Welcome to your weekly dose of entertainment news! This week we're covering everything from board games to Oscar buzz and, unbelievably, the return of the infamous Fyre Festival. Buckle up, it's a wild ride.
Golden Ace for 'Odin'
Board game enthusiasts, rejoice! 'Odin', a card game published by Helvetiq, has taken home the prestigious Golden Ace award at the International Games Festival in Cannes. This is a major win for the game and the publisher, solidifying their place in the board game world. Other games receiving recognition included 'Opération noisettes', 'Behind', and 'Kutná Hora: The City of Silver'. So, if you're looking for your next game night staple, 'Odin' might just be it!
'Anora' Star on the Rise
Keep an eye out for Mark Eydelshteyn! This young Russian actor is making waves with his leading role in the Oscar-nominated tragicomedy 'Anora'. Apparently, Eydelshteyn's audition for the role was quite memorable, as he reportedly appeared naked! Talk about commitment! This bold move seems to have paid off, launching him onto a path to fame and recognition in the film industry.
Fyre Festival: Back From the Ashes?
Remember the Fyre Festival? The disastrous "luxury" music festival that became synonymous with social media hype and abject failure? Well, Billy McFarland, the mastermind behind the debacle, is back. Fresh out of jail, he's planning Fyre Festival 2.0. Yes, you read that right.
“Since 2016, Fyre has been the most talked about festival in the world,” McFarland told a US broadcaster. Despite the first festival's infamous limp cheese sandwiches, disaster-relief-tent accommodation, and massive unpaid debts, McFarland is optimistic. He believes that if done right, Fyre could become a major player in the festival industry. Whether or not anyone is willing to trust him again remains to be seen. Proceed with extreme caution, potential attendees!
Oscar Watch: Best Director Nominees
The Oscars are just around the corner, and the race for Best Director is heating up. Among the nominees is Sean Baker, known for his indie films that shine a light on marginalized communities. From 'Tangerine', shot on iPhones, to 'The Florida Project', which earned Willem Dafoe an Oscar nomination, Baker has consistently delivered thought-provoking and visually stunning films. His latest, 'Red Rocket', premiered at Cannes, further solidifying his reputation as a director to watch.
Remembering Gene Hackman
The world of cinema recently lost a true legend: Gene Hackman. From 'The Conversation' to 'Bonnie and Clyde', Hackman was the epitome of a character actor, bringing depth and nuance to every role he played. His passing marks the end of an era, the American new wave, a time of bold and innovative filmmaking. He was, as one critic put it, "the star of every scene he was in."
'Running Point': A Missed Shot?
Lastly, a quick review of the new Kate Hudson basketball comedy, 'Running Point'. Unfortunately, it seems this film is a bit of a fumble. Critics are calling it heavy-handed and preachy, with jokes that fall flat. While the premise of a woman battling sexism in the sports world has potential, the execution appears to be lacking. Perhaps best to skip this one and revisit 'A League of Their Own' instead.