Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.
Film academy says it will not disqualify surprise Oscar nominee Riseborough
Hollywood’s motion picture academy will not revoke the unexpected best actress nomination for “To Leslie” star Andrea Riseborough, the group’s chief executive said on Tuesday after a review of an aggressive campaign on her behalf. Riseborough was nominated for best actress for playing an alcoholic single mother in the little-seen film, a shock to awards pundits who had not expected her to be in the mix.
DC Comics fandom celebrates return of ‘Swamp Thing’ to big screen
He looks like a giant, angry vegetable and fights tirelessly to protect his wetland home. He has made his way from comic books to film, television and video games. His name is Swamp Thing, and he is returning to the big screen with his own horror movie on a revamped DC Studios slate. In DC Comics, Swamp Thing interacts with several other characters’ storylines, making him a common thread throughout the greater DC Universe, often helping to save it.
Beyonce announces first new tour in nearly seven years
Music star Beyonce announced her first new tour in nearly seven years on Wednesday, in which she will take her latest album “Renaissance” on the road around Europe and North America. The “Renaissance World Tour” will kick off in Stockholm on May 10, travelling across the continent until the end of June. It will then resume in Toronto in July before wrapping in New Orleans in September.
George Michael, Willie Nelson among Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees
Late pop singer George Michael, 89-year-old country music icon Willie Nelson and rapper Missy Elliott are among the first-time nominees announced on Wednesday for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2023. Of the 14 nominees on this year’s list, eight are first-timers, including singers Sheryl Crow, Cyndi Lauper and the late singer/songwriter Warren Zevon, alongside rock band Joy Division/New Order and rock duo The White Stripes.
U.S. first lady Jill Biden to present at Grammy Awards
U.S. first lady Jill Biden will attend this year’s Grammy Awards as a presenter, the White House said on Wednesday.
The Grammys separately announced the lineup of those presenting at the award show, a list that includes rapper Cardi B, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, actor Dwayne Johnson, actress Viola Davis, “When Harry Met Sally” star Billy Crystal, comedian James Corden and Canadian pop artist Shania Twain.
From Lizzo to Gayle, Grammy nominees highlight TikTok’s sway in music
Grammy-nominated breakup song “abcdefu” is the latest viral sensation to translate popularity on TikTok into chart-topping success and music industry acclaim. The short-video app, with more than 1 billion monthly active users, has emerged as one of the music industry’s most powerful promotional platforms. Several of this year’s Grammy nominees, including “abcdefu” singer Gayle and R&B artist Muni Long, rose in popularity after influencers and everyday users posted TikTok videos with their music.
Baldwin charged for ‘reckless acts’ leading to ‘Rust’ shooting
Actor Alec Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday for showing a “reckless” disregard for safety that led to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western movie “Rust” in New Mexico in 2021, according to court documents. District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies filed charges following months of speculation as to whether she had evidence that Baldwin acted with criminal negligence when a revolver with which he was rehearsing fired a live round that killed Hutchins.
Rocker Ozzy Osbourne’not physically capable’ of upcoming tour
British rocker Ozzy Osbourne said he was “not physically capable” of going on a European and UK tour this spring, as he was too weak for all the necessary travel involved in live shows. The 74-year-old has undergone years of treatment after a 2019 fall damaged his spine and exacerbated injuries from a 2003 quad bike accident.
(With inputs from agencies.)
