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Tom Cruise to receive honorary Oscar in career first

Tom Cruise to receive honorary Oscar in career first

Al Etihad4 days ago

17 June 2025 23:46
LOS ANGELES (AFP)US actor and film producer Tom Cruise will receive an honorary Oscar ahead of the 2026 Academy Awards, the organisers said Tuesday, marking a career first for the Hollywood veteran.Cruise was selected to receive a statuette for his contributions to cinema, along with choreographer Debbie Allen and production designer Wynn Thomas.Dolly Parton will also be awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her decades-long humanitarian work, with the trophies presented at the Academy's 16th Governors Awards event in November.Cruise, 62, has had four Oscar nominations but has never won the prestigious prize, despite achieving global fame for his roles in action films 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Top Gun'."Tom Cruise's incredible commitment to our filmmaking community, to the theatrical experience, and to the stunts community has inspired us all," the Academy said in a statement.It praised him as "one of the most recognised and highest-grossing actors of all time" and noted his commitment to performing all of his own stunts.Allen, 75, was recognised for her five-decade career that has included choreographing the Academy Awards ceremony seven times and working on films including 1995 rom-com "Forget Paris."
Meanwhile, Thomas was saluted for his production work on titles such as 'Malcolm X' and 'Do the Right Thing'.

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Sharjah Ruler attends SPAA's third batch graduation ceremony
Sharjah Ruler attends SPAA's third batch graduation ceremony

Sharjah 24

time8 hours ago

  • Sharjah 24

Sharjah Ruler attends SPAA's third batch graduation ceremony

In his speech, His Highness warmly welcomed the graduates, who come from various Arab countries, stretching from Mauritania to Oman. His Highness highlighted their remarkable talents and hard work, referring to them as exceptional individuals. His Highness also acknowledged the dedication of the academy's staff, emphasizing their commitment to helping students succeed. Looking ahead, His Highness announced an exciting development: starting in September, the academy will launch a new College of Music, welcoming students from across the Arab world. His Highness assured that students will be supported and embraced in the Emirate of Sharjah, close to their families. His Highness shared details about the exciting new program at the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy that focuses on filmmaking. His Highness pointed out that creating this program is quite a challenge. Once it's established, the academy will have three main areas of study: Theatre, Music, and Cinema. His Highness expressed his pride in these initiatives, highlighting how they support the arts and the people who create them. His Highness, "This knowledge is a knowledge that can change many errors, whether in nations or individuals. Thank God, we are proceeding with very calm steps. We do not set foot in a place where there is error, but rather we are correcting this person who will carry the knowledge and who must be upright." His Highness congratulated the graduates on their graduation from the Academy and extended his congratulations to their families on this joyous occasion. Dr. Peter Barlow, the Executive Director of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, delivered a speech welcoming His Highness and the attendees at the third graduation ceremony. He praised His Highness for his vision and efforts, which have significantly contributed to the advancement of the Academy. Dr. Barlow also highlighted His Highness's commitment to education, which has enhanced the arts in the Emirate of Sharjah and inspired thousands of its residents. He emphasized that true progress is rooted in knowledge, compassion, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Barlow spoke about the important work being done by the President of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy in the field of education. He described Sharjah as a shining example of academic excellence, home to a large university city with more than 40,000 students. Barlow emphasized that education in Sharjah is top-notch and accessible to everyone, covering learning from preschool all the way to postgraduate studies. He noted that the focus on education goes beyond just what happens in classrooms. It's about sparking curiosity, encouraging creativity, and nurturing a sense of responsibility in the young people of today. He also highlighted that the love for the performing arts shows the President's commitment to creating a bright future in areas like theater, scriptwriting, and artistic performances. The Executive Director of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy expressed deep appreciation for the strong support from His Highness. This backing has played a crucial role in the Academy's achievements in arts, technology, and education, all while being guided by highly skilled teachers. He highlighted that the Academy offers students excellent chances to grow, be creative, and build successful careers in the arts. Impressively, 90% of the Academy's graduates are working in creative fields, both in the local area and around the world. Barlow also thanked the Academy's faculty and staff for their dedication and tireless efforts, emphasizing that they not only create artists, but also creative leaders with ethics and vision. He spoke to the graduates, reflecting on their time at the academy. He said, "You have transformed from newcomers into skilled professionals. Along the way, you have dealt with challenges, setbacks, and moments of difficulty, but you have also found success. You've learned from amazing teachers, received support from the dedicated staff, and benefited from the help of the technical team. You have developed and flourished in a place that fostered your growth and encouraged excellence." He said, "You have learned and grown in your skills, and now you are about to enter a new world filled with unknowns. This world is not your enemy; rather, it will teach you. You don't have a clear plan to follow, and there are no guarantees. Instead, you face the biggest challenge of all: creating something from nothing. If you succeed, you will experience the true joy of achievement. Be flexible, come up with new ideas, and keep pushing forward. If you think the journey will be easy, this may not be the right path for you. You will encounter difficulties, some of which you cannot control. Don't limit yourselves and don't hold on to resentments. Learn to forgive yourself and others. Stay positive, because a hopeful attitude helps you handle life's challenges better." During the ceremony, artist Zainab Al Askari gave a heartfelt speech as the guest of honor. She expressed her joy and excitement about being part of such a prestigious event that celebrates upcoming artists. The occasion was made even more special by the attendance of His Highness, the President of the Sharjah Academy of Performing Arts. Al Askari highlighted that the Academy has made a long-awaited dream come true for artists who want to develop their skills and share important messages with society. In a time when the world of art faces various challenges, she stressed how vital it is to have such an academy. She also acknowledged the support and care that His Highness offers to artists, helping them grow and shine. This initiative has been a cherished aspiration that has finally become reality in Sharjah. She wrapped up her speech by thanking everyone for their warm welcome and the hard work put in by the academy's organizers. They have done a great job in helping artists improve their skills and showcasing unique talents in the arts. She also shared her happiness about being part of such a wonderful event. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah distributed certificates to the graduates, amidst the joy of their families and guardians. His Highness also took a group photo with the graduates.

Evolution of Brad Pitt, from personal turmoil to era-defining superstardom
Evolution of Brad Pitt, from personal turmoil to era-defining superstardom

The National

timea day ago

  • The National

Evolution of Brad Pitt, from personal turmoil to era-defining superstardom

There are few actors who have commanded as much attention both on screen and off as Brad Pitt. While the ups and downs of his personal life have often dominated headlines, he has simultaneously built one of the richest filmographies in history over the past four decades, featuring blockbusters and cult favourites, and even stepped into the role of producer with Oscar-winning films. And at 61, he's showing no signs of slowing down. This month, Pitt stars in F1: The Movie. Ahead of the action-sport film's Abu Dhabi premiere, we look back at the evolution of one of modern cinema's most reliable stalwarts. 1963-1990: Early life and small roles William Bradley Pitt was born on December 18, 1963, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, before moving to Springfield, Missouri. He was the eldest of three children. His father, William Alvin Pitt, owned a trucking company, while his mother, Jane Etta, worked as a school counsellor. Both of his parents encouraged him and his siblings to pursue their interests, fostering creativity and ambition. As a teenager, Pitt took part in drama classes and school plays but initially studied journalism and advertising at the University of Missouri. Two years into his studies, he decided to pursue a career in acting instead. In 1986, Pitt moved to Los Angeles with just $325 to his name. He worked a variety of jobs including waiting tables and chauffeuring to support himself while attending acting classes. Early roles were small parts in television shows such as Dallas (1987-88) and 21 Jump Street (1988), which gave him exposure, but did not immediately lead to stardom. 1991: Breakthrough with Thelma & Louise Pitt's breakthrough came in 1991 with the release of Ridley Scott's Thelma & Louise. His portrayal of a charismatic drifter who captures the hearts of the lead characters, played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, earned him critical acclaim and introduced him to a wider audience. The film's success marked a turning point in Pitt's career, opening doors to more significant roles. 1992-1995: Transition to leading man In the early 1990s, Pitt starred in period dramas such as A River Runs Through It in 1992, and Interview with the Vampire and Legends of the Fall, both in 1994, which showcased his ability to carry emotional and complex roles while playing the love interest. His career took a darker turn with David Fincher's murder mystery Se7en in 1995, where he played a capable detective alongside screen veteran Morgan Freeman. That same year, Pitt earned his first Academy Award nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in Terry Gilliam's 12 Monkeys, a sci-fi film about time travel and the end of the world. His rise hit some turbulence in 1998, when Pitt starred in the romantic film Meet Joe Black, a remake of the 1934 film Death Takes a Holiday. The film received mixed reviews from critics who began to question Pitt's ability to portray the straight romantic lead, leading to a significant adjustment in how he presented himself to audiences moving forward. 1999: From heart-throb to Fight Club In 1999, Pitt's previously conceived image of a heart-throb would be challenged as he took on the role of Tyler Durden in Fincher's Fight Club. While the film divided critics and audiences upon release, it later became a cult classic and significantly raised Pitt's profile. His portrayal of the character has also transcended cinema, turning the character into a controversial cultural icon for certain corners of modern masculinity. Fight Club was a true turning point for Pitt and the types of roles he would take on. He followed it up with leading roles in Guy Ritchie's Snatch in 2000, then The Mexican, Spy Game and Ocean's Eleven in 2001. While he still had the looks of a romance novel cover star, Pitt eschewed that archetype, purposefully undermining that image with gruff, deeply flawed characters from the fringes of society. That interplay came to define his career. The switch not only added depth to those roles, but altered his persona moving forward – while also foreshadowing some of his more public struggles. 2000-2016: Personal life in the spotlight Pitt's personal life attracted significant media attention throughout the 2000s. He married actress Jennifer Aniston, from the hit sitcom Friends, in 2000, and they became one of Hollywood's most famous couples. The marriage ended in 2005. That same year, Pitt began a relationship with actress Angelina Jolie. The pair met on the set of the action film Mr. & Mrs. Smith the year prior. Together, they became known as 'Brangelina' and built a blended family with six children, three of whom were adopted internationally. Pitt and Jolie married in 2014, but separated two years later. Their divorce proceedings were widely covered in the media and revealed allegations of abuse by Jolie, which were denied by Pitt's representatives. The fallout from the divorce revelations hurt Pitt's public image and reputation, furthered by his children's choice to sever ties with him. 2010s-present: Awards recognition behind and in front of the camera In the 2010s, Pitt continued to appear in diverse and challenging roles even amid his struggles off-camera. In Bennett Miller's Moneyball from 2011, he played Billy Beane, the real-life baseball executive who almost took the Oakland A's to the World Series. The role earned Pitt his third Academy Award nomination. His second nomination came in 2009 for his role in Fincher's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. A defining moment of the decade came with Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood from 2019. Pitt's performance as stuntman Cliff Booth won him his first Academy Award for acting the following year. He had already won his first Oscar as producer for Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave in 2014. Pitt stepped into the producer role in 2006 with Martin Scorsese's The Departed. Since then, he has been credited as producer on celebrated and acclaimed films such as The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Tree of Life, The Big Short and Ad Astra. Through his production company Plan B, Pitt has often championed stories of filmmakers of colour such as the Asian-American immigrant tale Minari directed by Lee Isaac Chung, and the 2025 Best Picture nominee Nickel Boys, a tale of systemic racism against the black community in 20th-century Florida directed by RaMell Ross. Pitt's latest roles have also directly been inspired by his personal struggles. For Bullet Train, he told Et bil Arabi: 'That's what drew me to the role. This man who's trying to grow – but also somewhat regressing – on his way to being a better person. My own experience with self-help and therapy allowed me to [make light] of that. 'There are moments when you have one epiphany and you think you have the whole egg figured out, and then you step in a pile of crap the next day. This was making fun of that, and I took great pleasure in it.' With F1: The Movie shaping up to be one of his biggest yet, another film about a late-career comeback, Pitt's interplay between personal and professional seems set to continue long into the future.

Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave
Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave

Sharjah 24

timea day ago

  • Sharjah 24

Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave

Beijing-based Pop Mart is part of a rising tide of Chinese cultural exports gaining traction abroad, furry ambassadors of a "cool" China even in places associated more with negative public opinion of Beijing such as Europe and North America. Labubus, which typically sell for around $40, are released in limited quantities and sold in "blind boxes", meaning buyers don't know the exact model they will receive. The dolls are "a bit quirky and ugly and very inclusive, so people can relate", interior designer Lucy Shitova told AFP at a Pop Mart store in London, where in-person sales of Labubus have been suspended over fears that fans could turn violent in their quest for the toys. "Now everything goes viral... because of social media. And yes, it's cool. It's different." While neighbouring East Asian countries South Korea and Japan are globally recognised for their high-end fashion, cinema and pop songs, China's heavily censored film and music industry have struggled to attract international audiences, and the country's best-known clothing exporter is fast-fashion website Shein. There have been few success stories of Chinese companies selling upmarket goods under their own brands, faced with stereotypes of cheap and low-quality products. "It has been hard for the world's consumers to perceive China as a brand-creating nation," the University of Maryland's Fan Yang told AFP. Pop Mart has bucked the trend, spawning copycats dubbed by social media users as "lafufus" and detailed YouTube videos on how to verify a doll's authenticity. Brands such as designer womenswear label Shushu/Tong, Shanghai-based Marchen and Beijing-based handbag maker Songmont have also gained recognition abroad over the past few years. "It might just be a matter of time before even more Chinese brands become globally recognisable," Yang said. TikTok effect Through viral exports like Labubu, China is "undergoing a soft-power shift where its products and image are increasingly cool among young Westerners," said Allison Malmsten, an analyst at China-based Daxue Consulting. Malmsten said she believed social media could boost China's global image "similar to that of Japan in the 80s to 2010s with Pokemon and Nintendo". Video app TikTok -- designed by China's ByteDance -- paved the way for Labubu's ascent when it became the first Chinese-branded product to be indispensable for young people internationally. Joshua Kurlantzick from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) told AFP that "TikTok probably played a role in changing consumers' minds about China". TikTok, which is officially blocked within China but still accessible with VPN software, has over one billion users, including what the company says is nearly half of the US population. The app has become a focus of national security fears in the United States, with a proposed ban seeing American TikTok users flock to another Chinese app, Rednote, where they were welcomed as digital "refugees". A conduit for Chinese social media memes and fashion trends, TikTok hosts over 1.7 million videos about Labubu. Labubumania Cultural exports can "improve the image of China as a place that has companies that can produce globally attractive goods or services", CFR's Kurlantzick told AFP. "I don't know how much, if at all, this impacts images of China's state or government," he said, pointing to how South Korea's undeniable soft power has not translated into similar levels of political might. While plush toys alone might not translate into actual power, the United States' chaotic global image under the Trump presidency could benefit perceptions of China, the University of Maryland's Yang said. "The connection many make between the seeming decline of US soft power and the potential rise in China's global image may reflect how deeply intertwined the two countries are in the minds of people whose lives are impacted by both simultaneously," she told AFP. At the very least, Labubu's charms appear to be promoting interest in China among the younger generation. "It's like a virus. Everyone just wants it," Kazakhstani mother-of-three Anelya Batalova told AFP at Pop Mart's theme park in Beijing. Qatari Maryam Hammadi, 11, posed for photos in front of a giant Labubu statue. "In our country, they love Labubu," she said. "So, when they realise that the origin of Labubu is in China, they'd like to come to see the different types of Labubu in China."

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