All At Once” breakout star, recently admitted in an interview with The New York Times that she was mistaken for Lana Condor at a red carpet event.

Hsu accepted the error and pointed out that even her mother thinks she resembles Condor, who is best known for her role in the well-known Netflix film series To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.

Even though mistaken identities can be embarrassing, Hsu handled it with class and humor. She also acknowledged that similarity between actors and actresses makes mistakes of this nature common in the entertainment industry.

“She sent me a picture of Lana Condor a year ago and was like, ‘You look like this woman,'” Hsu stated regarding her mom.

“But after the Lana Condor thing happened, we were at a screening in New York, and a bunch of people kept going up to my publicist and [EEAAO director duo] the Daniels’ publicist, who are both Asian, and they were like, ‘Congratulations, your performance is incredible.’ And they were like, ‘Huh?'”

Industry Representation

Even though award season has been exciting, Stephanie Hsu emphasized that the lack of representation in the entertainment industry right now is a serious problem.

She acknowledged that there is still much work to be done in the industry to ensure that actors and actresses from all backgrounds have an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and be acknowledged for their distinctive abilities.

Hsu’s admission that she was mistaken for Lana Condor at a red carpet event highlights the need for greater diversity and representation in Hollywood and the significance of carrying on with efforts to do so.

“We have not transcended this moment, right?” she said.

“James Hong started acting at a time when people wouldn’t even say his name, they would literally just call him ‘Chinaman’ and say ‘Get on your mark.’ Michelle [Yeoh] waited almost 40 years for her first chance of being No. 1 on the call sheet, and Ke [Huy Quan] left acting for [nearly] 20 years.”

She added: “As successful as this film has been.” Hsu ranted, “the biggest fear on the other side is ‘What if this is my last chance?'”

Hsu and Her Awards

Stephanie Hsu, who recently scored a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for her role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” recalled the significance of watching Halle Berry make history as the first Black woman to win a Best Actress Oscar in 2002.

She mentioned that it was a powerful moment that demonstrated the progress being made in the industry towards representation and diversity.

However, she also acknowledged that there is still much more work to be done, and that the industry needs to continue to strive for greater inclusion and representation for all actors and actresses, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

The memory of Halle Berry’s historic win marks a reminder of the development that has been made and the importance of continuing to work towards greater representation in the entertainment industry.

“I don’t remember anyone else who won that night, but I remember that moment,” she stated. “I’ve been reflecting on that a lot because I didn’t realize how much I had deleted the possibility from my mind that I could actually ever be a part of this industry in a real way, doing something that I value and love.”

The actress Stephanie Hsu spoke to Entertainment Weekly last year about the momentous experience of starring opposite actress Michelle Yeoh in the Broadway musical.

“I grew up watching her,” Hsu stated.

“She is such an icon for so many Asian families. When I told my mother that Michelle was going to be playing my mother, everyone in my family was, like, ‘We love Michelle Yeoh.’ I feel I learned so much by just being around her, and watching her work, and watching her surrender to this project.”

Industry Career

Hsu is an actress, singer and writer who made a name in the entertainment industry with her versatility and talent.

She is famous for her role as Chloe in the Broadway musical “Everything Everywhere All At Once” for which she received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.

Born and raised in New York City, Hsu started her acting career at a young age, performing in various plays and musicals.

She received her training at the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, also known as the “Fame” school. Afterward, she went on to study at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.

Hsu’s career took off in the early 2010s, with her first Broadway show, the critically acclaimed “Fun Home”, where she received a Lucille Lortel Award nomination.

From there, she has become a regular face on Broadway, with her other notable performances in shows like “The SpongeBob Musical,” “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” and “Be More Chill.”

She also wrote and starred in her own one-woman show, “Stephanie Hsu: The Fever.”

Singing and Writing

Aside from her acting career, Hsu is also a talented singer and writer. She has released her own music and has also written for several publications, including The New York Times, The Huffington Post and The Village Voice.

Hsu’s work has been recognized and celebrated by both audiences and critics alike. In addition to her SAG award nomination, she has also received several other accolades, including a Lucille Lortel Award nomination.

Despite her success, Hsu remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to work hard, taking on new roles and pushing herself to be better in every aspect of her career.

With her talent, versatility and passion, she is sure to continue to make a big impact in the entertainment industry.

Pippo Zeffirelli Denies Sexual Exploitation Allegations in Romeo and Juliet Lawsuit

Music Observer Staff on January 23, 2023

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Pippo Zeffirelli, the son of the late director Franco Zeffirelli, has spoken out against a sexual exploitation lawsuit filed by Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, the stars of Zeffirelli’s film adaptation of Paramount Pictures’ Romeo and Juliet.

A lawsuit filed last month alleges that filmmakers pressured actors into performing nude scenes and were sexually harassed on set.

Meanwhile, the lawsuit has been dubbed “embarrassing,” and Zeffirelli has defended the movie and refuted the accusations, insisting that the nude scene was “far from pornographic.”

He went on to say that his father was a “great artist and gentleman” who never condoned or condoned sexual exploitation or harassment on set.

“It is embarrassing to hear that today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered an abuse that has caused them years of anxiety and emotional discomfort,” Zeffirelli said, according to EW.

Zeffirelli

Ziffirelli, the president of the Franco Zeffirelli Foundation, has defended the late director in opposition to allegations of exploitation and sexual harassment made through actors Redgrave and Dench.

“[Franco] Zeffirelli himself was accused of being reactionary precisely because, over and over again, he spoke out against pornography,” he continued.

“The nude images in the film express the beauty, the transfer, I would even say the candor of mutual giving and do not contain any morbid feeling.”

Furthermore, Ziffirelli claimed that the producers of the film had consent forms from the actors’ parents, and added that Zeffirelli had spoken out against pornography throughout his career.

Redgrave and Dench are suing Paramount Pictures over a nude bedroom scene in the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, in which they starred as the titular characters.

Exploiting Minors

They were 16 and 15 at the time of filming and allege that Zeffirelli encouraged them to film the scene naked with body makeup, despite promising them that there would be no nudity in the film. They also claim that Zeffirelli filmed them naked without their knowledge.

As a result, the actors say they have suffered mental anguish and emotional distress and have lost out on job opportunities. They are seeking damages believed to be in excess of $500 million.

The lawsuit was filed under a California law that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for claims of child sexual abuse.

Representatives for both actors and Paramount have not commented on the lawsuit.

Zeffirelli – the son – pointed to the fact that both actors have praised the film in recent years and have maintained a relationship of “deep gratitude and friendship” towards the director.

He also mentioned that Hussey collaborated with his father again in the 1977 miniseries “Jesus of Nazareth.”

“It appears to me that in all these years, they have always maintained a relationship of deep gratitude and friendship towards Zeffirelli, releasing hundreds of interviews about the happy memory of their very fortunate experience, which was crowned with worldwide success,” he continued.

Paramount Pictures Faces Lawsuit

Whiting and Hussey, the actors of the 1968’s Romeo and Juliet, are suing Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the movie that was filmed when they were minors.

In a complaint filed in California, the actors accused the studio of sexual harassment, exploitation, sexual abuse, fraud, negligence, and the distribution of nude images of children.

They claim that they have undergone mental anguish and emotional distress in the nearly 50 years since the movie’s release. Furthermore, they said they have lost out on job opportunities.

The actors are looking to claim damages supposedly in excess of $500 million. They sued under a California law that momentarily suspended the statute of limitations for claims of child sexual abuse.

In their complaint, the actors allege that filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli assured them nudity would not happen in the movie and that they would wear flesh-colored underwears to film an intimate scene between the titular characters.

However, they claim that in the final days of filming, Zeffirelli encouraged them to film the bedroom scene naked with body makeup, saying that the movie “would fail” if they did not.

“What they were told and what went on were two different things,” the business manager for both actors, Tony Marinozzi, said in an interview with Variety.

“They trusted Franco. At 16, as actors, they took his lead that he would not violate that trust they had. Franco was their friend, and frankly, at 16, what do they do? There are no options. There was no #MeToo.”

Romeo and Juliet

The California law allowed the actors to file their lawsuit despite the passage of time since the alleged incidents occurred.

“Nude images of minors are unlawful and shouldn’t be exhibited. These were very young naive children in the ’60s who had no understanding of what was about to hit them,” Solomon Gresen, an attorney for Whiting and Hussey, said, speaking to Variety.

“All of a sudden they were famous at a level they never expected, and in addition they were violated in a way they didn’t know how to deal with.”

Romeo and Juliet was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film upon its release in 1968, and was nominated for four Oscars.

The movie starred Whiting and Hussey as the titular characters, and featured a controversial nude scene that the actors are now suing Paramount Pictures over.

Hussey went on to make appearanced in films like Black Christmas, Death on the Nile, and Undeclared War, while Whiting’s subsequent film credits included Say Hello to Yesterday, The Royal Hunt of the Sun, and War Is Hell. The two actors also reunited in the 2015 film Social Suicide.

Fans Speculate Giancarlo Esposito as a Potential Professor X or Magneto in the X-Men Films

Music Observer Staff on January 23, 2023

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Ever since Disney completed its acquisition of Fox in 2019, fans of the X-Men franchise have been eagerly awaiting the return of their beloved mutants to the big screen.

The X-Men’s future is still unknown, despite some recent teases and cameos, but that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating about the possibilities.

A popular choice among fans is actor Giancarlo Esposito.

The multi-talented actor, known for his roles in Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, The Boys and The Mandalorian, has been suggested as a potential contender for two of the most iconic roles in the X-Men franchise: Professor Charles Xavier and his nemesis Magneto.

With Professor Xavier serving as the X-Men’s leader and founder and Magneto as a potent mutant with a complicated past and motivations, both characters are essential to the X-Men universe.

Esposito’s acting ability and range make him a strong contender for both roles, and his previous experience in the television and film genres makes him a solid contender for the X-Men universe.

While there’s no official word on when the X-Men will return to the big screen, fans can rest easy knowing that actors more than capable of portraying these beloved characters will bring the canvas to life.

One of them is undoubtedly Giancarlo Esposito, who has an impressive body of work and a loyal fan base.

Esposito Love What X-Men Do

Giancarlo Esposito appeared on Tuesday’s The Tonight Show, expressing interest in the roles of both Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto in the X-Men franchise.

He stated that while he would be excited to play either role, he has a slight preference for the more heroic character of Professor X because he has already played so many villainous characters in his career.

Esposito also added that he would love to bring his own unique interpretation and depth to the character of Professor X, if given the opportunity.

“I want to play a good guy,” Esposito said in a sitdown interview with host Jimmy Fallon.

“Charles is smart. He’s good. But I feel as if there may be some mileage with me and Marvel. I know I love what they do. I know I love creativity. So who knows what could happen? Keep putting it out there.”

X-Men Inclusion in the MCU

Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy have both played the iconic role of Professor X in the X-Men franchise.

Stewart’s version of the character made an appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and the actor has expressed interest in reprising the role.

However, it’s worth noting that his character in Multiverse of Madness was an alternate universe incarnation, so any potential return in the main MCU universe would likely be a different story.

Despite no official announcements from Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige, there have been hints at the inclusion of the X-Men in the MCU.

The recent introduction of Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) in Ms. Marvel and Namor (Tenoch Huerta) in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as mutants suggests that the formation of a new team of X-Men is on the horizon.

It will be exciting to see how the X-Men will be incorporated into the MCU and how Patrick Stewart’s potential return as Professor X will fit into the larger narrative. Fans will have to wait for official announcements from Marvel Studios to find out more.

Fan-Favorite Franchise

The X-Men franchise is a beloved series of comic book adaptations that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades.

The franchise, which is centered around a group of mutants with extraordinary abilities, was first introduced in comic form by Marvel Comics in 1963. Since then, it has grown to include a wide variety of adaptations, including films, television shows, and video games.

Meanwhile, the first film adaptation of the X-Men franchise was released in 2000, directed by Bryan Singer, and starring an ensemble cast including Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Patrick Stewart as Professor X, and Halle Berry as Storm.

The film saw critical and commercial success, grossing over $296 million worldwide, and launching a franchise that would go on to include several sequels, spin-offs, and prequels.

Additionally, the X-Men franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, with a dedicated fan base and a lasting impact on popular culture.

Its exploration of themes such as discrimination, prejudice, and the fight for equality has resonated with audiences and continues to be relevant today. With a new era of the franchise on the horizon, fans are excited to see what the future holds for the beloved mutants.

Versatile Performance

Giancarlo Esposito is a skilled actor and director known for his versatile performances in both film and television.

He is best known for his role as Gus Fring in the critically acclaimed series “Breaking Bad” and its spin-off “Better Call Saul,” for which he received widespread acclaim and a Primetime Emmy nomination.

Esposito was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and raised in New York City. He started his acting career in the 1980s, appearing in several off-Broadway productions and making his film debut in the 1986 film Half Nelson.

Throughout the next decade, he appeared in a number of notable films such as Do the Right Thing, School Daze, and Malcolm X.

In 2008, Esposito landed the role of Gus Fring in Breaking Bad and quickly established himself as one of the show’s most memorable characters.

He returned to his role in Better Call Saul and received widespread praise for his portrayal of the character. He also directed an episode of the show, titled Something Beautiful.

In addition to his work on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Esposito has also appeared in several other popular television shows such as Once Upon a Time, The Good Wife, and The Mandalorian.

Furthermore, he made his return to the stage in 2020 with a Broadway production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Esposito has also made a name for himself as a director, with credits including The Electric Company, Revolution and The Good Place.

Esposito’s talent and versatility have made him a favorite among both critics and audiences alike. He continues to work on new projects and is considered one of the most respected actors in the industry.

Gwen Stefani Talks About Harajuku and Her Love For the Subculture’s Fashion, Art and Music

Music Observer Staff on January 23, 2023

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Singer and “The Voice” judge Gwen Stefani has responded to accusations of cultural appropriation in relation to her Harajuku period.

Stefani recently reflected on her work that was influenced by Japan’s Harajuku subculture in an interview with Allure about her new beauty line, including her album from 2004 called Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Her 2008 fragrance collection, “Harajuku Lovers,” and its song “Harajuku Lovers.”

According to Stefani, it “should be okay to be inspired by other cultures,” and her inspiration came from her upbringing with an Irish-American mother and an Italian-American father who worked for the Japanese company Yamaha.

She continued by adding that she thought of herself as Japanese. She said, “I’m Japanese.”

“That was my Japanese influence and that was a culture that was so rich with tradition, yet so futuristic [with] so much attention to art and detail and discipline and it was fascinating to me,” Stefani stated, noting that her father would tell her stories from the beautiful streets of Harajuku.

Stefani Experience

Stefani soon visited the area to immerse herself in the culture after learning about Harajuku and its thriving subculture. It is well known as a center for fashion and youth culture and is situated in Shibuya, Tokyo.

With its vibrant energy, eclectic fashion, and colorful streets, Harajuku has long been regarded as a destination for those seeking to discover the most recent trends and styles in both fashion and culture.

Stefani spent some time walking around, taking in the sights and sounds and feeling the special energy that makes Harajuku such a special place.

She was especially enthralled by the music and art scenes, as well as the Harajuku girls, who were renowned for their distinctive and elaborate street fashion. She continued to be a keen observer and admirer of Harajuku culture as a result of her visit, which served to further inspire her music, fashion, and art.

“I said, ‘My God, I’m Japanese and I didn’t know it.'” According to Allure, she repeated, “I am, you know.”

She referred to herself as a “super fan” of the culture and stated, “[It] should be okay to be inspired by other cultures because if we’re not allowed then that’s dividing people, right?”

As per Allure report, Stefani “asserted twice that she was Japanese and once that she was ‘a little bit of an Orange County girl, a little bit of a Japanese girl, a little bit of an English girl.'”

According to the magazine, a day after the interview with Stefani, a representative for her declined to provide further comment on the record regarding her claims of being Japanese and her inspiration from the Harajuku culture.

Cultural Appropriation Controversy

Stefani, a well-known musician, has faced accusations of cultural appropriation throughout the past decade.

She has received backlash for her usage of a South Asian bindi, incorporating Latinx aesthetics in her “Luxurious” music video, and wearing dreadlocks in Sean Paul’s “Light My Fire” video.

Despite the criticism, Stefani has stated in an interview with Allure magazine that she identifies with the Hispanic and Latinx communities due to her upbringing in Anaheim, California.

“The music, the way the girls wore their makeup, the clothes they wore, that was my identity,” Stefani stated. “Even though I’m an Italian American — Irish or whatever mutt that I am — that’s who I became because those were my people, right?”

Renown

Gwen Stefani is a renowned singer, songwriter and actress, known for her distinctive voice and eclectic fashion sense.

Born in Fullerton, California on October 3, 1969, Stefani began her career as the lead vocalist of the band No Doubt in 1986.

The band released several successful albums in the 1990s and 2000s, including “Tragic Kingdom” and “Rock Steady”, with hit songs such as “Don’t Speak” and “Hella Good.”

After No Doubt went on hiatus in the early 2000s, Stefani embarked on a successful solo career, releasing her debut solo album “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.” in 2004, which featured hit singles such as “What You Waiting For?” and “Rich Girl.”

Since then, she has released several more solo albums, including “The Sweet Escape” and “This is What the Truth Feels Like”, and has collaborated with various artists, including Akon, Pharrell Williams and Blake Shelton.

Stefani has also made a name for herself as a fashion icon, known for her bold and eclectic style, which often features elements of punk, rock, and pop culture.

She has served as a coach on the popular singing competition show “The Voice” in multiple seasons and has been a judge on the show.

Industry Impact

Stefani has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the music industry, her unique voice and style has helped to establish her as one of the most popular and successful female artists of her generation.

The ability to evolve her sound and style and her skills as songwriter and performer have made her a true force in the music scene.

In recent years Stefani continues her music career by releasing new music and by going on tour, her talent and drive continues to make fans love her music and her personality.

Her most recent album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, was released in 2017, which featured holiday-themed covers and original tracks.

Her fans were overjoyed with the new release, with many praising her for her signature blend of pop and rock, which she brought to the Christmas songs.

In addition to releasing new music, Stefani has also been touring, performing for audiences around the world.

She embarked on her “Just a Girl” tour in 2018, which was received well by critics and fans alike.

The tour featured hits from her career with No Doubt, as well as her solo hits. She has recently returned to her role as a coach on the popular singing competition show “The Voice” where her mentoring and her dedication to the artist showcased her skills as a vocal coach.