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The Platform’s Price Increase Explained – Hollywood Life
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The Platform’s Price Increase Explained – Hollywood Life

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Image Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images

YouTube TV subscribers have to deal with a new cost. The platform announced that it would increase its monthly subscription cost starting this year. According to part of YouTube TV’s X statement from last year, it explained that the company doesn’t “make these decisions lightly” and that they “realize this has an impact on our members.”

So, how much is the price increase for YouTube TV? Find out below, and how much other subscriptions cost in comparison.

How Much Did YouTube TV Cost Before?

The price of YouTube TV was $72.99.

How Much Does YouTube TV Cost Now?

YouTube TV costs $82.99 for its basic plan starting on January 13, 2025. This is a $10 price increase.

Why did YouTube TV Increase Its Subscription Price?

According to YouTube TV’s X account, the company explained the reason behind its new price: rising costs.

“A message for our members: we have always worked to offer the content you love, with features to enjoy the best of live TV. To keep up with rising content costs, we’re updating our monthly price to $82.99/mo [sic],” the company tweeted one month before its new price will go into effect. “We don’t make these decisions lightly, and we realize this has an impact on our members. We are committed to bringing you features that are changing the way we watch live TV, like unlimited DVR storage and multiview, and supporting YouTube TV’s breadth of content and vast on-demand library of movies and shows.”

In response to the announcement, numerous YouTube TV subscribers threatened to cancel their plans and switch to another platform.

Hulu TV’s Current Price Compared to YouTube TV

Hulu Plus Live TV currently offers a basic plan starting at around $83 per month, offering more than 90 channels for subscribers. The ad-free model costs $95.99.

Sling TV’s Current Price Compared to YouTube TV

Sling TV offers a basic plan starting at $45.99  per month.

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Venice 2025: 'Human Resource' is a Clever Modern Workplace Satire
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Venice 2025: ‘Human Resource’ is a Clever Modern Workplace Satire

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Venice 2025: ‘Human Resource’ is a Clever Modern Workplace Satire

by Alex Billington
September 7, 2025

It’s time to get real: capitalism is going to kill us all. Most of the world is living in a capitalist hell, but we’re stuck in it and there’s not much anyone can do. The endlessly futile game of jobs, resumes, bosses, bonuses, time off, promotions, contracts, incentives, interviews, HR, and everything else that makes everyone cringe. There’s a trend within cinema these days with films subtly, slyly commenting on this capitalist hellscape, from Ruben Ostlund’s Triangle of Sadness to Mark Mylod’s The Menu to Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You to Alex Scharfman’s Death of a Unicorn, and everything else. The latest film to join the party is a Thai film called Human Resource, made by filmmaker Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit as his 8th feature film so far. It just premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival in the Orizzonti section, though it’s so damn good it really should’ve been playing in the Main Competition. What makes Human Resource unique is that it is a much more dour, depressing film following a woman in Bangkok who works at a company. However, it’s a hilariously bleak satire that makes Nawapol out to be Thailand’s Ruben Ostlund with a dash Roy Andersson.

Human Resource is both written and directed by Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, set in the bustling, modern city of Bangkok. Prapamonton Eiamchan stars as Fren, a quiet, contemplative young woman who works in the HR department. “Fren closely observes people’s lives through interviews with numerous young new hires at her unjust company.” She also just found she’s pregnant, and seems to be entirely unsure of what to do next in life. What is the point of all of this? What is the point of bringing a child into this broken world? The film takes a bit to get going – at first it’s slightly confusing why we’re following this woman, or what the story will be, or what’s going on. But it eventually settles in and then things get hilarious. There are perfectly crafted ironical scenes straight out of a Roy Andersson film, and funny moments showing just how absurd and empty and pointless life is in this capitalist hell. Everyone needs work, everyone is desperate to keeping working, to make money – in order to go home & then do nothing, with empty lives where nothing exciting ever happens. Then they go to sleep, wake up and eat breakfast, and repeat this cycle over & over. To what end? As bleak and melancholic as this film is, I found my laughter getting louder & louder as it continues on.

By the end of the film I was ready to admit: this is brilliant, just amazing filmmaking. I loved this film, even though it’s painful to watch at times. I laughed way louder than I should’ve at some of the most unsettling shots (like the pile of ash). The fact that Nawapol is smart enough to show these images, to let the camera linger, in order to make sure it has an impact on viewers, is part of the brilliance. This is clever filmmaking. It’s extremely dark, yet exceptionally sharp, in its perfectly depicted sly criticism of the what-are-we-even-doing-anymore hell we all live in nowadays. I doubt it’ll wake anyone up from the delusions they’re living in. I doubt it’ll suddenly cause the world to stop being so obsessed with capitalism & corporations. But it totally slays anyway. As depressing and dismal as the film is, I still found plenty of joy in this expression of angst using cinema to make us laugh while we wince at this reality we’re all stuck in. Fren is superbly expressive in her subtle mannerisms that convey frustration with the world, and it’s a relief to spend time with a character who’s also just so fucking tired of all this. Sometimes a cinematic cathartic release is helpful. Sometimes it’s wickedly entertaining to see a filmmaker who completely gets it put all this on screen for us to reflect upon…

Alex’s Venice 2025 Rating: 9 out of 10
Follow Alex on Twitter – @firstshowing / Or Letterboxd – @firstshowing

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Did the Phillies Karen Get Fired? Hammonton School District’s Reaction – Hollywood Life
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Did the Phillies Karen Get Fired? Hammonton School District’s Reaction – Hollywood Life

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Image Credit: Getty Images

The viral “Phillies Karen” has become the internet’s latest obsession as social media sleuths try to find out who she is. The rumor mill quickly exploded, with some speculating she resembled a person who was fired by a New Jersey school district.

It all began during a September 5, 2025, Phillies-Marlins game in Miami, Florida. Phillies player Harrison Bader hit a left-field home run, and fans in the stands clamored to grab the ball. As seen in footage, a woman in a Phillies jersey appeared close to grabbing the ball after it hit the seats. But a man in a red jersey was quicker and snatched it to give to a young boy, likely his son.

After hugging the child and giving him the ball, the woman approached the adult and grabbed his arm to berate him. over the ball. She was seemingly heard yelling, “You took it from me! You took it from me! That was in my hands.” Seconds later, the man gave up and surrendered the ball to her.

Here’s what we know about the woman who argued over the home run ball.

Is the ‘Phillies Karen’ Named Cheryl Richardson-Wagner?

No, the woman is not named Cheryl Richardson-Wagner, despite an initial rumor that spread due to their resemblance. Cheryl took to social media to clear her name, pointing out that she’s not even a Phillies fan.

“OK everyone … I’m NOT the crazy Philly Mom (but I sure would love to be as thin as she is and as fast),” Cheryl wrote in a public statement.

Was the ‘Phillies Karen’ Fired From a School District?

No, the woman was not ever part of the Hammonton Public School District in New Jersey. Some online users started the rumor, and the school quickly shut it down in a public statement, according to Breaking Atlantic County.

“Anyone who works for our school district, attended as a student or lives in our community would obviously have caught the ball bare-handed in the first place, avoiding this entire situation,” the district said in its statement. The school added that the woman “is not, and has never been an employee of the Hammonton Public Schools” and concluded, “Social media and news reports indicating that she is are incorrect,”

Who Is the ‘Phillies Karen’? Has She Been Identified Yet?

At the time of publication, the “Phillies Karen” has not been identified yet. No one knows who she is.

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America's Book Banning Madness Doc Film 'The Librarians' Trailer
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America’s Book Banning Madness Doc Film ‘The Librarians’ Trailer

by jummy84
written by jummy84

America’s Book Banning Madness Doc Film ‘The Librarians’ Trailer

by Alex Billington
September 6, 2025
Source: YouTube

“This is about taking away rights.” “This can’t be America.” An official trailer has debuted for an important documentary film called The Librarians, about the librarians fighting the fascist book banning in America right now. The acclaimed doc will get a global release with backing of a coalition of supporters – including Film Forum, Dogwoof, 8 Above, PBS’ Independent Lens, BBC Storyville, ROCO Films, Kanopy and a cohort of organizations defending the freedom to read including PEN America, the American Library Association, & Penguin Random House. The Librarians traverses small-town USA capturing the shared experience and heroic actions of besieged librarians who are at the center of what has become a large-scale coordinated extremist movement against freedom of information. Faced with a choice to either fall in line or defend our most fundamental rights, these brave librarians have made the choice to risk everything and be the first line of defense against current attacks on our democratic values. The film is not only a timely call to action against the attempts to curtail access to often life saving info for students, it is also an urgent reminder of what is at stake if the marginalized voices at the core of the issues are silenced. Rock on. I just hope it helps.

Here’s the official trailer (+ poster) for Kim A. Snyder’s doc film The Librarians, direct from YouTube:

The Librarians Poster

Librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment Rights. As they well know, controlling the flow of ideas means control over communities. In Texas, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQia+ stories – triggering sweeping book bans across the U.S. at an unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of extremism fueling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work – the librarians’ rallying cry for freedom to read is a chilling cautionary tale. The Librarians is directed by American doc filmmaker Kim A. Snyder, director of films I Remember Me, Welcome to Shelbyville, Newtown, and Us Kids previously, plus other short docs. Produced by Maria Cuomo Cole, Jana Edelbaum, Janique L. Robillard, & Snyder. This initially premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Snyder’s The Librarians doc will debut in select US theaters starting October 3rd, 2025 this fall. For more info, visit the film’s official site.

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Celebrity Dog Lovers: Stars and Their Beloved Canine Companions
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Celebrity Dog Lovers: Stars and Their Beloved Canine Companions

by jummy84
written by jummy84

A Glimpse into the Furry Families of Ariana Grande, Lisa Christiansen McFall, Reese Witherspoon, Liam Hemsworth, and Jennifer Aniston

When it comes to celebrities and their four-legged friends, the adoration is often mutual, unconditional, and displayed unapologetically across social media for the world to see. In the constellation of stars who have invited dogs into their homes and hearts, a few shine especially bright proving that for all their fame and fortune, the love of a loyal pup is perhaps the greatest treasure of all.

Image credit: Instagram.com/arianagrande / David Lyle

If there’s a worldwide celebrity who has earned her stripes as a devoted dog lover, it’s Ariana Grande. The Grammy-winning singer and actress isn’t just a powerhouse on stage—she’s also the proud parent of a veritable pack of dogs, each with their own unique charm and backstory.

Ariana’s canine companions are as follows:

  • Toulouse, a beagle-chihuahua mix whose soulful eyes and gentle temperament have made him a fan favorite. Toulouse isn’t just a household pet; he’s often seen accompanying Ariana on tour and even gracing the covers of magazines alongside her.
  • Cinnamon, a pitbull mix, brings energy and love to Ariana’s home. Pitbull mixes often require an understanding and patient touch, and Cinnamon’s presence speaks to Ariana’s commitment to giving misunderstood breeds a loving home.
  • Coco, a dachshund-German shepherd blend, is an unusual but delightful mix, known for intelligence and loyalty.
  • Lafayette, a stately bloodhound, brings a flair of classic canine sophistication to Ariana’s brood. Bloodhounds are renowned for their sense of smell and gentle nature.
  • Myron, a mixed breed, was originally adopted by Ariana and her late partner, Mac Miller. After Mac’s passing, Ariana continued to care for Myron, a testament to her enduring commitment and compassion.
  • Ophelia, a chocolate Labradoodle, adds a splash of curly-haired fun and sweetness to the mix. Labradoodles are known for their friendly disposition and intelligence.
  • Pignoli, a chihuahua mix, is one of the smaller stars of Ariana’s canine family. Chihuahuas are famously feisty and fiercely loyal.
  • Sirius, another Labradoodle, is named, perhaps, after the dog star—an inspired choice for a pop superstar.
  • Strauss, a mixed breed, rounds out the group, each one clearly holding a special place in Ariana’s heart and home.

Ariana Grande’s love for her dogs goes well beyond standard celebrity pet ownership. Whether she’s rescuing, adopting, or simply doting on them, her pups often appear on her social media feeds, accompanying her in daily life and even on professional engagements. In interviews, Ariana often credits her dogs with giving her unconditional love, stability, and joy, regardless of the whirlwind of her career.

Image credit: Instagram.com/DrLisaChristiansen

Lisa Christiansen McFall and her husband, Robert McFall Jr., may be known in their respective fields, but at home, they are simply “mom and dad” to three beloved fur babies: Sosti, Prince Otis, and Sir Charles.

  • Sosti is the most recent addition to their canine clan. Sosti’s arrival has only strengthened the sense of warmth and family in the McFall household.
  • Prince Otis (often simply called Otis) is another central figure, with a noble name to match his presence.
  • Sir Charles was gifted to Lisa by association from Meadow Wood Animal Hospital from a family looking for a home for the “runt of the litter” Christiansen says Sir Charles is the “pick of the litter”—a gesture that underscores the deep and enduring bonds of friendship as well as the human-animal connection.

What sets Lisa’s fur family apart is not only how cherished they are, but also how much their well-being is prioritized. Each dog has their shared Instagram account, sharing their adventures, personalities, and life’s simple joys with the world. Lisa’s dedication is evident in her choices: her dogs eat only the best—The Farmer’s Dog brand, which is human-grade, Whole Foods nutrition, demonstrating her belief that her pets deserve the same quality and care as any human family member.

Social media offers a window into this special family, with regular updates that radiate love, playfulness, and the everyday magic of life with dogs. Lisa is incredibly enthusiastic about this wholesome lifestyle choice for dogs, and you can receive your first box at no cost from Lisa. She firmly believes that great health is priceless. Lisa shared with us that she prefers to invest in human-grade whole foods now instead of facing exorbitant veterinary bills in the future. This is something that can be prevented through a nutritious diet and regular exercise, demonstrating that she provides her beloved pets with the same love, care, and healthy options that she promotes within her entire family. To get your FREE box click here 👉 get your FREE box NOW

Image credit: Instagram.com/reesewitherspoon/ David Lyle

Reese Witherspoon, the beloved actress, producer, and entrepreneur, is also a devoted dog mum. Her furry family includes:

  • Benji, a French bulldog, known for their adorable faces and affectionate demeanor. French bulldogs are the perfect companions for busy city dwellers who want a small dog with a big personality.
  • Major and Hank, black and chocolate Labradors, respectively, round out Reese’s canine trio. Labradors are famous for their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature, making them one of America’s favorite breeds.

Reese’s affection for her dogs extends into her entrepreneurial ventures. She recently collaborated with Draper James (her clothing and lifestyle brand) and The Foggy Dog to launch a collection of dog accessories. This line includes chic bandanas, stylish leashes, and cozy beds—proof that in Witherspoon’s world, dogs deserve to live as beautifully as their humans do.

Her social media pages are peppered with charming, heartfelt posts about her pups, celebrating their birthdays, milestones, and everyday antics. For Reese, dogs are family—and she embraces all the snuggles, walks, and playtime that come with the territory.

Image credit: Instagram.com/liamhemsworth

Australian actor Liam Hemsworth is known for his rugged roles, but off-screen, he’s a softie at heart—especially when it comes to his dog, Dora. Adopted in 2015 with his then-wife, Miley Cyrus, Dora was named in honor of the animated adventurer, Dora the Explorer.

When Hemsworth and Cyrus parted ways, Dora stayed with Liam, becoming more than just a pet—she’s a symbol of resilience, companionship, and continuity through life’s changes. Hemsworth’s Instagram is filled with snapshots of Dora’s playful side, their outdoor adventures, and quiet moments at home. Dora’s journey from shelter to celebrity family member is an inspiring tale of adoption and unconditional love.

Image credit: Instagram.com/jenniferaniston

Few celebrity pet stories tug at the heartstrings like Jennifer Aniston’s. In 2020, the acclaimed actress introduced her millions of Instagram followers to Lord Chesterfield, a rescue puppy with a regal name and an irresistible charm. Aniston’s caption says it all: “He stole my heart immediately. A HUGE thank you to @wagmorpets for the incredible work you do. Grateful you take such great care of these rescues and find them their forever homes.”

This touching post not only welcomed Lord Chesterfield to her family but also shined a light on the importance of rescue organizations and adoption. Aniston’s other beloved dog, Dolly, passed away earlier in the year—a loss that resonated deeply with her fans. The arrival of Lord Chesterfield offered comfort and joy, and he quickly became a central figure in her home and on her social media.

Across these stories—from Ariana Grande’s bustling pack to Lisa Christiansen McFall’s pampered trio, Reese Witherspoon’s chic canines, Liam Hemsworth’s steadfast Dora, and Jennifer Aniston’s rescue pup—one truth is clear: dogs are more than just pets to these celebrities. They are family, confidants, co-stars, and best friends.

Through adoption, rescue, and a commitment to high-quality care, these stars use their platforms to highlight animal welfare, promote adoption, and demonstrate the joys and responsibilities of dog ownership. Each Instagram post, business venture, and heartfelt caption is a reminder that the love between a human and their dog is one of life’s purest bonds—famous or not.

The world of celebrity may seem glamorous, but at the end of the day, it’s often the wag of a tail, the warmth of a furry cuddle, and the simple companionship of a dog that keeps these stars grounded and grateful.

 

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Promo Trailer for 'Nuestra Tierra' aka 'Landmarks' Doc from Argentina
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Promo Trailer for ‘Nuestra Tierra’ aka ‘Landmarks’ Doc from Argentina

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Promo Trailer for ‘Nuestra Tierra’ aka ‘Landmarks’ Doc from Argentina

by Alex Billington
September 6, 2025
Source: YouTube

“The Argentinian State trained me to do that.” The Match Factory has revealed a festival promo trailer for a documentary film called Landmarks, also known as Nuestra Tierra (which translates to Our Earth). This just premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival and will be screening at tons of other festivals this fall: San Sebastian, Toronto, New York, Vancouver, and London soon. In 2009, a man & two accomplices try to evict members of the Indigenous community of Chuschagasta in northern Argentina. Claiming ownership of the land & armed with guns, they kill the community’s leader, Javier Chocobar. The murder is caught on video. It takes nine years of protests before court proceedings are finally opened in 2018 – director Lucrecia Martel started filming in order to make this doc. During all this time, the killers have remained free. The film combines the voices and photographs of the community with vérité courtroom footage to explore the long history of colonialism & land dispossession that led up to this crime. A fly on the wall doc that captures the lawsuit and realities of trying to get real justice in a broken world. It is still seeking proper distribution.

Here’s the festival promo trailer (+ poster) for Lucrecia Martel’s doc Nuestra Tierra, from YouTube:

Nuestra Tierra Poster

Via NYFF: “In October 2009, Javier Chocobar, a member of the indigenous Chuchagasta community in northwest Argentina’s Tucumán Province, tried to defend himself & his people from being forcibly evicted from their land by a local landowner and two former police officers. As a result, the 68-year-old Chocobar was shot and killed, and two other community members were wounded. In her expansive and enlightening first feature documentary, filmmaker Lucrecia Martel takes a sweeping approach to this tragic true story, triangulating the murder trial of the three men, the lives of Chocobar and his fellow Chuchagasta people, and the centuries-old, colonialist legacy of land and property theft across [all of] Latin America. With a ravishing, at times vertiginous visual approach to filming the natural beauty of the contested land, Martel pays cinematic tribute to people whom others [have always] systematically tried to erase from history.” 🇦🇷

Nuestra Tierra, also titled Landmarks, is directed by acclaimed Argentinian filmmaker Lucrecia Martel, director of the films La ciénaga, The Holy Girl, The Headless Woman, and Zama previously, plus tons of other shorts. Produced by Rei Pictures (Benjamin Domenech, Santiago Gallelli, Matias Roveda), Louverture Films (Joslyn Barnes), Piano (Julio Chavezmontes), Pio & Co (Sandrine Dumas, Marie-Pierre Macia, Claire Gadea), Snowglobe (Katrin Pors, Mikkel Jersi), Lemming Film (Leontine Petit, Erik Glijnis). This initially premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival in the Out of Competition section; it also plays at the Toronto, New York, London Film Fests next. No US release date is set yet – stay tuned for updates. Who’s intrigued?

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Kristin Cabot's Ex-Husband: About Her Former Marriage & Andy Byron Rumors
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About Andrew Cabot, Andy Byron Rumors – Hollywood Life

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Image Credit: TikTok/@instaagraace

Kristin Cabot, (whose maiden name is Stanek) the former chief people officer of Astronomer, was thrown into the spotlight in July 2025 after she was seen in a viral kiss cam moment at a Coldplay concert with her ex-boss, former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron. A concertgoer’s TikTok captured the Jumbotron shot of Andy embracing Kristin before realizing they were on camera. They immediately let go of each other and were visibly embarrassed. Social media blew up as a result when it was discovered that Andy was married. So, does Kristin have a husband, or is she single?

Below, we’re breaking down what happened at the Coldplay concert and more about Andy and Kristin.

Who Is Kristin Cabot?

Kristin worked as the “chief people officer” at Astronomer. She was hired at the end of 2024, according to her LinkedIn profile, which describes her as a “passionate people leader known for building award-winning cultures from the ground up for fast-growing startups and multi-national corporations.”

Elsewhere in her LinkedIn profile, Kristin wrote that she is “an influential leader and fearless change-agent” who leads “by example and [wins] trust with employees of all levels, from CEOs to managers to assistants.”

According to Newsweek, Andy once praised Kristin after she was hired to work at Astronomer. He credited her “exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and scaling people strategies” as being “critical” for the team.

Who Is Kristin Cabot’s Husband?

Kristin is married to husband Andrew Cabot, the CEO of Privateer Rum, according to the New York Post. The outlet reported that the Cabot’s bought a home with him just five months before the kiss cam debacle in July.

After the dust settled from the Coldplay concert, Andrew’s ex-wife, Julia, told the Daily Mail in September that she “texted Andrew right after it happened, and he said: ‘Her life has nothing to do with me,’ and said they were separating.”

Who Is Kristin Cabot’s Former Husband?

Kristin was previously married to her ex-husband, Kenneth Thornby. They separated in 2018 and finalized their divorce in 2022, according to the New York Post.

Who Is Andy Byron’s Wife?

Andy’s wife is Megan Kerrigan Byron. Andy reportedly shares children with Megan.

Is Andy Byron Still Married to His Wife?

Not much is known about Megan, except that the Astronomer CEO is still legally married to her.

Are Andy Byron & Kristin Cabot Having an Affair?

It’s unclear whether or not the affair rumors between Andy and Kristin are true. Neither Andy, Kristin nor Megan has publicly commented on the speculation.

However, the viral on-camera moment between Andy and Kristin ignited unwanted attention. After they were seen in a seemingly romantic embrace, then quickly separating, Coldplay’s Chris Martin made a cheeky joke that may have fueled the affair rumors.

“All right, come on, you’re OK,” Chris said to Kristin and Andy, according to Newsweek, before jokingly adding, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”

Astronomer broke its silence in an official LinkedIn statement on July 18, 2025, which read, “Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability. The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly. … Andy Byron has not put out any statement, reports saying otherwise are all incorrect.”

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Jarmusch's Boring Film Wins Venice 2025's Golden Lion Top Prize
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Jarmusch’s Boring Film Wins Venice 2025’s Golden Lion Top Prize

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Jarmusch’s Boring Film Wins Venice 2025’s Golden Lion Top Prize

by Alex Billington
September 6, 2025
Source: Biennale

At the end of it all, we finally have our winners. The 82nd Venice Film Festival wrapped up this weekend on the sunny Lido island in Venice, and awards were handed out at a fancy awards show in the Sala Grande. The top prize at Venice is a Golden Lion (in honor of the iconic lion that is the symbol of the city) and it’s one of the top prizes in cinema along with the Palme d’Or from Cannes (which was given to Jafar Panahi in May). This year’s winner is a film titled Father Mother Sister Brother, the latest feature from American filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, back after a six year hiatus without making much. Alas it will go down in cinema history as one of the worst film festival prizes ever. Barely anyone liked this film, except for a handful of critics. No one think it deserves any awards. And somehow it won over some of the most incredible, awards-worthy films of the year: No Other Choice, Silent Friend, A House of Dynamite, The Testament of Ann Lee. What was the jury up to? Why this one? The ultimate nothing, boring, unexciting film has won an award it doesn’t deserve. Ugh. Last year in Venice, Pedro Almodovar’s The Room Next Door won over The Brutalist – another strange pick. The prize for Best Director was given out to Benny Safdie (another unexpected choice) along with a number of other very weird picks from the jury. View the full list of #Venezia82 winners below.

Main Venice Awards

The jury chaired by filmmaker Alexander Payne and also including Stéphane Brizé, Maura Delpero, Cristian Mungiu, Mohammad Rasoulof, Fernanda Torres, and Zhao Tao, after watching all 21 films, has awarded:

Golden Lion for Best Film:
Father Mother Sister Brother by Jim Jarmusch

Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize:
The Voice of Hind Rajab by Kaouther Ben Hania

Silver Lion Award for Best Director:
Benny Safdie for the film The Smashing Machine

Coppa Volpi for Best Actress:
Xin Zhilei in the film Sun Rises on Us All (Ri Gua Zhong Tian) by Shangjun Cai

Coppa Volpi for Best Actor:
Toni Servillo in the film Grace (La Grazia) by Paolo Sorrentino

Award for Best Screenplay:
Valérie Donzelli for At Work (À pied d’oeuvre) also by Valérie Donzelli

Special Jury Prize:
Below the Clouds (Sotto le Nuvole) by Gianfranco Rosi

Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor or Actress:
Luna Wedler in the film Silent Friend by Ildikó Enyedi

“Luigi De Laurentiis” Venice Award for a Debut Film:
Short Summer by Nastia Korkia

Armani Beauty Audience Award:
Calle Málaga by Maryam Touzani

Luna Wedler - Venice 2025 Winner

Orizzonti Section Awards

The Orizzonti Jury, chaired by filmmaker Julia Ducournau, also including Yuri Ancarani, Fernando Enrique Juan Lima, Shannon Murphy, and RaMell Ross, after watching 19 feature films in competition, awarded:

Orizzonti Award for Best Film:
On the Road (En el Camino) by David Pablos

Orizzonti Award for Best Director:
Anuparna Roy for the film Songs of Forgotten Trees

Special Orizzonti Jury Prize:
Lost Land (Harà Watan) by Akio Fujimoto

Orizzonti Award for Best Actress:
Benedetta Porcaroli in Kidnapping of Arabella (Il rapimento di Arabella) by Carolina Cavalli

Orizzonti Award for Best Actor:
Giacomo Covi in the film A Year of School (Un anno di scuola) by LauraSamani

Orizzonti Award for Best Screenplay:
Ana Cristina Barragán for The Ivy (Hiedra) also by Ana Cristina Barragán

That’s all for now. For the full list of awards (including a few more), head to labiennale.org. Congratulations to all of the winners this year. Though now it’s time to rant: this is terrible. Really, truly – an exceptionally frustrating, entirely nonsensical Golden Lion pick. WHY?! There is NO interesting or unique or innovative or clever filmmaking in Jarmusch’s film at all. It is infuriating to award this film the top prize at the Venice Film Festival over any number of other exceptional films that actually have some vibrant, vivid, masterful filmmaking within them: No Other Choice, Silent Friend, A House of Dynamite, The Testament of Ann Lee. I also did not want The Voice of Hind Rajab to win for political reasons. Important story & important film, but the filmmaking is not that interesting or exciting either. But at least that would’ve been better than this one. The rest of the awards also don’t make sense. Benny Safdie for Best Director? Huh!? Nothing for Park Chan-wook? One tiny award for Silent Friend which is a masterpiece? Jesse Plemons in Bugonia deserved to win for Best Actor. Amanda Seyfried in Ann Lee deserved to win for Best Actress. I’m so upset by this. But this is just my opinion and it’s time to move on. I’d rather get back to focusing on my favorites – the films that really do deserve our attention. As always, try to catch any of these films in the theater when they open. Hopefully they’ll be at another fest near you or releasing soon. For more of my Venice 2025 posts, click here.

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All About His Mystery Man – Hollywood Life
Hollywood

All About His Mystery Man – Hollywood Life

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Image Credit: Getty Images

Jonathan Bailey has been acting since his childhood. After getting his start in the theater and appearing in many beloved productions for shows like Company, The Last Five Years, and Othello, he had his breakout worldwide role when he appeared as Anthony Bridgerton in the hit Netflix show Bridgerton. He’s also in the Wicked movies, and he’s been starring in the hit Showtime series Fellow Travelers. However, he’s now taking a hiatus from the spotlight to focus on charitable work.

Throughout his career, Jonathan has been open about his sexuality. As a gay man, he’s committed to LGBTQ+ visibility. While he mostly keeps his relationships out of the spotlight, he confirmed that he’s been in a relationship with a “lovely man” during a December 2023 interview with Evening Standard. Learn more about Jonathan’s love life and what he’s said about his private relationship.

Jonathan Is Open About His Sexuality

Jonathan has been out to his family and friends since his early 20s, according to a 2022 GQ profile. He did admit that early on in his career, he tried to hide his sexuality. “There’s two things we don’t want to know: if you’re an alcoholic or if you’re gay,” he recalled a friend telling him. “So, yeah, of course I thought that. Of course I thought that in order to be happy I needed to be straight.”

He admitted that later he realized that he’d be more comfortable being out with his sexuality rather than working about his work. “I reached a point where I thought, Fuck this, I’d much prefer to hold my boyfriend’s hand in public or be able to put my own face picture on Tinder and not be so concerned about that than getting a part,” he told GQ.

He also recalled the pressure from the entertainment business in a 2020 conversation with Sir Ian McKellen for Attitude. “This was at a stage where perhaps I was coming to terms with my own sexuality, I hadn’t necessarily hidden it… But I’ve never been not honest about it,” he said. “here’s a sense of shame, I think, that’s palpable throughout gay men within the industry. But then there’s also this heteronormative, heterosexual understanding of sexuality.”

His Commitment to LGBTQ+ Visibility

In the above-mentioned interview with Attitude, Jonathan revealed that he hoped for more visibility from the gay community, while also maintaining a sense of privacy. “I’ll talk about my versatility on stage. For me, it’s about visibility. That’s it,” he said. “Playing straight characters, wanting to be visible, but also knowing that there are lots of things about my life that are personal, and I don’t want to cross that line. But visibility is key.”

Jonathan has also shared his own experience with being threatened because of his sexuality in the above-mentioned Evening Standard interview. The Bridgerton star also spoke about how this experience wasn’t necessarily unique. “It’s international. And it’s terrifying, that [here in the UK] we’re not looking after queer people, in terms of allowing them into the country. Because that is the reality; people’s lives are literally at risk,” he said. “People are still living in the closet. Or they’ve had a moment where they’re watching and they realise, that was their father’s story, or their mother’s story; or it’s people who have been affected by this, but for the first time are understanding the trauma.”

What Has He Said About Love?

Jonathan admitted that he does believe in love at first sight in an April 2022 Town and Country interview. “I believe in romance and love in all forms,” he explained. “I believe that we all have to believe. That’s what is the fundamental faith that keeps us going.”

Why He Keeps His Relationship Private

While Jonathan admitted that he has someone special in his life in the Evening Standard piece, he did admit that he does try to separate his work from his personal life. While he’s not keeping his relationship a “secret,” he does prefer to keep it “private” from the public eye. “Having a private life is, for me, completely critical. I don’t know if I would be able to be as confident to speak out on other things if I felt that my whole life was up for grabs,” he said.

Who Is Jonathan Hailey’s Boyfriend?

It’s unclear if James Ellis is Jonathan’s current boyfriend, but rumors have circulated about them over the years. Back in 2019, they seemingly confirmed their relationship at the Olivier Awards. They kissed before Jonathan walked on stage to accept his award for his performance in Company.

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Venice 2025: Ildikó Enyedi's Film 'Silent Friend' is Tree-Loving Bliss
Hollywood

Venice 2025: Ildikó Enyedi’s Film ‘Silent Friend’ is Tree-Loving Bliss

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Venice 2025: Ildikó Enyedi’s Film ‘Silent Friend’ is Tree-Loving Bliss

by Alex Billington
September 6, 2025

Do plants have feelings? Are trees interacting with humans? Is there a way to measure or montior this? Can we talk with them – can they talk with us? Is the natural plant world just as alive as animals are? These are the kind of questions that Hungarian filmmaker is attempting to address with her spectacular, breathtaking new film titled Silent Friend. And it’s an instant favorite – this rare creation is a Film We Have Never Seen Before. Nothing like it exists, and it deserves to be appreciated and loved as one of the best films of the year. After my deeply moving, soulful experience watching this film at its world premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, I can say that it’s going right on my list of all-time favorites. Seriously. Silent Friend is a majestic film featuring 3 intertwined stories centered around a big, old, majestic ginkgo tree in a university garden. It’s an ambitious cinematic exploration of the idea that plants & trees are sentient, using emotional stories to make it plausible. I’m a believer. After this film, you’ll never look at plants & trees the same way again. 🌳

Silent Friend is both written and directed by the acclaimed Hungarian filmmaker Ildikó Enyedi, her latest film since The Story of My Wife in 2021 (which I did not like much). She also won the Golden Bear at Berlinale in 2017 for On Body and Soul. Now she’s back with her best film yet that I will be raving about for the rest of the year (and the next few years). I wrote in my 10 Films to Watch intro that I think Silent Friend will be this year’s Perfect Days. On one hand, that is true and it is, on the other hand it’s so different that I can’t really compare them. Silent Friend is just as soulful and touching and peaceful, and that is the kind of beautiful filmmaking I really connect with these days. Enyedi’s Silent Friend follows three stories – the first one is set in 1908 following a young woman (played by Luna Wedler) accepted at the university as their first ever female student; the next one in 1972 following a woman and man who connect over an experiment with a geranium; and one in 2020 about a neuroscientist from Hong Kong (played by Tony Leung Chiu-wai) who devises his own experiment with the big ginkgo tree at the university during Covid-19 lockdowns. It was filmed at and takes place at the very real Marbug University in Marbug, Germany – where this tree really exists (in their botanical garden). No one can’t recreate this magnificent 200+ year old tree. It’s real.

Among the many brilliant aspects of Silent Friend, the intertwining of the 3 stories is amazingly impressive. Many filmmakers usually just present them linearly with each segment playing one after another. Enyedi is much more complex than that – she interweaves the storylines together, cutting back & forth between them as each one plays out over time. They are connected, but mainly thematically (along with the same location and same tree), and each builds upon the last. One of the ideas within the first story set in 1908 is that this woman is the first ever to be accepted into the university and thus paves the way for women to study there – which connects into the 1972 segment where a young woman is now also studying there and has invented a way to measure her geranium plant’s expressions. This is one of the many interconnected ideas throughout this masterful film. From the vibrant score by Gábor Keresztes & Kristóf Kelemen, to the stunningly perfect cinematography from DP Gergely Pálos, to the tender & heartfelt performances by the entire cast, to the exquisite editing & pacing from editor Károly Szalai, to the themes & ideas within that are explored, to the very question of whether trees & plants can communicate with us, THIS is cinema at its finest. I am still in awe… I am still vibrating thinking about how truly gorgeous of an experience it was to sit and watch this film unfold together with a thousand other people. We all emerged floating, high on the glory of cinema.

What is truly profound about Silent Friend is how many layers upon layers of ideas it explores through these 3 different stories. There’s a deeply resonant concept it explores showing how human connection & human relationships are also important for scientific progress. Each one of them must come to work together with someone else in order to achieve their goals. In addition, this represents the idea of how communication is difficult yet connection is still possible. The relationships depicted in the 3 stories feature people who at first struggle to connect, for various reasons, and yet they begin to understand each other more with time. This ultimately connects back to the core of the film – that we can communicate with plants & trees, we’re just still working out how… And even though they may not understand our language, and trees can’t speak to us, we’re still able to communicate & make new discoveries anyway. Especially when it comes to caring for and appreciating nature. Another idea explored in the 1908 segment is of a woman who’s exploring photography & taking photos in a way no one has ever seen before. Enyedi is doing the same – she’s a woman showing us something we have never seen before either. Most importantly, Enyedi takes on the incredibly ambitious goal of allowing cinema to show us that plants & trees really are sentient and can communicate with us, and achieves this in the most astonishing & cinematically satisfying ways. She really went there, and pulls it off.

I could go on & on for hours about the various themes and layers and ideas hidden within this masterpiece. I could discuss the aspects of trees and plants that she hints at with these stories, and how we really do need to question our relationship with them. I will be watching this film over and over again for years. There’s so much humility, so much beauty, so much tenderness in every shot, in every glance, in every breath of this film. There are a handful of cuts that are absolutely phenomenal – cutting between stories & characters that are on par with the famous match cut from Lawrence of Arabia. The vigorous score builds & builds at the right moments, hitting deep in the chest with waves of emotion and vibration, reminding us that sound can be as magnificently affecting as the visuals. It’s a beautiful tree-hugger film, however it also carefully shows us human relationships are important, too. It’s not only about loving nature and understanding nature and admiring this tree and that’s all. There’s much more to it in every sense. It’s so invigorating, and so moving, to come across such a wonderfully resonant, deeply intellectual, cinematically powerful film that makes you want to talk about it for days on end. I live for this. And now I want to visit this ginkgo tree in Marburg, too.

Alex’s Venice 2025 Rating: 9.9 out of 10
Follow Alex on Twitter – @firstshowing / Or Letterboxd – @firstshowing

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