Reuters Entertainment News Summary
Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.
Diversity to rock the runway at New York Fashion Week
From faux furs and statement outerwear to floral prints and pants suits for warmer weather, a diversity of styles for all seasons will hit the runway at New York Fashion Week. Many designers at the semi-annual event, which begins on Thursday, will preview 2017 fall/winter apparel that will land in stores months from now. But others will follow a trend that started last year and show in-season designs for spring/summer that consumers can snap up immediately.
Keanu Reeves gets deadlier in 'John Wick 2,' talks 'Bill & Ted' sequel
Keanu Reeves did not need much persuasion to reprise his role as a lethal retired hitman whose path to revenge sees him killing dozens more in the upcoming sequel "John Wick: Chapter 2." "I love John Wick," the actor told Reuters ahead of the film's opening in theaters on Friday. "We had great ideas, we opened up the world ... making a darn good action movie."
Sting, Wayne Shorter win 2017 Polar Music Prize
British rock star Sting and American jazz musician Wayne Shorter have been awarded Sweden's Polar Music Prize, committee officials said on Tuesday. The Polar Music Prize was founded in 1989 by ABBA manager Stig Anderson and the winners each receive 1 million Swedish crowns ($113,000).
'White Helmets' filmmakers say Trump travel ban hurts Syrian subjects
The filmmakers of Oscar-nominated "The White Helmets" about Syria's rescue workers said the documentary's subjects are directly affected by U.S. President Donald Trump's travel ban and their absence at the Oscars is a "lost opportunity." "The White Helmets," nominated in the Oscars short subject documentary category, gives a glimpse of the daily lives of the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, civilians who volunteer as rescue workers in the war-ravaged country.
Oscar awards organizers call for artistic freedom, no U.S. barriers
The head of the organization behind the Oscar awards on Monday called for diversity and freedom of expression, saying the United States should not put barriers in the way of artists from around the world. Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, told the 165 Oscar-nominated actors and film makers there was a "struggle globally today over artistic freedom that feels more urgent than at any time since the 1950s," an apparent reference to the anti-communist blacklists of some in the movie industry at the time.
Despite overtime finish, NFL Super Bowl draws lower TV ratings
Fox Television's broadcast of Super Bowl LI on Sunday night drew 111.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen data released by the network on Monday, the smallest audience for the National Football League's title game in four years. The contest included a thrilling finish, with the New England Patriots staging a comeback to defeat the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football league's first-ever Super Bowl overtime. The Patriots returned from a 25-point deficit and quarterback Tom Brady, 39, won his record fifth championship.
Pakistan bans hit Bollywood film starring Pakistani actress
Pakistan has banned cinemas nationwide from screening an Indian blockbuster movie starring a famous Pakistani actress, a censor official said on Tuesday, the latest media clampdown after last year's spike in tension between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The movie "Raees" has been highly anticipated in Pakistan, a nation of 190 million people where Bollywood's elaborate song-and-dance sequences are wildly popular, as it marks the debut of actress Mahira Khan alongside Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
Lady Gaga soars over Super Bowl stage with bow to inclusion
Standing atop the roof of Houston's NRG Stadium with drones illuminating an American flag in the night sky behind her, Lady Gaga kicked off her Super Bowl halftime set on Sunday by singing "God Bless America" as a subtle message of inclusion and unity in a deeply divided United States. As many speculated about whether the outspoken singer would use her spotlight to address women's rights, immigration or President Donald Trump, Gaga recited part of the American Pledge of Allegiance, "one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all," in her opening song.
Kanye West appears to dump Trump with disappearing tweets
Kanye West, one of Donald Trump's biggest celebrity supporters, appeared to have deleted his tweets about his meeting last year with the then U.S. president-elect in which the two discussed multicultural issues. The influential rapper's handful of Twitter entries from their Dec. 13 meeting at Trump Tower in New York, where West said he had wanted to discuss "bullying, supporting teachers, modernizing curriculums and violence in Chicago," were missing from his account on Monday.
Madonna granted permission to adopt twins from Malawi
Malawi's High Court on Tuesday granted Madonna permission to adopt twins from the Southern African country, a judiciary spokesman said. The U.S. singer has previously adopted two children from Malawi, stirring anger among some Malawians who accused the government of allowing her to skirt laws that ban non-residents from adopting.
