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Producer Alain Goldman on His Venice Film 'At Work' and Next Projects
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Producer Alain Goldman on His Venice Film ‘At Work’ and Next Projects

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Alain Goldman, who produced “La Vie en Rose,” which earned Marion Cotillard an Oscar, and most recently produced ”An Offer and a Spy,” is having a milestone 2025.

After delivering Alain Chabat’s hit Netflix series “Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight,” Goldman is at the Venice Film Festival with the world premiere of Valerie Donzelli‘s “At Work,” one of the three French movies in competition. He’s also about to kick off filming on two massive projects, Laszlo Nemes‘ (“Son of Saul”) period project “Moulin” and prestige TV series “The Lost Paradise” in Eastern Europe. He’s the doing the latter two with Patrick Wachsberger’s 193 Legendary.

“At Work,” an adaptation of Franck Courtès’s 2023 novel “A Pied d’oeuvre,” marks Goldman’s first collaboration with Donzelli, an acclaimed French filmmaker best known for the Cesar award-winning “Declaration of War” and “Just the Two of Us.” The film tells the true story of a successful photographer (Bastien Bouillon, recently seen in Cannes’ opening movie “Leave One Day”), who gives up everything to devote himself to writing, and ultimately faces financial hardships and poverty.

“I read this book and was recently struck with it because it says something profound about our vulnerability and the violence of capitalism,” said Goldman, adding that the book’s themes are even more palpable now “for artists and authors who are seeing the value of their work downgraded or threatened by technology.”

“Valerie Donzelli was equally moved by this novel and she gave the story an immense sincerity, but also some fantasy and unpredictability,” said Goldman. “The film could have been a depressing drama but that’s not the case; it’s uplifting, intellectual and cinematic because [Donzelli] directed it.”

The film, co-written by Donzelli and Gilles Marchand, received support from France’s National Film Board (CNC) and the Ile de France region, but Goldman said it’s “likely the smallest budget of the Venice competition.” While he’s best known for producing epic, big-sized movies and TV shows such as “La Vie en Rose,” “HHhH” with Jason Clarke, “An Officer and a Spy” with Jean Dujardin, Martin Scorsese’s “Casino” (as a co-producer), “Babylon AD” with Vin Diesel and “The Spy” with Sacha Baron Cohen, Goldman says he’s always been drawn to social themes due to his own upbringing as the son of Jewish immigrants from Poland. “Social justice has always been important to me,” he says.

Goldman pointed out he’s always had the ambition to work with auteurs who have a vision, but is also conscious of audiences. “I’ve never understood filmmakers who make movies only for themselves, like two-million-euros-therapies,” he quipped.

On working with Donzelli, he said he found her understanding of the book compelling and universal because “she didn’t want to focus too much on the pure economic hardship of the story since ‘Souleymane’s Journey’ [Boris Lojkine’s film that won four Cesar awards this year] has just done it, but rather zoom in on the experience of an artist who sacrifices everything for his craft,” Goldman said.

“At Work” is being represented internationally by Kinology, who is on the ground in Venice, alongside Goldman, Donzelli and the film’s cast.

Next up, Goldman’s companies Pitchipoï Productions and Montmartre Films, which are part of Banijay Group, will be filming Nemes’ “Moulin,” starting on Sept. 15. The movie will mark Nemes’ French-language debut and will star Gilles Lellouche as the French Resistance hero who is captured and tortured by Gestapo chief Klaus Barbie (Lars Eidinger).

Penned by Olivier Demangel (“November”), “Moulin” will be distributed in France by Studio TF1 and has been pre-bought by TF1, Disney+ and HBO. Wachsberger’s 193 Legendary is repping global sales. The project will be Nemes’ follow up to “Orphan” which competes at this year’s Venice.

Goldman says he had long wanted to work with Nemes whose Oscar-winning « Son of Saul » is « one of the films about the Holocaust that gets the closest to the hell that it was, » the producer says. 

“Moulin” is an “immense project that resonates strongly today because it will remind everyone what it means to resist,” Goldman argues. After having shed light on Alfred Dreyfus in “A Soldier and a Spy,” Moulin will also celebrate “one of greatest French heroes,” he says, describing the tone of the film as “very intense.” Rather than a biopic of Moulin, the film revolves around the relationship between Barbie and Moulin.

TF1 Studio came on board and brought a “massive support” to the film whose budget is €14 million, the producer points out.

Goldman is also about to start shooting “Lost Paradise,” an ambitious and highly personal eight-part thriller series written by Yehonatan Indursky (“Shtisel,” “Autonomies”). Directed by Alon Zingman (“Shtisel”), the saga, which will shoot in Yiddish, Hebrew and English, starts off in Lithuania in 1860, charting the lives of Ashkenazi Jews. It stars “Shtisel’s” Michael Aloni.

Darren Aronofsky serves as executive producer on the series while Goldman is producing with Wachsberger. The latter is also handling sales via 193 Legendary. “Lost Paradise” is backed by the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Alcon Media Group and the Gesher Film Fund. It has been commissioned by Canal+ in France.

“Lost Paradise” has been in development for five years, says Goldman, who is a co-author on the series which starts shooting in September in Bucarest in Romania. 

“It aims to tell the story of the Ashkenazi people from the mid-19th century to, I hope, the present day. The first season ends in 1880, just before a pogrom that led to the exodus of a large part of the community, but unfortunately not everyone,” Goldman says, adding that “If everyone had left, they would still be alive today, either in America or Israel.” His hope, he explains, is that the series will become the benchmark fictional work in the history of the Ashkenazi people, like “Fiddler on the Roof” has been for more than half a century. 

The title of the series, “Lost Paradise” is “a little ironic,” he says, “because life was so hard where they lived, but they didn’t lose their desire to remain Jewish in almost an esoteric sense.”

Goldman says the series will also hopefully allow audiences to “visualise what these communities were like and how they threatened no one, and that they became the target of all kinds of violence, as they are today, because suddenly, when the world is not doing very well, we become the answer to the world’s problems.”

Reflecting on the difficulties to finance the series, Goldman says the “very fact that this series exists is a miracle, because it goes so much against the current state of mind, which is quite hostile to Jews in general, and I am very, very happy to have succeeded, with everyone’s help, in making this project a reality.” 

Goldman is also about to see his film “The Incredible Shrinking Man” which he produced with Patrick Wachsberger get released in France by Universal Pictures on Oct. 29. The movie, starring Jean Dujardin, the Oscar-winning actor of “The Artist,” is a modern adaption of Richard Matheson’s science fiction novel.

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Riz Ahmed Brings South Asian Touch To 'Hamlet' Premiering At Telluride Festival
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Riz Ahmed Brings South Asian Touch To ‘Hamlet’ Premiering At Telluride Festival

by jummy84
written by jummy84

EXCLUSIVE: Riz Ahmed was after the Crown Jewels. Along with filmmaker Aneil Karia and screenwriter Michael Lesslie, he wanted to take Hamlet, the most iconic of British plays, and do it about Britain today from the perspective of South Asian Hindu culture.

It’s their up-to-the-minute version of Shakespeare’s centuries-old tale about a troubled Danish prince who is visited by the ghost of his dead father who asks him to avenge his death and follow the trail of blood all the way to his supposed favorite uncle, Claudius.

To cap it all, Claudius has gone and married his late brother’s wife.

None of that’s new. We know that story. We’ve seen the stage productions. Some were godawful, but in my time, I have seen Jonathan Pryce, Kenneth Branagh, Ben Wishaw, Rory Kinnear and a handful of others excel. Benedict Cumberbatch starred in what was known as the “Barbican Hamlet” at the Barbican in London. 

It was a production of such gargantuan proportions that the poetry was squeezed out of it.

This film adaptation is the complete antithesis. It’s lean, mean and dangerous. The filmmakers have stripped it back so that cinemagoers will see only what the title character does. Lesslie assures that, while the tale has been set in an area of London inhabited by those from the global south, the verse has not been tampered with. This was strictly adhered to when I visited the set on a snowy, freezing-cold day way back in late December 2023.

For starters, the ensemble was made up of top-flight actors who knew their way around the Bard’s verse. 

Ahmed’s Hamlet was challenging his mother, Gertrude, played by Sheeba Chaddha, about her seemingly sudden decision to marry Art Malik’s Claudius. Then he was having a go at Timothy Spall’s cunning Polonius while Joe Alwyn’s smooth Laertes was waiting to wade in.

We were in this ugly, sprawling mansion located on the outskirts of Guildford, Surrey. Away from the main property was a pool house reached via brick steps covered with grit to prevent us slipping on any icy bits. This reporter, in a most ungentlemanly fashion, did go — as one crew member put it — “Arse over tit.” I jumped right up because the last thing a reporter wants to be on a film set is a dickhead invalid.

In any case, there was something appealing about being in this Succession-like, almost Trumpian estate. It made sense because in this version, Hamlet’s father, Old Hamlet, is a reviled real estate tycoon who founded the Elsinore Construction Group. Old Hamlet’s retainers acquired crumbling public housing estates turning out occupants enabling them to build showy apartments for cash buyers.

Both Ahmed and Karia spoke of family members having seen ghosts at funeral ceremonies, which made sense of the visitations Hamlet’s father makes after death.

‘Hamlet’

Courtesy Hamlet Film Production

Lesslie notes that the juxtaposition of “heightened spiritual poetry and the banality of everyday London” makes perfect sense when key characters are of South Asian backgrounds.

Living in an area of London, as I do, where there’s representation from all parts of Asia, the film reflects a city of vibrancy with menace not far beneath the surface. 

For instance, the character of stately soldier Fortinbras has been upended by BAFTA winner Jasmine Jobson. Now Fortinbras is the leader of the militant opposition to Elsinore Construction Group’s lack of concern about making thousands homeless.

In the late ’90s, says Ahmed, sitting in the pool house between scenes, he won a place at a private school. It was a time, the actor recalls, “where you had this generation of children of immigrants entering institutions like that. And there were these growing pains and there were these clashes.”

But there was a teacher — ”a Jewish guy from Wolverhampton who spoke Punjabi” — and he took Ahmed and two other pupils under his wing for English. They studied Hamlet, and Ahmed related to the idea of how “a lot of people kind of develop an obsession with his play in their adolescence because it’s about how it feels to be misunderstood and having to compromise and live in a kind of corrupt society or system, or be surrounded by values that are not aligned with your own.

“And for whatever reason, the world that I’ve grown up in is one where that conflict still remains, I think, for me and for many other people,” he explains. “Just how connected I felt to it emotionally, how much the themes of the play connect to some of the societal struggles we’re seeing where people feel like we’re in a system that is not responsive to our needs, that is corrupt, that we need to push back against.”

There was, he adds, “that personal thing, that societal thing, but then also a cultural thing came in for me where for a lot of these classic, these canonical stories, it’s actually immigrant cultures or cultures in the global south that can bring them to life in the most immediate way.

“Because for us spirits of your dead relatives, that’s real. We grow up within those belief systems of who you can and can’t marry based on their family background, which is the thwarted romance of Romeo and Juliet or of Ophelia and Hamlet. That’s real for people today.”

And to the point of the play’s narrative where Hamlet’s uncle Claudius marries Gertrude, Ahmed states that he knows “people who’ve married their sister-in-laws after their brothers have died. It’s a cultural tradition. It’s how you take care of the kids.”

The version of Hamlet that’s been bubbling inside Ahmed since his senior school days receives its world premiere Saturday at the Telluride Film Festival. 

Ahmed and Lesslie both were at Oxford but barely knew each other during their college days. However, they linked up when legendary theater producer Thelma Holt was the Cameron Mackintosh Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Oxford, and she sent a group to Japan to perform Shakespeare. Several years later, Lesslie’s play The Prince of Denmark, a prequel to Hamlet, opened in London to great success. 

Ahmed saw it and decided that he wanted to collaborate with Lesslie on a Hamlet film.

Originally, it was set up at Netflix. This was before they had a production hub in London.  

The deal fell through following a change of personnel at Netflix in L.A. The new people there weren’t interested in a costume drama “with verse,” Lesslie explains.

‘Hamlet’

Courtesy Hamlet Film Production

The rejection, Lesslie insists, did them a favor. That’s when they approached BBC Film and the BFI. Not long after, Ahmed made the Oscar-winning live short The Long Goodbye with Karia.

It was his use of handheld cameras and direct, in-your-face style that appealed to Ahmed and Lesslie. 

Karia also knew about ghosts. “That was a breakthrough,” the director says. “I went to many more Hindu funerals than I did British funerals when I was a kid.”

It was during a ritual at a house, “and it was the moment the soul was supposed to be released, and a cousin of mine felt that the spirit had actually taken house inside her, and it was a very intense experience for her.”

Karia didn’t share the years-long obsession with Hamlet in particular and Shakespeare in general. “I thought it felt British, I thought it felt establishment. It felt impenetrable in its sort of complexity and language.” But when he revisited Hamlet later, it didn’t feel so uncomfortable.

He liked how amazing the screenplay read and “found myself connect to it in a very different way.”

Karia says that as he read the script he was pleasantly surprised how “relevant and modern” it was in its themes.

“Here’s someone who’s coming back, who feels estranged from their family, where the corruption and grubby ethics of it all feel so shamelessly out in the open.”

Also, it was “quite useful” that Karia didn’t have that “reverential relationship with it. I could be a little bit carefree in my suggestions.”

It took them awhile to come up with the cinematic language that allowed a sense of a camera showing us what Hamlet saw and not scenes that he hadn’t witnessed himself.

One of this Hamlet’s signature moments is the “To be, or not to be” soliloquy.

Stuart Bentley, left, and Aneil Karia

Courtesy Hamlet Film Production

All three of them — Ahmed, Karia and Lesslie — came up with a variety of ways of staging that moment.  

Ahmed says that sometimes “we can fall into the tradition of the traditional way of doing things.”

He cites the famous essay “The Quality Most Needed” written by the extraordinary American stage and silent-screen star Laurette Taylor in 1914, where she dared thespians to use their imaginations and not to overly concern themselves about physical beauty or personality.

Actors often can fall into the patterns of doing things how they’ve been done before. “So what we end up doing,” says Ahmed, “is paying an homage to the way that things are done rather than really, really getting back into the DNA of something. … There’s so many incredible interpretations of this character, of his story that continued to inspire me. But my own interpretation was, it is not so much a soliloquy. That’s an introspective moment of ‘should I live or not?’“

A year spent studying Shakespeare under Rob Clare at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama allowed him to poke around the text and fully comprehend the “To be, or not to be” scene. 

I won’t spoil what they’ve done with it, but it’s an electrifying moment. BBC Film chief Eva Yates was on set the day I visited. We shared a vegetarian curry on the train home with set publicists from Premier Communications, and Yates told me to look out for what the filmmakers had done with “To be, or not to be.”

It’s certainly an unforgettably hair-raising sequence. It works too. I saw the film back in London and I’ll see it again here, but I’m fascinated to see it again with a younger audience in the UK, to see how they react not just to “To be, or not to be” but to the film overall. It’s not for old codgers who expect conformity and cardboard stiffness.

We talk about Baz Lurhmann’s Romeo+Juliet and how that cut through the stiffness. 

There’s something in “the DNA of these stories that is so mythic and timeless and potent and powerful that if you can really kind of step into it, it can really speak to people and speak to our time. He mentions that when Romeo+Juliet came out, the No. 1 album in the world was Spice Girls’ Spice. 

“And now today we are making Hamlet,” he says as we ate snacks in the pool house near Guildford. “I remember when we finally got the green light to make this, the No. 1 album was Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale &  the Big Steppers. And it kind of spoke to me about a kind of cultural shift whereas back then, Romeo + Juliet and the kind of poppy romantic feel of it was the Zeitgeist feel, but like now we are in a time that is more introspective, that is perhaps brooding with discontent and wants to find a place to put that and push back.”

I ask Ahmed to comment on Hamlet’s family and how his father is this greedy developer and how that might come across. In short: Old Hamlet’s a bad guy when, perhaps, he could have been painted in a slightly less harsh way.

As soon as I’d made my point, I realize how soft it sounds.

“ I’d like to think that all these characters are so nuanced,” Ahmed responds. “That’s the thing about stepping into material like this. This would be a more three-dimensional, complex portrayal of characters of  color. … I certainly don’t think it’s about goodies and baddies. 

“I think that this material is much more rich and much more layered than that,” he argues.

“But speaking to your point of immigrants climbing a greasy pole, climbing a ladder of corruption in order to enrich themselves and maintain their own status at the expense of others like them, is that something that is real sometimes for some people. … Is it because they’re evil people or is it because we’ve created a system whereby your own safety and security is often premised on denying someone of their own of theirs? I think so, yeah. “

He feels there’s a critique of the heart of this play. “Hamlet is full of his own self-criticism. It’s a critique of our own moral compasses. It’s our own inability to act. It’s a societal and systemic critique. But I think a question really at the heart of this version — and I think that’s really alive in the play — is, to what extent are you complicit in the stuff that you disagree with?”

Well, that’s why I love Shakespeare. His work can fit into any age and any culture. And now and again, it’s good to see a movie where I imagine folk are going to have differing points of view. Yeah, let’s fight — sorry, argue about Hamlet.

Hamlet is a BBC Film and BFI production and producers include Ahmed, James Wilson, Michael Lesslie, Allie Moore and Tommy Oliver.

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Sheridan Smith Interview on Ann Ming, ITV Drama
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Sheridan Smith Interview on Ann Ming, ITV Drama

by jummy84
written by jummy84

English actress and singer Sheridan Smith has not only made a name for herself with the role of Ruth “Rudi” Smith in Gavin & Stacey, but also by portraying real-life people. In the TV drama Cilla, she played English singer, actress and TV host Cilla Black. The role won her the best drama performance honor at the National Television Awards and the best actress honor at the TV Choice Awards. And in the TV series Mrs Biggs, she portrayed Charmian Biggs, the wife of the famous train robber Ronnie Biggs, winning the BAFTA TV Award for best actress for her performance.

Now, Smith stars in ITV‘s four-part drama I Fought the Law as Ann Ming, an English woman whose 22-year-old daughter was murdered in 1989. After two unsuccessful trials, the defendant admitted to the murder. But the 800-year-old British double jeopardy law prevented him from further prosecution. After all, the double jeopardy rule prevented people from being tried twice for the same offense.

Ming reacted with 15 years of campaigning to change the law. Thanks to her efforts, the Criminal Justice Act 2003 created an exception, allowing an acquitted defendant to be tried a second time for a serious offense. That opened the way for a retrial and 2006 conviction in the case of Julie’s murder. The man was sentenced to a life term.

Jamie Crichton (All Creatures Great and Small, The Last Kingdom, Grantchester) wrote I Fought the Law, based on Ming’s book For the Love of Julie. Smith stars as Ming in the drama produced by Hera Pictures (What It Feels Like for a Girl, Mary & George, Hamnet), in association with All3Media International.

“The drama follows the tragic, moving and deeply inspiring journey of the Ming family after the murder,” highlights an ITV synopsis of the series. “In the wake of multiple police failings, Ann relentlessly pressures the authorities to uncover the truth and ensure the man responsible is brought to justice — despite initially seeming he will get away with murder.”

I Fought the Law launches on ITV and STV on Sunday, Aug. 31, with the series streaming on ITVX and STV Player, followed by a documentary about Ming’s historic campaign called I Fought the Law: The Ann Ming Story.

Star Smith and writer Crichton talked to THR about creating the drama series and the challenges it provided, working with Ming, and why it never mentions her daughter’s murderer by name.

“She’s not a very well-known name in this country, and yet she should be, and hopefully she will be,” Crichton said about Ming. “The same is true for the double jeopardy law. I think if you stopped someone on the street and said, ‘What’s double jeopardy,’ they probably wouldn’t know.”

He saw a documentary that moved him, though. “It was Ann’s story, and it was such an incredible story. I couldn’t believe I didn’t know it,” he recalled. “So, I took it to Liza Marshall at Hera, and thankfully, she loved it too.”

The question of who should portray Ming in the drama wasn’t really a question for the writer and producer. “We both said the same name,” Crichton told THR. “I feel everybody says, whenever you’re talking about actors, ‘Oh, they were at the top of our list.’ But genuinely, I had three names and said I’m going to start with the first one. And I said, Sheridan Smith. And Liza said: That’s exactly what I’m thinking. Perfect!”

Smith was quickly on board. “Liza gave me Jamie’s brilliant script, episode one, and I read it,” she told THR. “I had the same reaction that they had. ‘How do I not know this story?’ This is incredible. I was thrilled that they wanted me. And I’m very grateful that I got to portray Ann.”

Smith prepared for the role by researching online, watching the documentary, other material and Ming’s book.

“We only met once,” the star says about Ming. “I had watched her so much and studied her that I just started doing mannerisms and things. It was my friend who was on set who noticed it first. ‘You are walking differently.’ I was like: ‘What?’ And she said, ‘You’re doing this twitchy thing with your eye.’ No offense to Ann, but I just try to embody the role.”

Is it easier or harder to portray a real rather than a fictional person? “It is scarier playing a real person, especially someone like Ann, who’s changed this 800-year-old law,” Smith told THR. “I felt such responsibility to do her story justice, because she’s trusted these guys to tell her story. And at the end of the day, it’s her real life. It’s not just a TV show, it’s her life and her family, and it matters.”

That meant extra hard work to get things right. “So I put myself through the wringer and really tried to feel exactly how she would have felt,” the star explained. “I know I can’t, because I haven’t been through that trauma, but I would beat myself up if I didn’t make myself feel at least a fraction of what she went through. So it was quite a tough shoot, but it was amazing, and an amazing team.”

Sheridan Smith and Ann Ming

Courtesy of ITV

That includes a great costume and makeup department, Smith lauded the crew. “I couldn’t even see myself in the mirror,” she recalled. “It just wasn’t me, and I didn’t see where I was. So it was a magic shoot. I’m really pleased. And I hope Ann is pleased. We’ve done well, if Ann’s happy.”

Crichton offered that getting Smith to portray Ming was key. “It’s impossible to speak for Ann, but I don’t know whether she would have let us tell her story if we hadn’t said we got Sheridan Smith on board,” he told THR. “As soon as we said her name, she said that she absolutely adores her.”

How did he, as the writer, pick what parts of Ming’s extended campaign to focus on in the series? “It’s a big span of time, which means you must make editorial decisions, dramatic decisions,” he said. “Ultimately, it’s all about trying to get the emotional story right. Ann’s book is so powerful. It does so much of the work, if you like. When I started really feeling like this is going to work was when I made the decision to tell the whole story from Ann’s point of view.”

Explained Crichton: “So often, especially when you’re dealing with stories that have true crime elements, the story is told through the procedural point of view, from the detective’s point of view. So you’re always going to meet suspects who are being interviewed. I decided, even though it’s quite a challenge, quite tricky, to tell it all from Ann’s point of view as a mother. Obviously, what that means is you’re restricting yourself to a certain extent, you’re not able to see what you would think as an audience of as being the classic interesting scenes. For example, I knew I would have to have police come in and talk to Ann to catch her up” on the status of the case.

His worries vanished soon, though. “I first thought that’s going to be the worst story ever told. But actually it was really liberating, because it’s nothing you normally see,” Crichton said. “And the great thing is that you put Ann in every single scene, or 99 percent of the scenes. And once you make that decision, then it’s about the emotion, and about how you tell a story that conveys the appropriate emotional beats at the appropriate times.”

Being in so many scenes meant that Smith was constantly in action or getting ready for a scene. “I feel that I was going slightly nuts,” she recalled. “But it’s also a gift. I mean, Ann is constantly in a state of anxiety, and no one’s listening to her, and everyone is shutting doors in her face. And what’s brilliant about her story and Jamie’s scripts is that I could get myself panicked sometimes, because it’s just so hard to turn it off. It’s this hamster wheel, and you want to keep going.”

What was Ming’s reaction to what she saw in I Fought the Law? “I think she loved it. I think she really got a buzz,” said Crichton. Smith also had some fun in between all the dramatic scenes, including in a scene that shows Ming barging into a room. “There’s so much trauma in it, but those moments where a strength comes through are great,” the actress shared. “And it’s great fun to play that and have a real release and, after doing lots of crying and internalized emotion or angst, be able to really show how Ann flew in there.”

The murderer of Ming’s daughter never gets mentioned by name in the series, and that was a core choice Crichton made early on. “That was really important to me from day one, because this is Ann’s story,” he told THR. “It was always important to me that this is not about the killer. Not only is he not named, you never hear his name in any of the four episodes, but he’s not even in the credits. The actor who played him, Jack James Ryan, graciously agreed to this. This is not his story.”

Concluded the writer: “So often, especially when you’re watching true crime stories, they’re about the gruesomeness of the killer, and that’s where a fascination comes. That’s the intrigue of the macabre. And it feels so exploitative of some poor family’s grief and trauma to make a piece of entertainment. So, for me, it was just always important that this is not his story. This is Ann’s story. “

Smith also wrapped up with that in mind. “This is a story about a woman who sees something that’s unjust and has been around for 800 years,” she told THR. “She was so horrified, obviously, by the death of Julie, but she was also so determined that this was not right. The strength in her is amazing. She just kept fighting. It’s about this little working-class woman who takes on the establishment amd wins. And I do think that that’s such a powerful story.”

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Star Sightings: Morgan Wallen Performs at Levi's Stadium, Jenna Ortega Looks Chic in New York City
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Star Sightings: Morgan Wallen Performs at Levi’s Stadium, Jenna Ortega Looks Chic in New York City

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Here’s a look at what celebrities have been up to as of late!

Morgan Wallen put on a show-stopping performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Kendall Jenner wore a full Alo look featuring the Airbrush Double Up Bra, matching 5” Airbrush Shorts, and the Sunset Sneaker while posing on Instagram. The model also posed poolside in Havaianas Brazil Logo Flip Flops.

Ashley Benson walked her dog in Los Angeles, California in the L’AGENCE Jodie Silk Slip Dress in black.

Zoë Kravitz was out and about in London, England in the GUIZIO Ira Cami.

Selena Gomez celebrated the launch of her Rare Eau de Parfum in the Cult Gaia Renata Gown and Cult Gaia Bambu Sandal. The singer also attended Lil Dicky’s wedding to Kristin Batalucco in the Cult Gaia Katara Knit Dress. Gomez also celebrated her bachelorette party in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in Otra Eyewear’s Hazel sunglasses, the Cult Gaia Kaela Knit Dress, the LSPACE Sunrise Shell Bikini Top and Lucia Bikini Bottom in cream, and the Lulus Bride to Be White Tulle Layered Short Veil.

Meghan Markle wore The Perfect T Lite and The Perfect T in the trailer for With Love, Meghan season 2.

Anna Kendrick celebrated her 40th birthday in the Nadine Merabi Leila Floral Dress while posing on Instagram.

Jennifer Lawrence enjoyed a stroll in New York City in the DISSH Ryker Relaxed Blazer in black.

Lily James relaxed on a boat in the Bekah Bikini Top in Sunset Stripe by LSPACE on Instagram

Jenna Ortega stepped out in New York City in Black Suede Studio Millie 100 Coconut Woven Mesh heels and then again in the Black Suede Studio Brea Cappuccino heels with Dezi Sly Black / Cognac sunglasses and Hammit’s Tom Med Bag in Belted Suede. The actress also shared her love for the bag in an interview with Vogue.

TheStewartofNY/GC Images

Lena Dunham was out and about in New York City in the Karen Millen Archive Collection – Plus Size Cotton Poplin Balloon Sleeve Corset Woven Maxi Dress.

Lady Gaga enjoyed a stroll in Malibu, California in the Bleusalt Classic Crew.

Bella Hadid attended the Backstreet Boys concert at the Las Vegas Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada in the Kemo Sabe Pecan Beaver Blend Hat with the Turquoise Concho Band and the Princess Polly Treat You Better Ring Detail Faux Leather Top in brown. The model also visited Cha Cha Matcha in Venice, California in the Princess Polly Chilli Halter Top. 

Taraji P. Henson attended the Taraji P. Henson x Seven Daughters Wines Meet & Greet in Inglewood, California in Giaborghini’s AMG Chocolate Calf Leather Heels and the Patou Safari Parka Jacket.

Katy Perry was out and about in New York City in the Malone Souliers x Tabitha Simmons Lily sandals.

Charli XCX got ready for her concert in Oslo with makeup artist Yasmin Istanbouli, who used Beauty of Joseon products to create her look. 

Kristen Bell teamed up with Knix for their You’re Good campaign, which celebrates the launch of the brand’s initiatives, including the opening of a retail store in New York City. The actress also attended TV Academy’s Inaugural Televerse Festival in Los Angeles, California in the SIMKHAI Charlee Bustier Top and Waldon Curved Leg Pant.

Kylie Jenner enjoyed a girls’ night out at Alba in West Hollywood, California in the Otra Eyewear x Grandquist Kenny sunglasses and the Rose Black Calf Leather Heels from the Giaborghini x Grandquist collection. The KHY founder also showed off her True Religion jeans while posing for a selfie on Instagram.

Jennifer Aniston hosted a fireside chat with Taylen Biggs at Chief Clubhouse in Los Angeles, California to celebrate the launch of LolaVie’s Powder Perfect Dry Shampoo.

@lexgallegos 

Chappell Roan performed at the Lowlands Festival in the Netherlands in BaubleBar’s Venus Celestial Earrings.

Justin Bieber rocked the Logan Hollowell Astral Link Chain while posing on Instagram. The singer also took a selfie in the Brilliant Earth Chain Necklace. The singer also attended Gunna’s album release party at Zouk LA in West Hollywood, California.  

Eva Longoria relaxed in the Eberjey x Casa Del Sol Inez Long Pajama Set on Instagram.

Sharon Stone appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen and The TODAY Show in New York City in Sydney Evan’s Gold and Diamond Medium Fringe Huggie Hoop.

Aaron Paul attended Cinespia’s screening of Point Break at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, California presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video.

Lizzo celebrated the launch of her PAPER Magazine cover at Sunset at EDITION in West Hollywood, California, where the singer performed songs from her mixtape, My Face Hurts From Smiling.

Christina Aguilera posed in the GUIZIO Wrap Dress on Instagram and snapped another picture in the MONTCE Binded Cabana Bow Bikini Top and Binded Polly Bikini Bottom in cherry cream.

Jessica Alba shared her nighttime skincare routine on Instagram, which includes essentials from Allies of Skin.

Gabrielle Union relaxes in the sun in Shelter Island, New York in the L’AGENCE Nova Wide-Leg Pants.

Gabrielle Union/Instagram

David Spade performed a surprise drop-in set at The Stand Restaurant & Comedy Club in New York City.

Alicia Silverstone stepped out in New York City in the ALDO Katelina Heels and again in the brand’s Mystie Heels.

Kourtney Kardashian snapped a selfie in KNESKO’s Gold Repair Face Mask while on a flight.

Dove Cameron starred in Urban Decay’s Naked Shaped Palette Campaign to launch the brand’s Naked Shaped Multi-Tasking Palette.

Elsa Hosk posed in the ALO Sunset Sneaker and ALO Alosoft High-Waist Iconic 90’s Capri on Instagram.

Halle Berry stopped by Ulta Beauty to check out the new Joylux display and bumped into Jo De La Rosa during her visit. 

Cindy Crawford designed The Cindy Racer Pant by Bleusalt and the brand also launched The Bui Racer Zip. The line is also hosting a Labor Day Sale with up to 50%, with an extra 10% off on their app, through Monday, Sept. 1.

GloRilla and Duke Dennis starred in True Religion’s annual Fall 2025 ICONS campaign, featuring velour and horseshoe detailed pieces. 

Sophie Turner was out and about in New York City in the PUMA Speedcat OG Sneakers.

XNY/Star Max/GC Images

Adria Arjona attended the Splitsville premiere in Los Angeles, California with a glow created by celebrity makeup artist Emily Cheng with Allies of Skin products.

Bethenny Frankel shared her love for SEEN’s Shampoo and Conditioner on Instagram.

Dorit Kemsley posed in the gorjana Diamond Eve Necklace on Instagram with Rachel Zoe, who wore the brand’s Diamond Pavé Mama Necklace.

Addison Rae snapped a selfie for Instagram in the Reebok Classic AZ sneakers in bright pink. 

Khalid made a surprise appearance at The Abbey in West Hollywood, California, to celebrate his new single release, “In Plain Sight.”

Jack Quaid attended Cinespia’s screening of Psycho at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, California presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video.

Travis Scott enjoyed a night out at Zouk LA in West Hollywood, California. 

Vanessa Hudgens attended the At Home with Narwal’s summer soirée in West Hollywood, California in a gown by HELSA and a handbag from DeMellier. 

Minnie Driver relaxed on the beach in Rome, Italy in a Left on Friday swimsuit.

Minnie Driver/Instagram

Jenny McCarthy hosted an intimate luncheon with LA Magazine at STK Los Angeles in West Hollywood, California to celebrate the expansion of her beauty brand, Formless Beauty, into skincare.

Rebecca Minkoff celebrated her pop-up at Sole East in Montauk, New York with a Kelpie yacht party hosted with Orlebar Brown, where guests sipped on FlavCity’s Anytime Essentials.

Iskra Lawrence celebrated ASTR The Label’s pre-fall event, hosted by Sami Bernstein Spalter, in Austin, Texas in a ASTR The Label look.

Patti Stanger hosted the 4th annual Sex on the Beach: Sugar and Sin party in Venice, California, where guests enjoyed a luxury gift bag valued at $1,000+, tarot readings by Fiona Hillery, floral tattoos, live DJ sets, brand activations, and celebrity and influencer guest speakers, light bites, and specialty cocktails. 

Jessica Szohr posed in the Moses Rope Sandal with Sole in Cafe/Camel by Nomadic State of Mind on Instagram.

Heidi Montag posed in the Wood Top and Wood Pant by EZZ STUDIOS on Instagram. The reality television star also released her new single, “Icon.”

Alix Earle shared her love for True Religion’s Joey Low Rise Super T Flare Jean on TikTok.

Hailey Bieber stepped out in Los Angeles, California in the GUIZIO Perfect Classic Tank.

Barbara Palvin enjoyed a date night with husband Dylan Sprouse in the Compliment Me Maxi Dress in burgundy by White Fox. The model also attended the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in Venice, Italy in a pair of Betsey Johnson NIKKI heels. 

Dylan Sprouse/Instagram

Odell Beckham Jr. celebrated his Miami Haute Living cover at Bentley Residences Miami Gallery in Miami, Florida with Sonrisa Rum, Apa Aesthetic and Haute Jets.

Brooke Shields hosted a pop-up in Bridgehampton, New York for Commence’s One-Day Shine-Ade Stand activation to spotlight the Commence Summer Set and the Shine-Enhancing Detangler.

Brittany Snow was out and about in West Hollywood, California in Naturalizer’s Darry Luxe Lug Loafer.

Megan Thee Stallion posed on Instagram in the OUTCAST Kelli Maxi Dress Valaire and Esmeralda Maxi Dress Chocolate.

LL Cool J performed in Brooklyn, New York at a special event to reveal the all-new Jeep Cherokee.

Ariana Madix appeared on the season 7 reunion of Love Island in 20 pieces of TACORI jewelry.

Christina Ricci starred in Betsey Johnson’s Fall 2025 campaign filled with corsets, velvets, leather, and statement accessories.

Tate McRae posed in the GUIZIO Ira Cami in red on Instagram.

Dixie D’Amelio attended the Pink Palm Puff VIP Pop-Up Event at The Grove in Los Angeles, California.

Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Pink Palm Puff

Seth MacFarlane attended Charly Jordan’s DJ set at Zouk LA in West Hollywood, California.

Victoria Beckham shared her daily routine, which includes Par Olive’s collagen powder.

Julia Fox filmed Elsbeth in New York City in the Malone Souliers Nomi 90 Black Satin Sandals.

Brooks Nader showed off her favorite Larroudé shoes while shooting a campaign for the brand on Love Thy Nader. 

Jasmine Tookes rocked the PLT Label Gold Plisse Satin Column Bandeau Maxi Dress.

Kali Uchis kicked off her tour in Los Angeles, California in a custom OUTCAST look.

Justine Skye celebrated her 30th birthday at The Summer EDITION – EDITION Hotels’ Pop-Up in El Silencio, Ibiza. 

Taylor Swift’s makeup artist Lorrie Turk shared her love for MARA Beauty’s Sea Sculpt Body Oil on Instagram.

Kaia Gerber’s trainer Kirsty Godso celebrated the launch of the Vuori by Kaia collection with a workout at HUME in Venice, California.

Andy Samberg appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in Los Angeles, California in the SeaVees Cardinal Sneaker in White Suede before visiting Good Morning America in New York City in the same style shoe, but in Latte Suede.

Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images

Abby Champion celebrated her bachelorette party in the BaubleBar Alpha Icon Tote and Dive in Paracord Bracelet.

JaNa Craig shared her love for FlavCity Anytime Essentials on TikTok.

Amaya Espinal appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in New York City in ALDO’s Stessysling Slingbacks. The reality television star also stepped out in New York City in True Religion’s Jennie Super T Mid-Rise Curvy Skinny Jeans and Super T Denim Vest.

Terry and Heather Dubrow celebrated the launch of their brand new Between Us podcast.  

Cameron Brink, Jessie Pegula, Reilyn Turner, Kyra Zaengle, and Lauren and Sienna Betts starred in the gorjana Sports Club campaign.

Lizzy Mathis was spotted out in New Yok City in the Acler Cinderford Mini Dress.

Shannon Nadj of Hot Pilates hosted a Lion’s Portal Sound Bath event at Hot Pilates in West Hollywood, California.

Grace VanderWaal starred in Steve Madden’s Everyone Has Something to Say About Shoes campaign.

Selma Blair was all smiles while posing on Instagram in the Johnny Was Panel Denim Skirt.

Selma Blair/Instagram

Taylor Townsend played at the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City in The Slouch Sock by HUE. The tennis player also attended the Pickleball with the Pros event at the new Hyatt Regency Times Square in New York City.

Jaden Ashley appeared on the Love Island reunion in the Azazie Blanka Apple Red Gown

Lexi Wood teamed up with Princess Polly to launch the Lexi Wood x Princess Polly Edit filled with eleven looks inspired by Wood’s style and her love for nightlife in New York City. The reality television star also teamed up with Hanky Panky to launch a 25-piece collection for their fall/holiday 2025 collection that redefines lingerie as an everyday staple to wear outside of bedroom. 

Kevyn Zeller led a special Pilates session as part of Arketa’s Summer Sweat Series at Hero Beach Club in Montauk, New York. 

Maggie Rawlins celebrated her Hamptons Magazine cover at Topping Rose in Bridgehampton, New York with Grey/Ven.

Madi Webb starred in YITTY’s Soft Rib Collection campaign featuring breathable, lightweight, and sleek silhouettes in sizes XS to 6X. The brand also launched their Active collection with light to medium compression and moisture-wicking, 4-way stretch fabric, and UPF 50+ protection on Walmart.com. 

Molly Bair starred in the Lola Blankets ONE OF ONE fall 2025 Collection, which includes new additions to their core collection in driftwood, navy, and charcoal grey. 

Sami Clarke and Sami Spalter launched FORM Activewear on Revolve.

Khadijah Haqq attended the Lulus Fall It List dinner at Muse Santa Monica in Santa Monica, California in the brand’s Stellina Gold Metallic Satin Cowl Back Mini Dress.

Natalie Goldstein

Roosmarijn de Kok posed on Instagram in the Lost Tides Short in Maldives Stripe by LSPACE. 

Don Toliver and Shaboozey performed at Zouk LA in West Hollywood, California.

Charity Lawson attended a bridal showcase event at BLACKBARN Restaurant in New York City.

Lissy Roddy teamed up with KSUBI to launch the 10-piece Ksubi by Lissy Roddy, filled with a District Bomber and Ksuper jeans, alongside varsity-inspired staples and layered accessories. The brand also launched the Neo Nostalgia collection featuring varsity inspired pieces and western flair with details like elaborate crystals, studs and KSUBI crosses.

Jocelyn Enriquez performed at Dynasty Entertainment’s Reunion: A Dynasty Homecoming fundraiser for Bata Sole and the AC Lorenzo Music Scholarship Fund at Joe’s Live, in Rosemont, Illinois.

Dr. Marc Mani hosted an intimate dinner at his home in Beverly Hills, California to share details about his scarless lift procedure, where attendees enjoyed a coursed-out meal by Chef Richard Wimbleton.

Corinne Bensahel and Charlotte Croonenberghs of Baobab Collection hosted an exclusive virtual masterclass to celebrate the brand’s fall/winter 2025 collection inspired by the forest and cathedrals.

Lexi Hidalgo snapped a selfie for Instagram in the Lucky Fish Necklace from ALV Jewels.

Rufus Wainwright performed at Little Beach House Malibu in Malibu, California for Soho House’s Evening of Live Music event.

Jamie Bruce

Tina Chen Craig and dermatologist Dr. Dan Belkin hosted a virtual event to celebrate the launch of The Smooth Dynamic Wrinkle Defense Serum by U Beauty.

Sara Firouz shared her love for the IWS I WANNA SLEEP adjustable cooling pillow on Instagram.

Olivia Pierson teamed up with LA Glam Co. to launch a collection of curated hair accessories all under $30.

Lisa Moir teamed up with Carve Designs to launch a capsule collection with compression swim silhouettes, created for performance and ease, in two custom color stories co-designed with Moir.

Gabriella Gomez celebrated her one-year anniversary as a Tiktok Live pro.

Lindsay Brewer secured her first-class victory in Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America at Road America.

Nick Mayhugh was named to Team USA for the Para Athletics World Championships in New Delhi this September.

Kendall Washington appeared as a contestant on UpDating.

Levi’s® celebrated the launch of their collaboration with Oasis by hosting the Levi’s® x Oasis Tour-Ready Booth at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, California, where guests stocked up on the collection, filled with classic band tees and authentic denim apparel inspired by the band’s style, along with vintage pieces curated by Silver Lake Market.

Yong Kim

Izzi Poopi starred in Cider’s Fall 2025 Mood Report campaign filled with coastal, pastel, romantic, animal print, and military-inspired styles. The brand is also hosting a sale with 20% off using the code SEP20 through Monday, Sept. 1. 

Sadé Vanessa launched the What’s Popping What’s Good?! podcast.

Deb Antney celebrated the season two premiere of Deb’s House on We TV, ALLBLK, and AMC+ at Black Tap in New York City.

Olesia Stefanko attended the Spotlight Magazine cover launch event in Wainscott, New York.

Mica Javier released a music video for her new single, “Runaway,” where she wore designs by Jonathan Marc Stein.

Chelley Bissainthe and Olandria Carthen appeared on the Love Island reunion with hair looks created with ghd tools.

Abby Baffoe attended the US Open in New York City with Too Faced.

Susan Holmes McKagan attended the 10 Year Anniversary Gala of the Rise Above Foundation in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Ash K Holm celebrated her baby shower, hosted by Momcozy and Babylist, in Los Angeles, California.

Courtesy of Babylist/Instagram 

Barre Definition founder, Action Jacquelyn, hosted a ballet-inspired sculpting workout at La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood, California, to celebrate the launch of the Barre Definition Platform and their whey protein and collagen powders. 

Nick Fouquet hosted a VIP archive sale at Nick Fouquet in Venice, California. 

Nena Evans announced her pregnancy news.

STAUD hosted a preview event for their fall 2025 collection featuring the newly launched STAUD Jeans in West Hollywood, California.

Beauty f(x) and OTM Collection hosted a Pilates class at Speir Pilates Ocean Park in Santa Monica, California

TIRTIR hosted an exclusive pop-up truck and party at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California to celebrate the brand’s launch at ULTA.

VEHLA launched the Ribbed Tank, a versatile essential, in snow and taupe for $125.

GUIZIO has just dropped part one of their Fall/Winter 25 Collection, As Fate Would Have It.

Pia Mance of Heaven Mayhem and Tezza Barton of Tezza hosted an immersive pop-up studio in Los Angeles, California, where attendees enjoyed Tezza’s photobooth experience and previewed Heaven Mayhem’s eyewear collection. 

@tyfrenchphoto / Ty French

Flamingo Estate launched the Green Goddess collection featuring a candle, a soap brick and a duo set.

alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet launched a denim collection for fall 2025 with nine jean styles including low, mid, and high-rise options along with skinny, straight, and relaxed silhouettes.

KHY launched the Cotton Stretch collection crafted from a luxurious cotton blend with silhouettes that are both versatile and form-flattering in sizes XXS to 4X and prices ranging from $88-$162. 

Nécessaire launched the Rosemary Serum to support visibly fuller and healthier looking hair with Capixyl and 70% rosemary water, extract, and oil, as well as proteins and ceramides.

REFY launched the Brown Lash Sculpt to lift, separate, and define lashes in a softer, natural-looking brown.

Tatcha launched The Longevity Serum made with locally sourced Okinawan ingredients, to visibly firm skin and make it stronger, more resilient, and visibly radiant.

MOTHER launched the Punk Nouveau collection with band tees, oversized jackets, and more with studs, leopard print, delicate knits, and more details set against soft pastel colors.

Taco Bell launched the MOUNTAIN DEW BAJA MIDNIGHT™ as a remix of the cult-favorite MOUNTAIN DEW BAJA BLAST, now with a passion fruit flavor twist and a purple hue, as the chain’s first-ever permanent flavor expansion of the BAJA BLAST. Taci Bell also hosted an exclusive Decades Y2K party in Los Angeles, California, to mark the return of some of its most iconic fan-favorite menu items. 

Stakt is partnering with SunLife Organics for a limited-edition Matcha Cookies and Cream smoothie launching on Monday, Sept. 1, packed with post workout benefits like protein, creatine, and goat mineral whey. 

January Jones shared her fall must-haves from Sézane on Instagram after the brand celebrated the opening of their new store at The Grove in Los Angeles, California, L’Appartement Sézane, where guests enjoyed a dreamy French jardin atmosphere, seasonal bites, drinks, and more while viewing the latest fall collection.

Courtesy of Sézane

Seeq Supply launched their Juice Genius series on Instagram to celebrate their clear protein products with 22g of clear protein and 0g of sugar.

KERASILK launched the Hydrating Essence to deliver moisture, gloss, and strength hair with a 100% vegan formula.

Peach&Lily launched the MiniProtein Exosome Bioactive Ampoule to improve the look of collagen loss with ProprietaryMicroMimic Tri-Signal Complex™ and biomimetic mini proteins, exosomes, and phyto growth factors to visibly smooth and firm skin. 

La La Land Kind Cafe launched its first-ever kids’ menu, which includes five mini drinks and three mini food items and celebrated by offering custom Mickey & Friends-themed beverage sleeves and drink stoppers, Be Kind tote bags, and a Just Play Disney Munchlings toy.

SEEN launched the Frizz + Repair Treatment Mask to fight frizz and help repair damage in as little as 5 minutes without weighing down hair.

Stakt and Parke teamed up to launch a collection featuring a limited-edition Mat and a Varsity Crewneck, and a canvas tote gift when purchasing both items. 

tbh® kids launched the daily spritz hair & body spray for everyday use. 

Fairy Tales Hair Care launched the Curly-Q™ Kids Curl Cream for Curly Hair for soft, shiny hair without a sticky or heavy feel. 

SJ Bleau and Carew Ellington announced their engagement on Instagram.

Courtesy of Caroline Faulkinberry/Instagram

Typology launched the R41 Restorative Hair Serum, a concentrated, silicone-free treatment that hydrates, smooths, and strengthens hair with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. The brand also relaunched the T50 Serum Mascara with an upgraded, lash-conditioning formula to deliver clump-free volume and definition while supporting visible lash growth with pea peptides, castor oil, and plant keratin.

Heyhae launched the August collection filled with six design options, ranging from core colors to glimmering gradients with prices ranging from $10-$14.

Tweezerman launched the Disney Classic Collection with beauty tools inspired by 101 Dalmatians, Lady and the Tramp, and The Aristocats.

Bubble Skincare launched the All Clear Salicylic Acid Cleanser to help prevent breakouts with a foaming formula.

PatPat launched a collection of Halloween pajamas with pumpkins, skeletons, dinosaurs, ghosts, bats and more for all ages and pets.

AlumierMD launched their professional-grade sheet mask for at-home use, the HydraRescue BioCellulose Mask, available in a 4-pack for $90. 

TEVA launched their AW25 collection inspired by the brand’s For Playground Earth anthem, with all season footwear styles.

QUAY launched their fall 2025 collection with new styles in bold shapes and elevated materials and details including metal accents, five-barrel hinges, gradient fades, and softer tri-color technique.

Lee teamed up with Crayola to launch a capsule collection featuring eight fan-favorite retired colors to overalls, carpenter pants, chore jackets, hoodies and more with special details.

Alexa Dark deejayed at Aman’s US Open Members Party in New York City.

Dasha Brook

ESW Beauty partnered with Liquid Death to launch a limited-edition mask set with three compostable sheet masks inspired by Liquid Death’s mountain water and soda-flavored sparkling waters formulated for hydration, revitalization, and blemish control.

Betsey Johnson is hosting a sale with up to 50% off through Tuesday, Sept. 2.

SIMKHAI is hosting a 50% off sale on online purchases through Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Tigermist hosted a sitewide sale with 40% off everything.

Emi Jay is hosting a Labor Day Sale through Monday, Sept. 1, where orders of $75+ will include a free 
Dream Crème sample.

Beautyblender is hosting a sale at Sephora with 20% off the Midnight Blend and Blur 3-Piece Travel Set through Monday, Sept. 1.

BoldHue is hosting a sitewide 25% off sale through Tuesday, Sept. 2. 

Jouer is hosting a 25% off sitewide sale and with orders of $75 or more, a free Glow on La Go Set with the code LDW25.

Shake Shack announced its (No) Summer Scaries promotion where customers can spend $10 and get a free Summer BBQ Sandwich with the code SUMMER through Monday, Sept. 1.

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The Thursday Murder Club ending explained: Who is the killer?
TV & Streaming

The Thursday Murder Club ending explained: Who is the killer?

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Several characters soon fall under suspicion, including Tony’s shady former business partner Ian Ventham (David Tennant) and former employee Bogdan (Henry Lloyd-Hughes), and it doesn’t take long until the gang have infiltrated the investigation with help from junior cop Donna De Freitas (Naomi Ackie), much to the annoyance of her superior DCI Chris Hudson (Daniel Mays).

Various twists and turns ensue as the story unfolds and, while the film is mostly faithful to the book, there have been a few alterations including to the motives behind the murder.

Want to know more? Read on to have The Thursday Murder Club ending explained, along with full details of what’s been changed from the novel.

The Thursday Murder Club ending explained: Who killed the first victim, Tony Curran?

With the club already chasing several leads, things really take a turn at the protest against Ian Ventham’s continued developments and his plans to dig up the graveyard.

Ian is facing down the protestors when he suddenly collapses and is soon afterwards pronounced dead at the scene – with the probable cause of death given as an overdose of Fentanyl.

Shortly afterwards – with the gang realising they are all suspects – Elizabeth mentions the photo that was found at Tony’s murder scene, which saw him standing alongside a notorious criminal by the name of Bobby Tanner and a man who appears to be Jason Ritchie, Ron’s son (although she withholds this information from the others).

She explains that Tanner had been joint owner of Cooper’s Chase along with Tony and Ian – who are of course both now dead – and is therefore now the only surviving owner, with the gang agreeing to try and track him down.

When Elizabeth returns to her apartment, she finds that Bogdan (who she had previously introduced herself to as Marina, hoping to get information from him) is there playing chess with her husband Stephen – and that he has found out the truth about her identity. He also says he has something he wants to show her that night in the cemetery.

That night, Elizabeth meets Bogdan as promised and he shows her something very suspicious he’d found while digging up the graveyard: bones that had been placed on top of a coffin several years earlier, appearing to show evidence of someone trying to hide a body.

The Thursday Murder Club. Netflix

The following evening – after the remains have been dug up and Elizabeth and the gang get a dressing down from Chris for continuing to interfere in police matters – Elizabeth notices an intruder in her apartment who has mysteriously left flowers along with card that reads “back off”.

Then, the next morning, Donna tells her that the bones belonged to a man named Peter Mercer, which instantly prompts Elizabeth to take her to see former Thursday Murder Club member Penny (who is now in a coma) and her husband John.

Later, while Chris is questioning Jason – who has been arrested on suspicion of Terry’s murder – the gang (minus Elizabeth) arrive in his office to derail the interview, and Jason admits that the real reason he had been cagey was that he was with Ian’s wife at the time of the murder – and that they’d been having an affair. That rules him out as a suspect and he walks free.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth works out where the flowers she’d been sent had come from and is thus able to track down the sender: Bobby Tanner himself. She takes Donna with her to visit him at his florist business, and they question him – asking him directly if he’d had Tony and Ian murdered to get their shares at Cooper’s Chase. He denies it and says he is looking to sell the land as fast as he can.

During their discussion, one of Bobby’s workers come down and explains how he’s just picked up “another three Polish workers in Amsterdam” and had taken their passports.

Turns out, Tony and Bobby had been engaging in a practice of bringing in people to work illegally for their businesses and keeping their passports from them. This information appears to make things click for Elizabeth, who instructs all the rest of the gang – and the police – to rush back to her apartment as soon as possible.

All this time, Bogdan has been playing chess with Stephen again, with the latter beginning to question him about Tony’s murder – saying that he believes it was Bogdan himself who had committed the crime.

Bogdan calls him clever and reluctantly admits to his crime, saying it was an accident – that he had no intention of killing Tony and that he had merely been trying to get his passport back.

After this confession, Stephen succumbs to one of his bouts of memory loss, and Bogdan goes to make him a cup of tea, appearing to briefly toy with spiking it with some nearby medication. Elizabeth and co arrive back just after Stephen has taken a sip, and they stop Bogdan from escaping as he becomes aware of what is going on.

Thankfully, Joyce realises that Stephen hasn’t been poisoned, and furthermore that, since Stephen records all his chess games, Bogdan’s confession is on tape.

Faced with this knowledge, Bogdan reiterates that it was an accident, and that he had killed Tony in self-defence when the latter had lashed out after refusing to give his passport back. He also confirms that he didn’t poison Stephen, who he considers as a friend.

Who killed Ian Ventham and Peter Mercer in The Thursday Murder Club?

David Tennant in The Thursday Murder Club, wearing a white T shirt, grey jacket and snarling, with a picture of a woman on the wall behind him.

David Tennant in The Thursday Murder Club.

While that clarifies what had happened to Tony, it leaves things murky as to the murder of Ian – whose death now looks to be unconnected to Tony’s – and the remains of Peter Mercer.

While the rest of the gang are watching Jason competing on Dancing on Ice, Elizabeth decides to look back at previous files concerning the latter and comes across some very interesting information, which she then takes to her old friend John – who remains at Penny’s bedside.

She reveals that the file – which Penny had suspiciously never suggested as one of the cold cases during her days on the Thursday Murder Club – concerns a previous case in which Mercer’s girlfriend had been killed by a supposed masked intruder. Only, there had been no intruder – it was actually Peter himself who had killed her, and he had gotten away with it.

Looking at the photos, Elizabeth realised that, knowing Peter was guilty, Penny had taken matters into her own hands, killing him and hiding his body at the cemetery with John’s help. It was those bones that Bogdan had dug up all these years later.

John admits that Elizabeth’s theory is right, and also that he had killed Ian Ventham using a massive dose of Fentanyl to stop the grave from being dug up and exposing the crime, protecting his beloved wife.

What happens to John in The Thursday Murder Club?

Elizabeth admits that she’ll have to tell the police but agrees to give John a bit of time with Penny first, seeming to realise that John will use that time to apply both himself and his wife with a fatal dose of the remaining Fentanyl.

We then flash forward to Ibrahim delivering a eulogy at their funeral, saying: “Sometimes, good people do bad things. But what John did, he did for love. For the love of Penny. And their enduring love will span time and space, dancing into the stars together. We shall miss them, and we shall remember them always.”

How does the end of The Thursday Murder Club film differ from the book?

Richard Osman with the cast of The Thursday Murder Club: Sir Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan, Dame Helen Mirren and Celia Imrie posing for a photo

Richard Osman with the cast of The Thursday Murder Club: Sir Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan, Dame Helen Mirren and Celia Imrie. Netflix

Although showing many of the same events, the film actually differs from the book in quite a lot of key ways – especially concerning the plot around the murder of Tony Curran.

There’s a whole plot involving Tony’s ties to drugs and organised crime – including a character named Turkish Gianni, the murder of a taxi driver, £100k in stolen cash and a trip to Cyprus – that is not featured in the film.

Meanwhile, although Bogdan was the killer in both the film and book, his role is significantly changed.

The whole passport scheme is a new plot line for the film, with the motive for murder in the book having been tied to the fact he had stolen £100k of Tony’s money many years ago after shooting Gianni in retribution for his own best friend being shot to cover up Tony’s murder of a taxi driver many years earlier.

He had been waiting for a chance to kill Tony ever since to complete his revenge, and does so while helping him install a new security system.

As for the plot involving Ian Ventham and Peter Mercer (named Peter Weber in the book), this is also altered, albeit less dramatically. Aspects of the story involving characters called Gordon and Karen Playfair and an increased role for Father Mackie are cut, making the version of the story in the film rather more streamlined.

Speaking about the changes to his original plot on The Rest Is Entertainment back in February, Osman explained: “There were certain people who part of their deal would be, ‘You will have complete creative control over the whole process, you can write it,’ which I didn’t want to do.

“With Amblin and Spielberg, when they came in, they said, ‘It’s definitely going to be in England, we’ll give you that assurance, but someone else is going to write it.'”

He added: “The plot, as I understand it, for The Thursday Murder Club movie is based on the first book but it’s not entirely the same, because you have to change things, is the truth,” he said.

“To have me looking over their shoulder every five seconds telling them that they couldn’t do this or they couldn’t do that I think would be hard.”

The Thursday Murder Club is now playing in select UK cinemas and will stream on Netflix from Thursday 28th August 2025. Discover a world of crime & mystery with Sky Essential TV for just £15 a month.

Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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Big Brother 27 houseguest Katherine
TV & Streaming

Katherine Woodman Speaks Out After Dramatic Eviction

by jummy84
written by jummy84

As Julie Chen Moonves reminded Big Brother 27 viewers at the top of Thursday’s (August 28) show, only men had been evicted from the famous house over the past four weeks. But that was guaranteed to change this week as three women faced the block.

Katherine Woodman, Kelley Jorgensen, and Ava Pearl were the three ladies sitting in the nomination chairs after Head of Household Vince Panaro put them up for eviction. Before the live vote, several houseguests were debating back and forth over who to send packing.

Many considered voting out Pearl, a well-liked houseguest who could prove to be a threat deeper into the game. However, when it came to crunch time, the house ultimately decided to send Woodman home, with only her close friend Lauren Domingue going against the herd. Woodman became the first woman to leave the house since Amy Bingham’s eviction in Week 2.

A tear-eyed Woodman took the eviction in her stride, saying the result of the vote wasn’t unexpected. She then left the house to be interviewed by Chen Moonves, who was quick to ask about her controversial “showmance” with Rylie Jeffries, who was voted out last week.

Many fans, especially those who watch the show’s live feeds, had accused Jeffries of controlling behaviour when it came to his relationship with Woodman inside the house.

Jeffries addressed these criticisms last week, telling Entertainment Weekly, “I understand how things may have come across, but I speak with passion. I love with my whole heart, and maybe that intensity was misunderstood. I would never intentionally disrespect anyone, especially Katherine.”

He added, “I respect her deeply, and she’s her own person, makes her own choices. I think some moments just don’t reflect who I truly am. My intentions have always come from a place of care and loyalty, not control.”

Woodman shared a similar affection for Jeffries when speaking with Chen Moonves, saying, “I think I was as into it as Rylie was. I really, really like Rylie,” noting that she will “see what happens” with them in the future.

Was the right person evicted? What do you think of the Woodman/Jeffries relationship? Let us know your thoughts below.

Big Brother, Season 27, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays, 8/7c, CBS

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Luca Guadagnino on Woody Allen Influence on 'After the Hunt'
TV & Streaming

Luca Guadagnino on Woody Allen Influence on ‘After the Hunt’

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Luca Guadagnino‘s academia cancel-culture thriller “After the Hunt” (Amazon/MGM Studios) is the Italian filmmaker’s latest work to premiere at the Venice Film Festival. It stars Julia Roberts as a Yale philosophy professor, who’s unraveling amid a sexual-assault accusation made by her student (Ayo Edebiri) against her colleague (Andrew Garfield).

From a script by first-time feature writer Nora Garrett, Guadagnino’s third feature in three years plays out of competition in Venice, with the director joined by Roberts, Michael Stuhlbarg, Garfield, Edebiri, and Chloë Sevigny on the Lido. During Friday’s press conference in the Palazzo del Casino, the actors tangled with the film’s thorny topics, which deal not only with assault but also race relations in the academic world and the ideological divide between generations.

George Clooney in Jay Kelly

Given the film’s cancel-culture overtures, it’s noteworthy and not by accident that the film’s opening credits are in the style of a Woody Allen movie: in the Windsor typeface and white text against a black screen, in alphabetical order, and acknowledging said alphabetical order. Eagle-eyed audiences will ponder the connection between an artist who’s become persona non grata in American culture and Roberts as a professor who is facing accusations and persecution of her own.

During the Friday morning press conference, IndieWire asked Luca Guadagnino why those opening credits share an aesthetic with a Woody Allen movie. “The crass answer would be why not?” the “Call Me By Your Name” filmmaker said. “There is a canon that I grew up with, and why I started thinking about this movie with my collaborators, in front of the camera and behind the camera, we couldn’t stop thinking of ‘Crimes and Misdemeanors’ or ‘Another Woman’ or even ‘Hannah and Her Sisters,’ and there was an infrastructure to the story that felt linked to the great oeuvre of Woody Allen between 1985 and 1991.”

He added, “I played with that a few times before this, a couple of times used that kind of graphic and font, and I felt it was also interesting thinking of an artist who has been, in a way, facing some sort of problems about his being and what is our responsibility in looking at the work of an artist that we love, like Woody Allen. And by the way, it’s a classic font, that kind of font. It goes beyond Woody.”

Roberts said it’s “not so much that we’re making a statement” with the hot-button film. “We’re sharing these lives for this moment and want everyone to go talk to each other after… we are kind of losing the art of conversation in humanity right now, and if making this movie does everything, getting everyone to talk to each other is the most exciting thing we can accomplish.

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International Feature Oscar Submissions Kick Off
TV & Streaming

International Feature Oscar Submissions Kick Off

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Oscar season is about to kick into high gear with fall festival season just around the corner. The deadline to submit international feature selections is Oct. 1, so look for a flurry of announcements in the next five weeks. The Oscars shortlists are revealed on Dec. 16, with 15 international films selected to be voted on by Academy members in all branches who commit to watch all 15 films. Oscar nominations will be revealed on Jan. 22.

Turkey was the first country out of the gate, selecting “One of Those Days When Hemme Dies.” The Czech Republic chose “I’m Not Everything I Want to Be,” while Switzerland selected “Late Shift.”

Palestine submitted historical drama “Palestine 36,” Ireland went with Ukrainian-language doc “Sanatorium,” Bulgaria selected modern folktale “Tarika,” and Thailand chose romantic ghost story “A Useful Ghost.” Germany selected intergenerational drama “Sound of Falling,” and Austria chose social satire “Peacock.”

Recently, Iceland chose family drama “The Love That Remains,” Sweden picked political thriller “Eagles of the Republic,” and Tunisia went with conflict drama “The Voice of Hind Rajab.”

Stay tuned for many more selections in the coming weeks and watch the trailers below.

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Bong Joon Ho To Serve As Marrakech Film Festival Jury President
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Bong Joon Ho To Serve As Marrakech Film Festival Jury President

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Bong Joon Ho will serve as the jury president of this year’s Marrakech Film Festival. 

This year’s event runs from November 28 to December 6. The jury awards the Étoile d’Or to one of the 14 first and second feature-length films in the international competition. 

“For many years, Marrakech has been a champion of fresh, beautiful films. I’m delighted and honored to be part of that tradition,” Bong said in a statement. “I look forward to sharing a powerful cinematic experience with the festival audience and reflecting on the true value of ‘cinema.’  Our anticipation and excitement will be palpable in front of the big screens of Marrakech.” 

Director Bong is coming off the release of his eighth feature, Mickey 17. Adapted from Edward Ashton’s 2022 sci-fi novel of ‘Mickey 7’, Mickey 17 revolves around a directionless man living in a near future who signs up for a job as an “expendable”, or disposable employee sent on dangerous missions who is automatically regenerated if he perishes on the job. Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo star in the film. 

Bong’s other credits include Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000), Memories of Murder (2003), The Host (2006), Mother (2009), Snowpiercer (2013), Okja (2017), and the history-making Parasite (2019).

In March, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles opened the exhibition Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho. It is the first-ever exhibition dedicated to the Oscar-winning director and traces his creative development through his films and the films that most influenced him. The exhibition will run until January 10th, 2027.

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Wednesday
TV & Streaming

Wednesday Season 2 Predictions

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Wednesday returned with the first part of season 2 this month, and the show brought with it new and familiar faces along with a new mystery for our endearingly weird protagonist.

The first four episodes found Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) having psychic visions of her roommate, Enid (Emma Myers), dying and blaming Wednesday for her death. Meanwhile, a flock of crows is murdering local townsfolk, including the death of Donovan Galpin (Jamie McShane), the former sheriff of Jericho and the father of Tyler (Hunter Doohan), the Hyde who went on a killing spree last season and as a result is now a patient at Willow Hill Psychiatric Hospital. Elsewhere, Pugsley Addams (Isaac Ordonez), now a student at Nevermore Academy, sets loose a zombie he calls Slurp (Owen Painter), who also used to be a student there.

In episode 4, we learn that Willow Hill employee Judi Spannagel (Heather Matarazzo) is not only the person behind the bird attacks but also running a program called LOIS (Long-term Outcast Integration Study) that’s doing experiments on Outcasts. Meanwhile, Laurel Gates/Marilyn Thornhill (Christina Ricci) returns to set Tyler free, only to be killed by him moments later. The fourth episode also ends with what appears to be Wednesday’s death after Tyler (as Hyde) pushes her out a window.

Among the many other new characters introduced this season: Nevermore student Agnes DeMille (Evie Templeton), Wednesday’s fangirl/stalker; Morticia Addams’ (Catherine-Zeta Jones) mother, Hester Frump (Joanna Lumley); new Nevermore principal Barry Dort (Steve Buscemi); Dr. Rachael Fairburn (Thandiwe Newton), who runs Willow Hill and meets an untimely end; Ron Kruger (Anthony Michael Hall), a Phoenix Cadet Master who goes head-to-head with Wednesday, also before meeting his own untimely end; Miss Capri (Billie Piper), Nevermore’s new music teacher; and Professor Orloff (Christopher Lloyd), a Nevermore teacher. Returning to the show are Luis Guzmán as Gomez Addams, Fred Armisen as Uncle Fester, Lurch (with Joonas Suotamo taking over the role from George Burcea) and Pugsley Addams (Isaac Ordonez, now a series regular).

Ahead of the Part 2 premiere, The Hollywood Reporter takes a look at some of the burning questions and fan theories surrounding the new season.

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