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The stars are stepping out for the 2025 Peabody Awards!

Kerry Washington, Jon Hamm, Anna Kendrick, and Benito Skinner were among the many celebs in attendance at the 85th Annual Peabody Awards on Sunday night (June 1) held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles.

Since 1940, the event, created by the University of Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communication, honors celebrate excellence in entertainment in documentary, news, podcast/radio, arts, youth and public service programming.

This year’s honorees included Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, FX’s Shōgun, and Peacock’s We Are Lady Parts while Saturday Night Live‘s Lorne Michaels was presented with the Institutional Award.

Comedian Roy Wood Jr. served as host for the evening.

Following the event, we compiled photos of the stars in attendance so that you can see who was there.

Keep reading to find out more…Keep scrolling to see the stars at the event…...

After announcing its full list of winners last month, the Peabody Awards celebrated those honorees in person Sunday night with a ceremony hosted by Roy Wood Jr. in Los Angeles.

The comedian kicked things off inside the Beverly Wilshire by joking, “Last year’s host was Kumail Nanjiani, so that is back-to-back years with a minority host. The Peabodys standing up for diversity, how about that? Which means in a few months, the White House will cut their funding and so they’ll have John Mulaney, that’s on y’all.”

The event honored 34 winners across entertainment, documentary, news, podcast/radio, arts, children’s

and youth, public service, and interactive and immersive programming, with a focus on storytelling that reflects the social issues and emerging voices of today. Baby Reindeer, Ripley, Shogun and Will & Harper were among the recognized Hollywood projects.

“We’re celebrating the fact that everyone in this...

Neil Young and Stephen Stills joined forces Saturday night for the semi-annual Light Up the Blues charity show at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. They shared the bill with Billy Idol and Steve Stevens, Cat Power, Nathaniel Rateliff, Rufus Wainwright, and Linda Perry to raise money for Autism Speaks.

Young performed a couple of songs at a Bernie Sanders/Aoc Fighting Oligarchy rally in L.A. a couple of weeks back, but this marked his first proper concert of the year. Taking the stage alongside his new band the...

Neil Young took the stage for the first time this year at the Bernie Sanders/Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez “Fighting Oligarchy” rally in front of 36,000 people at L.A.’s Gloria Molina Grand Park. The bill also included Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers, Jeff Rosenstock, Dirty Projectors, Indigo De Souza, the Red Pears & Raise Gospel Choir.

Young came out gripping his 1953 Gibson Les Paul, better known as Old Black, shortly after a fiery speech by Service Employees International Union President April Verrett. He teased the opening notes of “Rockin’ In The Free World...

Earlier this week, A24 announced that the highly-anticipated Ronnie Spector biopic, starring Zendaya, will be directed by Barry Jenkins. The film, titled Be My Baby (of course), is based on Spector’s 1990 memoir Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, or, My Life as a Fabulous Ronette. The girl-group legend personally chose Zendaya to play her shortly before her death in 2022. “Thank you for sharing your life with me, I could listen to your stories for hours and hours,” Zendaya wrote in a tribute back then. “I hope I make you proud.

Sabrina Carpenter surprised fans with a "Please Please Please" collaboration with country music legend Dolly Parton just over a month ago. Carpenter released the track as a part of Short n' Sweet's deluxe version, alongside a new black and white music video with Parton as they drive down the road with a man tied down at the back of the pickup track. However, the collaboration might not have occurred if Sabrina had not complied with Parton's rules — one of which includes refraining from using "dirty words."

The Short n' Sweet deluxe edition includes five additional tracks, such as "15 Minutes," "Couldn't Make It Any Harder," "Busy Woman," "Bad Reviews," and the country version of "Please Please Please" featuring the Queen of Country. In an interview with Knox News, the legendary country musician revealed that she gave Carpenter some conditions before she decided to proceed with the collaboration. “Of course, she...

If you’re looking for something to watch in March, you’ve come to the right place. This month is stacked with streaming debuts of Oscar-winning movies, blockbusters from last year and hidden gems from years past that are being newly added to streamers like Netflix, Max, Prime Video and Peacock this month — including, yes, the streaming debut of “Wicked” so you can sing along at home as many times as you want and the streaming debut of Best Picture Oscar-winner “Anora.”

Check out our curated picks for the best new movies streaming in March 2025 below.

“Heretic” “Heretic” (A24)

Max – March 7

A24 released “Heretic,” easily the best, spookiest movie they put out last year, after Halloween. A baffling choice, for sure, but one that still paid off – the movie made almost $60 million worldwide on a budget of only $10 million. If you missed the movie in its initial release or want...

Netflix's Plankton: The Movie isn't just another SpongeBob spin-off, it's a full-fledged musical, packed with original songs that push forward the narrative.

Plankton: The Movie is a highly anticipated 2025 Netflix release, following Plankton as his world domination plans are derailed by his computer wife, Karen. 

Originally conceived as a half-hour special, it was later developed into a feature film and became the second SpongeBob Squarepants character spin-off movie, featuring music by Bret McKenzie, Linda Perry, and Mark Mothersbaugh. 

Read full article on The Direct.

Sheldon J. Plankton's quarter-century of scheming to steal the recipe for delicious Krabby Patties finally comes to fruition, but not by the tentacles of our diminutive SpongeBob SquarePants supervillain. Plankton: The Movie has Karen, his frustrated robot wife, tired of backing her ungrateful hubby's perennial failure. Bikini Bottom beware! She's done being taken for granted and decides on her own plan for world domination. The second SpongeBob spinoff feature to land on Netflix will delight fans of all ages with a slick combo of cool animation styles and toe-tapping original songs. There's a lot to like as the franchise keeps chugging in the right direction.

Plankton: The Movie is an origin story, a rocky romance, to say the least, and a rollicking adventure with all of our favorite underwater critters. The clever screenplay, co-written and based on an original story by Plankton himself, voice actor Mr. Lawrence, pokes good fun...

Stephen Stills and Neil Young will perform together at L.A.’s Greek Theatre on April 26 for the biennial Autism Speaks fundraiser Light Up The Blues alongside special guests Linda Perry, Cat Power, Christina Applegate, Chris Stills, and Oliver Stills. Tickets go on-sale February 28.

The first Light Up The Blues took place in 2013 at L.A.’s Club Nokia with guests Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Don Felder, Jack Black, Lucinda Williams, and Ryan Adams. Over the past decade, everyone from John Mayer and Jack Black to Patti Smith, Joe Walsh, Willie Nelson,...

Music fans and foodies rejoice: Steven Tyler and Erewhon are thrilled to announce the extension of the soft serve collaboration to support Janie's Fund, Steven’s philanthropic initiative that brings hope to girls who have endured abuse and neglect.

Steven Tyler teaming up with Erewhon to launch a one-of-a-kind collaboration.

Tyler’s two signature Soft Serves Sundaes, Dream On and Sweet Emotion, became available at all Erewhon locations Jan. 29 and will now continue through March 31. These personally crafted creations not only pay homage to Tyler’s iconic Aerosmith hits but also aim to inspire hope and raise awareness for the vital work Janie’s Fund in partnership with Youth Villages, and their LifeSet program are doing to support vulnerable girls across the country.

“Janie’s Fund is all about giving a voice back to these young women who have endured so much,” said Steven Tyler. “I am honored to work with Erewhon to raise awareness,...

Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Idol guitarist Billy Morrison have shared a new, revamped version their 2015 song, “Gods of Rock N Roll.”

The original “God of Rock N Roll” was released 10 years ago on Morrison’s 2015 solo album, God Shaped Hole, while this one is set to appear on his forthcoming album, The Morrison Project. The 2025 take features vocals from Osbourne, as well as backing from a 61-piece orchestra, and extra guitars from Steve Stevens (who’s also been playing guitar with Idol alongside Morrison for years).

Speaking with Kerrang! about the track,...

Are ya ready, kids? Netflix has just released the trailer for the newest adventure in the SpongeBob SquarePants series. SpongeBob SquarePants character Sheldon J. Plankton, is getting his own spin-off with Plankton: The Movie. The voice cast includes Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley, Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Clancy Brown and Rodger Bumpass. The movie comes from Dave Needham from a screenplay by Mr. Lawrence & Kaz and (credited again?) Mr. Lawrence & Chris Viscardi. The film is based on the animated Nickelodeon show SpongeBob SquarePants, which was created by Stephen Hillenburg.

The description reads,

“Plankton’s world is flipped upside down when his plan for world domination is thwarted. SpongeBob SquarePants’ tiniest frenemy, Sheldon J. Plankton, is finally getting his close up. When Plankton’s latest evil scheme is thwarted, Bikini Bottom and the surface world become threatened by an unexpected danger. Now, before Plankton can take over the world, he...

Netflix has revealed the official trailer and poster for Plankton: The Movie, the new SpongeBob SquarePants film coming to the streaming service on March 7.

In the film, SpongeBob SquarePants’ tiniest frenemy, Sheldon J. Plankton, is finally getting his close-up.

When Plankton’s latest evil scheme is thwarted, Bikini Bottom and the surface world become threatened by an unexpected danger. Now, before Plankton can take over the world, he’s going to have to save it.

Directed by Dave Needham, the screenplay for Plankton: The Movie was written by Lawrence & Kaz and Lawrence & Chris Viscardi. It is based on a story by Lawrence.

The movie features Mr. Lawrence as the voice of Plankton alongside Jill Talley as Karen, Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants, Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star, Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy Cheeks, Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs and Rodger Bumpass as Squidward Tentacles.

The new film is the second in...

In 2024, Aerosmith announced that it would officially retire from touring after Steven Tyler suffered significant damage to his vocal cords. But all it took was a good cause for the musician to make a return to the stage. Over the weekend, Tyler hosted a Grammy Awards watch party at the Hollywood Palladium through his Janie’s Fund foundation. At the end of the night, he performed six songs with assistance from a few special guests.

Following appearances from Linda Perry, Marcus King, Billy Idol, Steve Stevens, and Joan Jett, Tyler...

Earlier this morning, we saw Netflix unveil their 2025 TV slate, and now the folks at Deadline have also gotten their hands on the list of movies that we can expect to see drop on the streaming service as the year goes on. The list includes the likes of The Electric State, Wake Up Dead Man, Happy Gilmore 2, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, The Old Guard 2, and a whole lot more – and you can check it out by scrolling down!

Kinda Pregnant – February 5 | Comedy

Jealous of her best friend’s pregnancy, Lainy wears a fake baby bump…and accidentally meets the man of her dreams. Director: Tyler Spindel Screenplay By: Julie Paiva and Amy Schumer Story By: Julie Paiva Producers: Adam Sandler, Tim Herlihy, Judit Maull, Kevin Grady, Eli Thomas for Happy Madison, Molly Sims for Something Happy Productions, Amy Schumer, Alex Saks for Saks Picture Company Executive Producers: Barry Bernardi,...

Netflix unveiled their feature slate for this year, dating a handful of titles, along with some first look photos and teasers to come this morning. For all the headlines that they’ve cut back on their feature slate, what’s clear below is that the streamer continues to commit to event films.

Among those pic’s receiving premiere dates, either specific or general, are the Stephen Chbosky directed comedy Nonnas starring Lorraine Bracco, Linda Cardellini and Drea de Matteo, the long-awaited Charlize Theron Skydance action sequel The Old Guard 2, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, the Gareth Evans action thriller Havoc, Fear Street: Prom Queen, A Merry Little Ex-Mas, Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, the Ben Affleck and Matt Damon cop thriller Rip, The Woman in Cabin 10, Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow’s next untitled movie, and the highly anticipated Rian Johnson threequel Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.

The music business is still a boys’ club, according to a report breaking down the gender makeup on the credits for many of last year’s biggest songs.

The University of Southern California’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative released its annual “Inclusion in the Recording Studio” report on Wednesday, reflecting an industry stagnant in improving its mostly male ranks both for the artists it champions and the producers and songwriters behind the hits. While last year’s report suggested an improvement in 2023, the figures on the latest release were mostly flat.

Continuing an enduring show business tradition — a retirement that ends soon than expected —Aerosmith will reconvene at a charity event in Los Angeles next month.

Last August, the band announced it would be retiring from the road, the result of damage done to Steven Tyler’s vocal cords. “Sadly, it is clear, that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible,” the band said in a statement at the time. “We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision – as a band of brothers – to retire from the touring stage.

Aerosmith will perform for the first time since retiring from touring in August of last year. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band will take the stage at singer Steven Tyler’s upcoming 6th Annual Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party.

The benefit will take place February 2nd at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, and also feature such artists as Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Linda Perry, Matt Sorum, and Nuno Bettencourt joining forces for a jam session. Actor-comedian Tiffany Haddish will host the festivities.

In addition to Tyler, a press release specifically mentions Aerosmith members Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton, perhaps indicating that rhythm guitarist Brad Whitford will not be present. As it was, drummer Joey Kramer had not been performing with the band in recent years.

Along with raising money for Janie’s Fund, Tyler’s initiative created to help young girls who have suffered the trauma of abuse and neglect,...

Steven Tyler doesn’t want to miss a thing, so he’s reuniting Aerosmith for his 6th annual Grammys viewing party.

They’ll be joined by A-listers like Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Linda Perry, Matt Sorum, Nuno Bettencourt, and Lainey Wilson for the philanthropic event on Sunday, Feb. 2 at the Hollywood Palladium. Tiffany Haddish will serve as host. (See Gold Derby’s Grammy predictions.)

Aerosmith announced its retirement from touring in 2024 after Tyler fractured his larynx the year prior. The four-time Grammy-winning rock band consists of lead vocalist Tyler, bassist Hamilton, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarists Perry and Brad Whitford. This will mark Aerosmith’s first time performing together since Sept. 9, 2023.

As usual, Tyler’s Grammys viewing party is sponsored by Janie’s Fund, the initiative he created in order to bring hope and healing to girls and young women who have experienced trauma. More than...

Rilo Kiley are reuniting for Just Like Heaven 2025, as leaked by a billboard on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park, Los Angeles.

Like many other announcements, the lineup reveal for the nostalgia festival was put on hold due to the LA wildfires, but it appears there was some miscommunication and the billboard still went up. Besides Rilo Kiley, Vampire Weekend, Empire of the Sun, Bloc Party, and the recently reunited TV on the Radio are also set to top the bill.

Back in 2021, singer Jenny Lewis and lead guitarist Blake Sennett reunited for Linda Perry’s Rock-n-Relief livestream benefit. At the time, they hadn’t played together since Sennett joined Lewis onstage at Coachella 2015.

Rilo Kiley’s most recent project, their compilation LP RKives, was released in 2013. One year later, Lewis confirmed their breakup in an interview with the National Post.

Fans have been speculating about a potential reunion since the...

’90s rockers 4 Non Blondes, best known for their hit “What’s Up?,” are set to reunite at BottleRock Napa Valley 2025 for their first official show in 30 years. Vocalist Linda Perry recently appeared on The Allison Hagendorf Show to talk about the reunion, explaining she had been “putting that energy out” for the band to come back together.

In the interview, Perry stated that it just felt like the “right time” in her head and heart. “I’ve been kind of putting that energy out, because I want 2025 to be my year,” she said. “I want to own this year because I feel like I’ve been planting seeds all over the place and I’m watching my little trees grow.”

Get BottleRock Napa Valley Tickets Here

Perry continued by explaining how the reunion came together. “We got this offer [for BottleRock]… and I’m like, ‘Okay, I knew this was coming,'” she remembered thinking.

Shailene Woodley opened up about her starring role in the forthcoming Janis Joplin biopic.

We first learned that the 33-year-old actress was portraying the music legend in a movie back in September. The project has been in the works for seven years.

During a new interview, Shailene provided an update and revealed if she would be showcasing her own voice in the movie.

Keep reading to find out more…

On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Shailene confirmed that she would be singing and credited the movie’s music producer Linda Perry for helping her prepare.

“I was like, ‘I can’t sing like Janis.’ And she put me in a lot of uncomfortable situations where she’s like, ‘Alright show up here. Show up here on this date,’” she recalled.

What did Shailene find when she arrived? “A massive empty warehouse with a full band.”

“She’s like, ‘Have fun.

Step aside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, there’s a new iconic singer biopic in the works with its lead star transforming onstage into a rocker.

Shailene Woodley has confirmed that she will be singing in character as Janis Joplin for the previously announced musical biopic. The project was announced earlier this year and received a $2.5 million tax credit from the California Film Commission. Woodley is leading the feature and also producing, with production set to take place across 30 days.

During an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Woodley detailed how the project has been in the works for almost a decade.

“I’m really excited,” Woodley said. “We’ve been working on it for seven years now, and she’s [Joplin] such a groovy chick, man. She really brought the light to this planet in a singular way, and it has been so much fun to dive into her story.

The 2024 Hollywood Music in Media Awards were handed out on Wednesday night, Nov. 20, during a ceremony that took place at The Avalon in Hollywood. Winners were decided by the Hollywood Music in Media Academy, which consists of journalists, filmmakers, performing artists, publicists, and other industry professionals.

The big winner was Jacques Audiard‘s Netflix musical “Emilia Pérez,” which claimed Best Music-Themed Film, Biopic, or Musical, where it beat other formidable awards contenders like “A Complete Unknown” and “Wicked.” The film’s star Zoe Saldaña also won Best Song (Onscreen Performance) for “El Mal,” defeating Timothee Chalamet playing Bob Dylan‘s “Blowin’ in the Wind” in “A Complete Unknown” and Cynthia Erivo belting out “Defying Gravity” in “Wicked.” Lastly, the film won Best Score (Feature Film) for Clément Ducol and Camille, bringing its total to three, making it the most awarded film of the year.

“The Wild Robot” won two awards,...

The world of music documentaries is a complex one.

There are plenty of films covering the biggest artists in the world from Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé to Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, Hulu’s Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band and Martin Scorsese-produced Beatles ’64.

But under the surface, music like alternative music scenes themselves, there’s a phalanx of weird and interesting films about lesser known artists, where the story is often as strange and endearing as the artists. These often become the films that have longevity, from The Decline of Western Civilization to Dig!

This is where the Sound Unseen Film Festival comes in. Held in the Twin Cities across a variety of cinemas in and around Minneapolis, the festival showcases a slew of leftfield films from interesting directors and filmmakers such as Omar & Cedric: If This Ever Gets Weird, Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted,...

Emilia Pérez leads the 2024 nominees for the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, which honor scores and songs in film and other visual media categories. Blitz is next with three, followed by The Wild Robot, Moana 2, and Wicked with two each. See the full list below.

Among the nominees are such hitmakers and composers as Elton John and Brandi Carlile, Miley Cyrus, Diane Warren, Pharrell Williams, A.R. Rahman and Linda Perry, among others.

The hardware will be handed out at the 15th annual Hollywood Music in Media Awards on November 20 at The Avalon in Hollywood. Several of the nominated songs will be performed live during the ceremony.

The HMMAs will present this year’s Outstanding Career Achievement Award to legendary lyricist Bernie Taupin, who collaborations with Elton John produced some of the greatest pop songs and albums on the 1970s. The duo scored 10 No. 1 singles in the UK and seven in the U.

More than a hundred songwriters, composers, perfomers and films are represented in the nominees’ list for the 2024 Hollywood Music in Media Awards — from pop luminaries like Elton John & Brandi Carlile, Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson and Pharrell Williams to celebrated scorers like Hans Zimmer, Harry Gregson-Williams, Kris Bowers and Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross.

The list of nominees was unveiled Wednesday, in advance of a ceremony due to take place Nov. 20 at the Avalon in Hollywood.

“Emilia Pérez” led all films with five Hmma nominations. “Blitz” and “A Complete Unknown” have three nominations apiece. Other films picking up multiple noms include “Wicked,” “The Wild Robot,” “Moana 2,” “The Idea of You,” “Challengers” and “Elton John: Never Too Late.” (Scroll down to see the full lineup of 2024 nominees.)

The Hmma lineup of categories is the most expansive of any awards program recognizing musical achievements in the movies, between breaking down different genre categories for feature films,...

Christina Aguilera is opening up about her music over the years!

The 43-year-old singer has released nine studio albums, four EPs, four compilation albums and even contributed to the Burlesque movie soundtrack.

In a new Rolling Stone interview with Raye, Christina revealed her top favorite songs of her own, her toughest vocal performance and more.

Keep reading to find out more…

“Linda Perry, at the time she did ‘Beautiful’ and all of that. She did a lot of work with me on those records. She encouraged me to do a song called ‘I’m Ok.’ It was on Stripped, about my reflections on my childhood and my strange relationship with my father and some of the chaos and abuse I had growing up. It’s such a tender song, and I’m literally crying on the record. I wanted to be as vulnerable and open as possible,” Christina dished. “‘Oh Mother...

The Art of Elysium, a nonprofit organization that focuses on healing and inspiring through art, will honor filmmaker Lee Daniels with the Visionary Award at its Heaven Gala, which will take place on March 22, 2025.

The Los Angeles event is a one-night-only art installation conceived and curated by the chosen Visionary, who creates his or her idea of “heaven on Earth” as it relates to The Art of Elysium’s four main disciplines: fashion and design, music and movement, theatre and film, and visual arts. Daniels will envision his “heaven” as eternal peace.

“Being asked to envision heaven could not have come up at more inopportune time, yet the perfect timing in every way,” Daniels said in a statement. “I was in the midst of releasing a film and being pulled in every direction imaginable. Even making the time to talk through details seemed impossible. Yet, when the time was made,...

A health concern has forced famous musician Ringo Starr to postpone his last two gigs with the All Starr Band. The gigs were set to take place in Philadelphia and New York City; however, after Starr caught a cold, the doctor recommended canceling them. Fans will receive their refunds for ticket purchases at the original locations.

A Statement To Further Explain The Situation

A statement on behalf of Starr and his band explained the situation: “Ringo has come down with a cold and after consulting a doctor he was advised to cancel these two remaining shows and get rest,” a statement said. “As always, Ringo and the All Starrs send peace and love to their fans and hope to see them soon.”

Despite the disappointment, Starr and his band conveyed their gratitude to fans, saying, “As always, Ringo and the All Starrs send peace and love to their fans and hope to see them soon.

Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band have canceled the last two shows on his North American summer tour after the former Beatle came down with a cold.

The two shows were scheduled to take place tonight, Sept. 24, in Philadelphia and tomorrow, Sept. 25, in New York City. Ticket holders can seek refunds at the point of purchase.

“Ringo has come down with a cold and after consulting a doctor he was advised to cancel these two remaining shows and get rest,” a note on the drummer’s Instagram page read.

Gwen Stefani just celebrated a career milestone and shared the moment with her fans. To honor the moment, she also released a slideshow of throwback photos to show off her changes in style over the years. At the same time, she made a huge announcement for fans.

Here is a look at the photos that Gwen shared with her fans and why it was an important time to do so.

Gwen Stefani Offers Up Throwback Photos For Fans

Gwen Stefani headed to Instagram and threw up a carousel of throwback photos to celebrate a career milestone for the singer. This was to honor the anniversary of her debut solo album’s release, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., or L.A.M.B.

Gwen Stefani

“L.A.M.B. The Archives: Part I,” she captioned the update. “cheers to 20 years of L.A.M.B.!!,” Gwen wrote in the caption. She then offered up a slideshow of images of her over the years,...

The poster for writer-director Mohit Ramchandani’s City of Dreams touts that the film is “from Executive Producers of Sound of Freedom,” though picking them out of the laundry list of credited names might take some time. Among the many producers of Ramchandani’s feature directorial debut who’ve thrown their support behind its marketing campaign are Tony Robbins, Linda Perry, Thomas Jane, and former Republican presidential candidate and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. It would seem that nothing unites people across the political spectrum as fervently as exposing the horrors of child trafficking.

In contrast to Sound of Freedom’s law-enforcement-centred action-movie approach, City of Dreams presents its story through the vivid point of view of a young mute Mexican boy named Jésus (Ari Lopez) who’s been trafficked over the border and sold into the underground sweatshop industry. Lured by the promise of a soccer training camp in Los Angeles,...

With the theatrical release of Roadside Attractions’ child trafficking drama City of Dreams coming up, the filmmakers will be giving away $1 million in free tickets for a series of sneak previews beginning Wednesday, August 28, the studio announced today.

It’s expected that the giveaway will result in more than 50,000 moviegoers coming out. The hope is to bring out trafficking survivors and individuals from anti-trafficking organizations, as well as schools, churches, municipalities, and people who might not otherwise be able to afford a screening. Complimentary advance preview passes are available at the link.

In the top 25 markets nationwide, iHeart Media will provide live coverage, with on-air talent on site to help bring added awareness to the issue of child trafficking. The ticket giveaway was made possible through a donation from John Devaney, founder of United Capital and Manor House Films.

Inspired by a landmark sweatshop case in El Monte, CA, City of Dreams...

Former Republican Presidential candidate and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy – who recently bought a minority stake in the media company BuzzFeed – is making his first foray into Hollywood by signing on to the forthcoming Roadside Attractions feature “City of Dreams” as an executive producer along with Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino (“Mighty Aphrodite”) – who has actively fought human trafficking around the world for decades – and Colleen Camp, a veteran character actor and producer known for “Apocalypse Now,” “Clue” and “American Hustle” (among many others). They join a production written, produced and directed by filmmaker Mohit Ramchandani that features in its cast Jason Patric, Paulina Gaitan, Renata Vaca, Samm Levine, Diego Calva and Nicole Andrews.

Also boarding the film as “elite ambassadors” supporting a “City of Dreams” awareness campaign are Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee Sylvester Stallone, legendary NBA coach and executive Pat Riley, actor Martin Sheen, talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford...

Exclusive: Former Republican presidential candidate and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy is making his first foray into Hollywood joining veteran actor and producer Colleen Camp as EPs on director Mohit Ramchandani’s City of Dreams.

The movie, inspired by true events, follows a young boy from Mexico who is trafficked across the border and sold to a sweatshop in downtown Los Angeles. The movie touches upon the current border crisis and the exploitation of migrant children in the supply chain of American corporations. Roadside Attractions, as previously announced, has set a Aug. 30 theatrical release.

“City of Dreams is a gripping thriller inspired by many true stories, and it’s one of the most important films of our time. It ought to make every American, and especially every parent, deeply uncomfortable – by exposing the underbelly of child trafficking in our own country. It’s an American nightmare. I don’t care if you...

Exclusive: John Devaney, CEO and Founder of the Miami-based United Capital Markets, on Wednesday announced the launch of Manor House Films, an equity-driven production company that he says will look to support “unique filmmakers and purpose driven films.”

Already, Devaney has had two occasions to do that through the company — first, as the financier of the addiction-themed drama The Prince, scripted by David Mamet, on which we were first to report. Currently in post, the film from director Cameron Van Hoy chronicles an addict’s tumultuous odyssey through the high-stakes world of power, pleasure, and pain on a transformative journey toward recovery.

Pic’s cast includes Nicolas Cage, J.K. Simmons, Giancarlo Esposito, Andy Garcia, Scott Haze, Simon Rex and more. Multiple sources told us the project was inspired by Hunter Biden, though sources close to the production denied it.

Devaney has also financed the P&a budget for City of Dreams,...

Warning! This post contains spoilers for Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie.

The Sandy Cheeks movie explores her scientific prowess and Texas origins, focusing less on SpongeBob. The film features lively tracks that enhance the entertaining sci-fi drama and expand the SpongeBob lore. Sandy and SpongeBob set out to save Bikini Bottom above water, with music playing a crucial role in driving the narrative.

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie not only brings a creative new spin to Sandy's story from the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise but also features several lively tracks that perfectly fit with its entertaining sci-fi drama. Combining CGI animation with live-action, Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie attempts to expand the parent series' lore by focusing less on the yellow underwater sponge and more on his squirrel friend, Sandy. Although the main series establishes Sandy as everything from a bodybuilder to a martial arts master,...

Exclusive: Mohit Ramchandani (City of Dreams) has co-written and will direct Asphyxia, a new survival thriller for Capstone Studios.

Daniel Negret and Ramchandani penned the script for the pic, to be produced by the Warner Bros-based Hunt Lowry. Capstone is fully financing with casting currently underway and production to kick off in Q1 2025. The project marks Ramchandani’s sophomore feature on the heels of City of Dreams, an enslaved child labor thriller that Roadside Attractions releases nationwide on August 30.

Asphyxia follows Dr. Joanna Miller, a marine biologist specializing in migratory and birthing patterns in whales, whose ship capsizes in a storm during a routine expedition, killing her entire crew. She’s left stranded in an air pocket inside the mess hall, trying to signal the patrolling coast guard rovers, when she comes across an unexpected survivor, the captain’s daughter. As...

Aiming to be a weapon of mass inspiration in the war against child trafficking, “City Of Dreams” written and directed by veteran producer Mohit Ramchandani showcases one boy’s story of ultimate resilience and hope as he’s trafficked across the border from Mexico and sold to a sweatshop in downtown Los Angeles. City Of Dreams

Visit: www.cityofdreamsmovie.com & watch the powerful trailer here.

Already critically acclaimed with a 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the feature film hits theaters nationwide on Aug. 30 via Roadside Attractions, the studio behind Academy Award Winner “Manchester by the Sea,” “Margin Call” and “Winter’s Bone.” The “City Of Dreams” film is supported by icons of film, music and media including New York Times bestseller and speaker Tony Robbins, Academy Award Winning Producer Michael Phillips, award-winning singer-song-writer Linda Perry (“Beautiful”), Academy Award nominated actress Yalitza Aparicio (“Roma”), 5 Time Latin Grammy Winning artist Luis Fonsi, Producer...

“Babylon” breakout star Diego Calva is returning to his film roots for Mexican feature “City of Dreams.”

The drama, which is inspired by true events, follows young boy Jesús, whose dreams of becoming a soccer star are shattered when he’s trafficked across the border and sold to a sweatshop making fast fashion in downtown Los Angeles.

The official synopsis reads: “Thrust into a world of exploitation and despair, he’s forced to adhere to the grueling work schedule dictated by El Jefe, a boss who promises freedom for those who complete their quotas. Despite Jesus’s hellish existence, he finds solace in Elena, a girl who was similarly betrayed and sold into slavery. When she goes missing and another co-worker Carlito’s is severely beaten, Jesus realizes that his only hope for freedom is to make a daring escape.”

The film is written and directed by Mohit Ramchandani; Jason Patric,...

The Frameline Film Festival has announced the winners from its 2024 program.

The top honors went to Luke Gilford’s “National Anthem,” which took home the Outstanding First Feature Award, and Chloé Barreau’s “Fragments of a Life Loved,” which won Outstanding Documentary Feature.

Frameline, the world’s largest and longest-running LGBTQ film festival, ran from June 19–29, with 120 screenings, programs and events held in theaters across the Bay Area, including the Herbst Theatre and Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.

Highlights of the festival included the Castro Theatre’s first-ever celebration of Juneteenth — a block party that featured the official re-lighting of the venue’s iconic neon blade sign and marquee, performances from the all-Black drag collective and a special outdoor screening of “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero.”

Other highlights included a special 30th anniversary screening of the 4K restoration of “Go Fish,” attended by Rose Troche and Guinevere Turner, the...

Exclusive: The 48th San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival aka Frameline48 wrapped over the weekend and presented it awards after a slate of 120 in-person screenings and programs featuring international LGBTQ+ filmmakers and Bay Area artists.

Frameline48 highlights included a 30th anniversary screening of the 4K restoration of Go Fish; the “queer premiere” of Anthony Schatteman’s Young Hearts; the U.S. premiere of Juan Pablo Di Pace and Andrés P. Estrada’s Duino, world premieres of Deborah Craig’s Sally! (co-directed by Jörg Fockele and Ondine Rarey) and Osama Chami’s Una película barata; and screenings of Harrison Xu, Ivan Leung and Katherine Dudas’ Extremely Unique Dynamic, Marco Berger’s The Astronaut Lovers (Los amantes astronautas) and Luke Willis’ Lady Like, which saw the director and Lady Camden, the film’s subject, in attendance.

The Frameline kickoff celebration featured a live performance by singer, songwriter and producer Linda Perry, followed...

When Linda Perry started allowing director Don Hardy to film her day-to-day existence, she didn’t realize the cameras would arrive just in time for her life to fall apart. Perry is the singer-songwriter-producer behind 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up,” Pink’s “Get This Party Started,” and Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” among other hits — and at first, Hardy was filming her artistic process as she began exploring the idea of writing for herself again. Then her mother got sick and eventually died, and Perry herself faced a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Plankton is getting his own Netflix movie, directed by David Needham. The film will feature original songs and sleek 3D animation. The Plankton movie is expected to release in 2025, the same year as another SpongeBob movie.

The classic SpongeBob SquarePants antagonist Plankton will now get his own Netflix movie. Sheldon Plankton and his computer wife Karen are an iconic aspect of the popular animated series, which first aired in 1999. Since SpongeBob's debut, several feature-length movies have been made, most recently including 2020s The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run.

Now, Netflix has announced the development of a Plankton-centric movie. Along with this news came the revelation of the films first image. David Needham will direct the film, and its plot will see Plankton in dire straits when his plans to dominate the world are crushed. The film has reportedly been in development for over four years and features original songs from Bret McKenzie,...

Netflix is getting animated this Thursday with two announcements bound to inspire nostalgia and smiles. The news begins with the title of Aardman‘s latest Wallace & Gromit movie, Wallace & Gromit: A Vengeance Most Fowl. Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham direct the feature, which focuses on Wallace’s dependency on his befuddling inventions. Next, we’ve gotten word of a SpongeBob spinoff film centered around the antagonistic planktonic copepod, Plankton. Dave Needham directs the Plankton film, which focuses on the villain’s plans for world domination getting foiled.

Circling back to Wallace & Gromit: A Vengeance Most Fowl, the latest stop-motion animated adventure featuring the affable Wallace and his canine companion Gromit, finds Gromit concerned when Wallace invents a “smart” gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. When Gromit discovers that a vengeful figure from the past could be pulling the strings, he must battle nefarious forces to save his friend and master,...

The egotistical, aggressive, evil and power-hungry planktonic copepod –Plankton– from SpongeBob fame is getting his own Netflix movie as unveiled as part of the streamer’s Next on Netflix Animation press drop.

In the Dave Needham-directed animated feature, Plankton’s world is flipped upside down when his plan for world domination is thwarted. Plankton runs the Chum Bucket restaurant alongside Karen, a waterproof computer that doubles as his sidekick and wife.

EPs are Marc Ceccarelli, Vincent Waller. Story is by Mr. Lawrence, screenplay is too, with co-scribes Kaz and Chris Viscardi. Voice cast is Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley, Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Clancy Brown, and Rodger Bumpass.

The movie had been in the works for over four years and was recorded two years ago.

Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper wrote the music with music supervisors Karyn Rachtman and Otis Ratchman.

Original songs were penned by Bret McKenzie, Linda Perry, Mark Mothersbaugh & Bob Mothersbaugh.

The June skies are clear as the Tribeca Festival gathers indie filmmakers from around the globe with a large slate of features and shorts, music, games, TV, audio storytelling and a major addition this year in De Niro Con, a tribute to the prolific actor and Tribeca co-founder.

The fest moved from April to June in part for the weather but that can’t be taken for granted — last year’s edition opened to a city blanketed with acrid smoke from Canadian wildfires as Mayor Eric Adams handed De Niro the key to the city at a press conference and Tribeca unveiled De Niro Con. Fan events and screenings with star power from Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Billy Crystal, Ben Stiller, David O. Russell, Christopher Walken and others will unspool over the last four days of the festival.

Other retrospectives and reunions will see Steven Spielberg screen and discuss his...