In a newly released video, the “Django Unchained” star can be heard telling a crowd that his illness left him with no memory of the first 20 days of his stay at a hospital.

“I had a headache, asked my boy for an Advil,” Foxx said before snapping his fingers. “I was gone for 20 days. I don’t remember anything.”

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Foxx said when he woke up, his sister and daughter took him to a doctor, who gave him a cortisone shot to try to treat his condition. However, Foxx ended up seeing a second doctor, who told the “Ray” actor that “there was something going on up there (pointing to his head).”

“I won’t say it on camera,” Foxx said, causing the crowd to laugh.

The 55-year-old’s daughter first announced that he had suffered a medical scare in April 2023 while in Atlanta to shoot a Netflix movie.

“We wanted to share that my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday,” Corinne Foxx, 29, wrote on Instagram at the time. “Luckily, due to quick action and great care, he is already on his way to recovery. We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers.”

About a month later, Foxx thanked all his fans and supporters for their well wishes during his medical scare, but did not reveal what he had been treated for.

However, the “Day Shift” star revealed that he had “went to hell and back” on his road to recovery.

“I went to hell and back, and my road to recovery has some potholes as well, but I’m coming back,” Foxx shared in a video posted to social media. “I’m able to work.”

The “Espresso” singer will take the stage at the Wells Fargo Center stage on Oct. 8. for her “Short n’ Sweet Tour.”

The 29-date tour will hit cities across the US and Canada, including New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, Toronto, Austin and more.

The tour is in support of Carpenter’s recently announced album, “Short n’ Sweet”, which comes out Aug. 23.

Earlier this year, Carpenter made headlines when she joined Taylor Swift on the international leg of her highly acclaimed “ERA’s Tour”. Now you can catch Carpenter again, this time performing her new songs such as “Please Please Please” which topped the charts this week.

Presales for the tour will begin on Monday, June 24, with the Cash App presale at 10 a.m. followed by Team Sabrina Presale on Tuesday, June 25th at 10 a.m.

General on-sale for the public begins on Friday, June 28 at 10 a.m.

“Sabrina has partnered with PLUS1 on this tour to launch the Sabrina Carpenter Fund, which will support the well-being of people and animals, including national and local organizations working on the issues of mental health, animal welfare, and support for the LGBTQ+ community,” event organizers said in a news release.

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Herr’s once again needs your help Philadelphia in deciding what area flavor is best by putting the spotlight on iconic tastes from local businesses.

The Pennsylvania-based snack company revealed three new “Flavored by Philly” chip flavor finalists on Monday, June 17, 2024.

“Building on the resounding success of year two of the contest, Herr’s is once again putting the focus on the local small businesses that infuse Philadelphia with its distinctive culinary character through the Flavored by Philly Local Eats contest,” the Nottingham-based snack food company said in a news release. “The Flavored by Philly contest celebrates Philadelphia’s unique flavors, a testament to community support, and a platform for creating cherished snack-time memories.”

Herr’s asked fans in October to submit Philly flavor ideas for a chance to see their chip flavors in stores all over the region. The twist this year was to focus on “regional gems.”

What are Herr’s 2024 Flavored by Philly finalists?

So, with no further ado… the three limited-edition flavor finalists for the summer of 2024 are (with descriptions care of Herr’s):

• Talluto’s, Cheese Ravioli and Marinara – “Talluto’s, a pasta pioneer since 1967, presents a mouthwatering combination of robust cheese ravioli and bright marinara sauce, delivering an irresistible flavor experience.”  
• Mom Mom’s Kitchen, Potato Pierogi – “Mom Mom’s Kitchen, known for its homemade comfort food, presents a delightful blend of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors with its signature potato pierogi.”
• Romano’s Stromboli, Special Hot – Romano’s Stromboli, a Philadelphia institution since 1950, offers a savory fusion of cheese, heat, and tradition, encapsulating the essence of the city in every bite.

“Herr’s has deep roots in Philly, and we are thrilled to showcase other small businesses and their distinctive flavors through the Flavored by Philly contest,” Herr’s Chairman and CEO Ed Herr said in a news release.

Herr’s said the company got 1,051 submissions that it narrowed down to the final three.

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“Through the Flavored by Philly contest, we wanted to highlight small businesses and their unique flavors to give the people of our community a memorable experience they could truly savor,” Herr added. “It was a challenging decision to narrow down to just three finalists, but we’re huge fans of these three offerings and can’t wait to hear the public’s reaction to the flavor combination of these signature dishes with our chips.”

How can I get a taste of the new Philly chip flavors?

The three flavors are on store shelves — the retail price is $2.69 for a 2.375 oz. bag and $4.99 for a 7.375 oz. bag — and available for purchase online.

Want to vote for you favorite Philly chip flavor?

The snack food company wants you to taste the chips and vote for your favorite.

Herr’s said the winning flavor’s business will win $10,000 and the person who nominated them will get $5,000. Anyone who votes gets entered in a sweepstakes to win Herr’s-branded swag and snacks.

Past winners of the Herr’s local chip contest include Long Hots & Sharp Provolone (2022) and Corropolese Italian Bakery & Deli’s Tomato Pie (2023).

Which chip will reign supreme in 2024? Voting — online or by text — is open through Aug. 9.

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Wawa‘s cheap eats program for 2024 features some new “Classics” inspired by Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce and his wife, Kylie Kelce.

Here is the full scoop on the $5 and $6 sandwiches you can start ordering on June 17, 2024:

When is Wawa Hoagiefest 2024?

Wawa surprised people Monday morning by announcing that Hoagiefest is here again.

“This promotion runs from Monday, June 17 through Sunday, August 11 in all Wawa stores and on the Wawa App and provides great savings for an additional four weeks this summer,” Wawa said in a news release.

How much do Wawa hoagies cost during Hoagiefest?

A 6-inch Shorti hoagie will cost just $5 this summer, while a 10-inch Classic hoagie costs $6.

“Hoagiefest is an annual summer tradition that celebrates the role hoagies have in helping make memories for families whether it’s at graduation parties, beach, concerts and more,” Wawa chief marketing officer Jim Morey said. “With the help of Jason and Kylie Kelce, Hoagiefest just got a little more fun thanks to ‘Kelce Classics,’ and hopefully customers get a kick out of ordering hoagies just the way they do!”

Hold on, how are Kylie and Jason Kelce involved in the 2024 Wawa Hoagiefest?

“During the summer campaign, customers can order their hoagies the way former Philadelphia Eagles’ Center Jason Kelce and Delaware County native Kylie Kelce do,” Wawa said.

The “Jason” is an Italian hoagie with mayo, provolone, tomato and banana peppers on a white roll, Wawa said.

The “Kylie” hoagie features honey turkey with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and banana peppers on a wheat roll.

The Kelces even put out a video promoting Hoagiefest:

“It’s frickin’ Hoagiefest and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with Wawa on their beloved summer tradition of spreading happiness in Philly and beyond,” Jason and Kylie Kelce said. “It’s our favorite time of year and we’re hoping ‘The Jason,’ and ‘The Kylie,’ Kelce Classics make your summer that much brighter!”

When did Hoagiefest begin?

“Summer time’s here and it’s Hoagiefest…”

The catchy summer food discount featuring catchy jingles and colorful advertising dates back to 2008, Wawa said. “It has since grown to become an annual celebration of Hoagies.”

Want to show off your Hoagiefest pride?

“Customers can visit Wawa’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok from 6/20 – 6/23 for a chance to win Hoagiefest swag perfect for summer including a towel, bucket hat, koozie and t-shirt,” Wawa said.

Wawa also normally puts the swag up for sale on its website.

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Not only is it the second-highest opening weekend in Pixar’s 29 years of making films and the second-biggest animated opening ever (behind only the $182.7 million launch of “Incredibles 2” in 2018); It’s also the biggest of 2024, and since “Barbie.” With an estimated $140 million from international showings, “Inside Out 2” had a staggering, and record-breaking, $295 million global start.

Tony Chambers, who heads theatrical distribution for Disney, was confident that the film would do “extremely well.” But even he was surprised at how much it exceeded already high expectations.

“People go to the theaters for great movies,” Chambers said. “The reviews, the word of mouth just helped build this momentum … It’s becoming a bit of a phenomenon.”

Importantly, “Inside Out 2” audiences spanned ages and all demographics. Post-COVID, he said, breakout successes depend on attracting multicultural audiences.

The success is significant for Pixar, marking a much-needed return to form for a studio that has had a string of underwhelming launches including “ Elemental,” which did eventually become a success, and “ Lightyear,” which didn’t. It’s also vitally important for the greater Hollywood ecosystem and the health of theatrical exhibition, which had been running at a 26% deficit.

“Everybody needed this because success begets success,” said Chambers, who has been getting excited calls from exhibitors and fellow studios alike. “It’s great for the industry, great for Pixar and great for the business overall.”

Disney was already having a good summer, with “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” which this weekend was in third place in its sixth weekend with $5.2 million (bringing its global total to $374.5 million). And next up is “ Deadpool & Wolverine ” (July 26).

Kelsey Mann directed “Inside Out 2,” which picks up with Riley as she turns 13. That means the arrival of new emotions like Anxiety (Maya Hawke) and Envy ( Ayo Edebiri ) to Joy’s (Amy Poehler) party. It got glowing reviews from critics (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and polled audiences who gave it an A CinemaScore, suggesting that this won’t be a first-weekend wonder. With kids out of school and an open market until “Despicable Me 4” enters the ring over the Fourth of July, “Inside Out 2” is just getting started.

“This is a monumental weekend for movie theaters,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore.

“Inside Out 2” is estimated to have cost around $200 million to produce, which does not account for the millions spent on marketing. Going into the weekend, it was tracking for a debut in the $90 million range, which would have been in line with “Inside Out’s” first weekend in June 2019. Even that would have been considered a terrific achievement, and enough to claim the biggest opening of the year — finally unseating March releases like “ Dune: Part Two ” and “ Godzilla x Kong.”

“For the entire industry that works for theatrical, this is a huge turning point for 2024,” said Daniel Loria of Boxoffice Pro. “This is the sort of weekend we’ve been waiting for.”

As the only major release of the weekend, its theatrical footprint was equally impressive playing on 400 IMAX screens, over 900 “premium large format” screens and over 2,500 3D screens.

This recommitment to theatrical comes after Disney sent several Pixar films straight to its streaming service, Disney+, over the pandemic including “Soul,” “Luca” and “Turning Red.” Last month, the New York Times reported that Pixar had decided to return its focus to feature films (and not producing shows for Disney+) and that it had laid off 14% of its workforce (about 175 employees).

“As important as this weekend is for the industry at large, for Pixar this is huge. They’ve been trying to get their groove back since the pandemic,” Dergarabedian said. “They’ve really come back big.”

Second place went to Sony’s “ Bad Boys: Ride or Die, ” now in its second weekend with $33 million, down only 42% from its opening. In just 12 days, it’s already earned over $112 million domestically and $214 million globally. As of Friday, the four-film franchise had crossed the $1 billion mark.

“Bad Boys’” success last weekend was the start of a higher-earning turnaround for the lagging summer movie season. For Hollywood, the summer season, which runs from the first weekend in May through Labor Day, usually represents about 40% of the yearly box office. The deficit is still significant, with ticket sales down 28% for the summer and 24% for the year (and this is still before “Barbenheimer”) but it’s progress in a more promising direction nonetheless.

“We’re not going to get there overnight,” Dergarabedian said. “But it’s good news for theaters. And we have some big movies on the way.”

On the ground, theater owners saw their cineplexes come to life this weekend.

“It has been magical,” said Jeff Whipple, a vice president for Megaplex Theaters. “We have seen literally generations of families brought together for this movie.”

Megaplex Theaters operates 15 locations and 173 screens in Utah and Southern Nevada. And the energy was palpable, Whipple said. Not only have families been hanging around after the showtimes to discuss the film; They’ve also been scoping out what’s coming next with kids taking pictures of the “Despicable Me 4” posters and displays and dads taking note of the “Deadpool & Wolverine” date.

“I think word is going to spread on this film and help draw people into theaters throughout the summer,” Whipple said.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “Inside Out 2,” $155 million.

2. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” $33 million.

3. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” $5.2 million.

4. “The Garfield Movie,” $5 million.

5. “The Watchers,” $3.7 million.

6. “IF,” $3.5 million.

7. “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” $2.4 million.

8. “The Fall Guy,” $1.5 million.

9. “The Strangers: Chapter 1,” $760,000.

10. “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” $632,910.

The musical based on the beloved S. E. Hinton book is about rival gangs of haves and have-nots in 1960s Oklahoma. The win meant Angelina Jolie, a producer, landed her first Tony, too.

Producer Matthew Rego, in his acceptance speech, thanked Hinton, in the audience at Manhattan’s Lincoln Center: “Susie, I’m here to tell you that your story and its eternal message of love and family and staying gold has forever changed all of our lives.”

“Stereophonic,” the play about a Fleetwood Mac-like band recording an album over a turbulent and life-changing year, won best new play and had the night’s most total awards at five. It was written by David Adjmi, with songs by former Arcade Fire member Will Butler.

“Oh, no. My agent gave me a beta blocker, but it’s not working,” Adjmi said. He added the play took 11 years to manifest.

“This was a very hard journey to get up here,” he said. “We need to fund the arts in America.”

Two special guests electrified the crowd — Jay-Z and Hillary Rodham Clinton. The latter, a producer of a musical about suffragettes, presented “Suffs.”

“I have stood on a lot of stages, but this is very special,” Clinton said. “I know a little bit about how hard it is to make change.”

In the first musical presentation, Alicia Keys appeared at a piano as the cast of her semi-autobiographical musical, “Hell’s Kitchen,” presented a medley of songs. She sang her and Jay-Z’s 2009 smash “Empire State of Mind,” joining the rapper on interior steps to wild applause.

Later, newcomer Maleah Joi Moon won best leading actress for “Hell’s Kitchen,” brushing aside a challenge from veteran Kelli O’Hara. The 21-year-old, who plays a role loosely based on Keys’ life, dedicated her award to her parents.

Danya Taymor — whose aunt is Julie Taymor, the first woman to win a Tony Award for directing a musical — became the sixth woman to win the same award for “The Outsiders.”

Then Shaina Taub, only the second woman in Broadway history to write, compose and star in a Broadway musical, won for best score, the ninth woman to do so. The “Suffs” creator had already won for best book earlier in the night.

“If you are inspired by the story of ‘Suffs,’ please make sure you and everyone you know have registered to vote and vote, vote, vote!” she said. Taub said the win was for all the loud girls out there: “Go for it.”

Jeremy Strong took home the first big award of the night. The “Succession” star landed his first Tony for his work in the revival of Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 political play “An Enemy of the People.” The award for best lead actor in a play will sit next to his Emmy, Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe.

Kara Young, the first Black performer to be nominated for a Tony three consecutive years in a row, won this time as best featured actress in a play for “Purlie Victorious,” the story of a Black preacher’s plan to reclaim his inheritance and win back his church from a plantation owner.

“Thank you to my ancestors,” she said, giving thanks to a list that included playwright Ossie Davis and co-star Ruby Dee, who originated her role.

“Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe cemented his stage career pivot by winning featured actor in a musical, his first trophy in five Broadway shows. He won for the revival of “Merrily We Roll Along,” the Stephen Sondheim- George Furth musical that goes backward in time.

“This is one of the best experiences of my life,” Radcliffe said. “I will never have it as good again.” He also thanked his parents for playing Sondheim in the car growing up.

“Merrily” was also named best musical revival and earned Jonathan Groff his first Tony, for leading actor in a musical. Groff — previously nominated for “Spring Awakening” and “Hamilton” — thanked co-stars Lindsay Mendez and Radcliffe, both emotional in the audience.

Groff, who said he used to watch the Tonys in Pennsylvania as a kid, also thanked his parents and brother for letting him act out scenes from “I Love Lucy” as a child.

“Thank you for always allowing my freak flag to fly without ever making me feel weird about it,” he said.

Kecia Lewis, who plays a formidable piano teacher in “Hell’s Kitchen,” took home her first Tony, too. The 40-year veteran made her Broadway debut at 18 in the original company of “Dreamgirls.”

“This moment is the one I dreamed of for those 40 years,” she said. “Don’t give up!”

“Appropriate,” Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ show centered on a family reunion in Arkansas, was named best play revival. Jacobs-Jenkins also thanked Davis, saying there would be no “Appropriate” without “Purlie Victorious.”

“Appropriate” star Sarah Paulson added a best leading actress in a play Tony to her awards cabinet. Paulson said she was thrilled to be able to interrogate the human condition: “This is the heart and soul of what we do and I am so honored to be amongst you.”

Three-time Tony-honored Chita Rivera got a special tribute from Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Bebe Neuwirth. Images of her work in “Chicago,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and “West Side Story” were projected while dancers performed her hit numbers. Host Ariana DeBose, who won an Oscar in Rivera’s “West Side Story” role of Anita, joined in.

DeBose, a three-time host, also co-choreographed the opening original number, “This Party’s for You.” The song cheered those who sacrifice for their art and took a gentle swipe at other entertainment types: “You’ll learn that film and TV can make you rich and make you famous. But theater will make you better.”

The performances also included an intense, creepy version of “Willkommen” from the “Cabaret” revival led by Eddie Redmayne, Pete Townshend playing guitar for “The Who’s Tommy” and a messy rumble from “The Outsiders” that included falling water, buckets of dirt, various carpets and an onstage truck.

The telecast teased upcoming shows, inviting Nicole Scherzinger — slated to star in a “Sunset Boulevard” revival — to sing the “In Memoriam” section. Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren — announced today as stars of 2025’s “The Last Five Years” — presented.

Scherzinger sang “What I Did for Love” as the names appeared, including playwright Christopher Durang and actors Alan Arkin,Glenda Jackson,Louis Gossett Jr., and Treat Williams.

___

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits

___

More on the Tony Awards: https://apnews.com/hub/tony-awards

From Sunday, June 16 through Thursday, June 20 you can dine at the most esteemed and renowned establishments Wildwood has to offer.

Participating restaurants are each offering a complete three-course prix fixe menu for just $40 per person.

This event provides guests the opportunity to explore new dining spots or revisit past favorites.

For a complete list of participating restaurants and their menus click here.

Can’t make it to this upcoming culinary event? No worries, a second restaurant week will be held in August!

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The Big Dill, the leading authority in the world of pickles announced the ultimate pickle celebration will take place at Xfinity Live! on Saturday, June 15. 

Event organizers said from noon to 7 p.m. guests will immerse themselves into a world of pickle wonders.

Throughout the day, a diverse lineup of musicians, mummers, DJs, emcees and mascots will perform. There will even be a pickle rave with Xfinity’s own DJ Jay Roy.

Guests will have the opportunity to try pickle-inspired beverages crafted with premium spirits and gourmet pickles.

Then pickle your fancy and indulge in delicious food, such as pickle pizza, pickle egg rolls, pickle grilled cheese, and pickle ice cream.

After trying all the custom cocktails and food, enjoy the festival’s activities, such as pickle pitching, pickleball, rock climbing, AXE throwing and more.

“The Big Dill is no ordinary event; it’s a movement,” Founder Kevin Baxter explained in a news release. “The Big Dill has become a global sensation, with fans traveling from all over the world to participate in this event. And in 2024, The City of Brotherly Love will be at the epicenter of all the fermentation frenzy!”

Tickets are available at www.bigdill.com. Guests can choose their “pickle adventure” from these ticket options:

• VIP Pickle Pass for $109.99
• Early Entry Pickle Pass for $69.99
• Premium Pickle Pass for $39.99  
• Standard Pickle Pass for $24.99
• Little Gherkin Pickle Pass for $17.99 (For kids ages 2-13 – Children under 2 years of age are free)

The renowned comedian and entertainment pioneer announced her highly-anticipated farewell tour where she will grace the stages across North America for the last time.

“Ellen’s Last Stand… Up” show will include a stop at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia on July 31.

Live Nation said DeGeneres will bring her trademark wit and and laughter-inducing anecdotes back to the spotlight.

Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning on Thursday, May 30, ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, May 31, at 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com. 

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J.T. already “Can’t Stop the Feeling” as he will be rolling into “The Sweetest Place on Earth” for an Independence Day concert at Hersheypark Stadium. That show is among the many that has sold well (more than 1 million tickets sold worldwide, so far), leading to an expansion of the world tour that includes the Philadelphia stop in nine final tour dates announced on Monday, May 20, 2024, according to Live Nation.

Timberlake will play the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.

So, when can you grab tickets to ensure you can “Rock Your Body” in Philly this fall?

When do tickets to Justin Timberlake in Philadelphia go on sale?

Get ready to put on the “Suit & Tie” (or not) and get in front of a screen to grab tickets to the former *NSYNC member’s Oct. 11, 2024 concert. You may have to get a bit “Selfish” with your time to ensure you don’t miss getting seats to dance in front of as you belt out the lyrics to “Cry Me a River.”

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Live Nation on Monday announced all the “Conditions” that exist for fans to grab tickets. Per normal, several presales get first dibs on Ticketmaster.

First up will be presales for Verizon Up customers, Citi cardmembers and VIP Packages. Those go on sale at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

The Live Nation, Ticketmaster and venue presales take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday May 22, according to Ticketmaster’s website.

Feeling “Alone” that you don’t have special access or a special code? The general public finally gets its chance to snag tickets on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 10 a.m. before they go “Bye Bye Bye.”

Click here to get to the Ticketmaster concert ticket page.

J.T. keeping ‘Flame’ of live performing alive with classic hits, new ‘

Timberlake dropped the single “Selfish” in January and his new album, “Everything I Thought It Was to Be” and another single “No Angels” in March. He launched “The Forget Tomorrow World Tour” on April 29, 2024, in Vancouver, Canada.

The tour spans more than 85 shows in at least 55 cities, according to Live Nation. The tour is now set to end on Dec. 20, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Gyllenhaal hosted the late night sketch comedy show for the third time on May 18 alongside musical guest, Sabrina Carpenter, for the show’s Season 49 finale. 

The “Brokeback Mountain” star poked fun at hosting the last show before “SNL” celebrates its 50th season in his musical monologue, joking, “I mean, when you think of historic television seasons, the first number that pops into your head is 49.”

“I mean, sure, you know, one more episode and I would’ve been hosting the premiere of the 50th season, but who cares?” he added. “49 is a great number. I mean, 7 x 7, classic…Also, 49 is the number of times Conor McGregor accidentally punched me during ‘Road House.’”

Despite being an episode short from Season 50 of “SNL,” Gyllenhaal said he was still “honored” to be hosting the final episode of Season 49.

“I did some research, I learned that ‘SNL’ always brings out the big guns to host the last episode before the big anniversary season,” he said. “Like do you know who hosted the Season 9 finale? Mayor Ed Koch.”

He added, “I know we’re all waiting for Season 50, but you can’t get to 50, without a little bit of 49. And we’re here at the finale, the end of the road.”

Gyllenhaal fittingly broke into a rendition of the iconic Boyz II Men tune “End of the Road,” adjusting the lyrics to fit in with the theme of the night’s finale. 

“You know, I was actually ‘SNL’s’ first choice to host the finale after a lot of people said no,” the actor recited. “I guess they’re all holding out for the 50th. But not me, not little J.G. I’m the one who said ‘Yeah.’”

Gyllenhaal got more passionate about his performance as the monologue went on, singing, “They asked Pedro Pascal, but he wasn’t around. Zendaya said no ‘cause she’d be out of town. Even asked Gosling to come back again, just hosted three shows ago!”

Kenan Thompson, Ego Nwodim, Punkie Johnson and Devon Walker all joined Gyllenhaal on stage in matching white cardigans and khaki shorts as they belted out the song’s chorus.

Thompson even chimed in with a verse of his own, singing, “And girl we did a lot of sketches this year, and most of them were fine. It’s definitely one of the top 48 seasons, Season 49.”

Gyllenhaal tried to hype up the Season 49 finale one last time, but he was immediately shot down by Nwodim.

“It’s been 49 years, over 900 shows, costumes and wigs and a room full of blow,” Gyllenhaal belted before leading into the chorus once again. “So many stars have walked out that door, so here’s to 49 more.”

Gyllenhaal also showed off his singing chops later in the show in the “Beautiful Girls” sketch. 

He took on the role of Billy Harper, who was accompanied on stage by his “beautiful girls,” Nwodim, Chloe Fineman, and Sarah Sherman, all donning beaded costumes adorned with feathered headpieces.

However, the song pivoted to also feature his “beautiful boys,” leading several cast members including Bowen Yang, Marcello Hernández, and Andrew Dismukes to join him on stage, all wearing beige plain clothes.

Across social media, fans shared their reactions to Gyllenhaal’s musical performances during the episode, with several acting shocked that the actor could sing.

“Jake Gyllenhaal sang on SNL,” one tweet on the social media site X read. “I didn’t know he could sing like this.”

Another user on X added, ““Wait…Jake Gyllenhaal can sing?”

One fan responded to the shock from other viewers, writing, “whenever new people discover that Jake Gyllenhaal can sing I just want to link them to videos of him performing the lead role in Sunday in the Park with George,” which was a West End revival of Pulitzer Prize-winning musical play.

Other fans expressed their desire to see Gyllenhaal take on more musical roles, with one fan tweeting, “i need jake gyllenhaal to star in a musical immediately.”

“Jake Gyllenhaal we will get you that Tony,” another fan wrote.

One user on X even joked, “All the executives right now getting their musicals ready because they’re just finding out that Jake Gyllenhaal can sing.”

Gyllenhaal has previously shown off his musical abilities on “SNL,” making a guest appearance in March 2020 during one of John Mulaney’s musical sketches, “Airport Sushi.”

The actor sang the tune “Enjoy Security,” spoofing “Defying Gravity” as he sang lovingly about being searched by TSA.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from Today:

• Caitlin Clark’s mantra as she takes on the WNBA: ‘Don’t lose the fun of it’
• Travis Kelce features Taylor Swift in his Kelce Jam welcome video
• Simone Biles says husband Jonathan Owens’ attendance at her 2024 season debut was ‘a huge thing for him’

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The trailer for the movie dropped on May 15.

The trailer features Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba forging a friendship after meeting at Shiz University.

“You’re the one the wizard has been waiting for,” Michelle Yeoh, as headmistress Madame Morrible, says as she works with Elphaba.

Things then take a dark turn when Glinda gives Elphaba a black hat to wear and Elphaba encourages her to accompany her on a trip to Emerald City. Elphaba seems to sense trouble in Oz, while the Wizard of Oz — played by Jeff Goldblum — offers some strong words.

“The best way to bring folks together is to give them a real good enemy,” he says over images Elphaba, who remains loyal to herself.

“I’m not afraid. It’s the Wizard who should be afraid of me,” she says shortly before the trailer ends.

In the movie, Erivo plays Elphaba, “a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power,” according to a Universal press release about the film.

Grande portrays Glinda, “a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.”

The pair become friends only to see their lives go in different directions after they meet The Wizard of Oz.

“Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future,” the release said.

“Wicked,” based on the Gregory McGuire book of the same name that became the basis for a hit Broadway musical, is directed by Jon M. Chu, who helmed “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights.”

The movie also stars Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang and Peter Dinklage.

The movie is scheduled to be released Nov. 27, with “Wicked Part Two” due to come out Nov. 26, 2025.

Erivo and Grande were filled with emotions when they found out they had been cast in the film.

“It’s been a really long journey here and I’m really grateful for it,” Erivo said in a video after she learned she had gotten the role of Elphaba.

“I never thought in my lifetime that I would get to be a part of something like this.”

Grande was equally in awe when she was told she had been tapped to play Glinda.

“Oh my God, thank you,” she told Chu while crying. “I love her so much. I’m going to take such good care of her. Thank you so much!”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

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Let’s not let one more moment “Tik Tok” by.

Kesha and NE-YO will headline the 2024 Wawa Welcome America Independence Day concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway that comes to a dramatic end with fireworks over Philadelphia.

Léelo en español aquí

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Wawa Welcome America president and CEO Michael Delbene made the official announcement during a 10 a.m. news conference on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the City Hall Courtyard.

But, before the concert headliners and other big events became official, NBC10 was first to reveal details about all the free fun.

Take a look at our complete guide to Wawa Welcome America below.

Who is Kesha?

Kesha is a Grammy-nominated and award-winning musician, actress and activist best known for her hit songs “Tik Tok,” “Your Love Is My Drug,” “We R Who We R,” and “Die Young.”

Over her career, musician, actress and activist Kesha has earned 10 Top 10 singles, billions of streams, two No. 1 albums, four No. 1 songs on Top 40 radio and nearly 40 million followers across social media. The Grammy-nominated superstar attracts a diverse, passionate and socially engaged global audience who believe in the messages behind her music while critics also have unanimously sung her praises. 

Kesha’s ventures outside of music include a top-rated TV program, an award-winning film, a book, a cruise, and a cosmetics line, all of which spotlight an artist whose passion, talent and charm has earned her legions of fans. Additionally, the popstar has been a staunch advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and animal welfare through various organizations since the start of her career. 

Who is NE-YO?

NE-YO is a three-time Grammy Award-winning R&B hitmaker, iconic songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose illustrious catalog has generated a combined total of 23 billion streams worldwide.

His debut single, 2005’s “So Sick,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified quadruple-platinum. Since then, the Motown Records/Compound Entertainment recording artist has racked up a collection of global hits including “Sexy Love,” “Closer,” “Because of You,” “Miss Independent,” and “Push Back” [feat. Bebe Rexha and Stefflon Don].”

Additionally, NE-YO has proven to be as powerful with his pen as he is in the recording studio and on stage, penning bangers like Rihanna’s “Unfaithful,” “Russian Roulette,” and “Take a Bow,” along with Beyoncé’s 2006 breakup anthem “Irreplaceable” and songs for such artists as Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Celine Dion and Mario, among others.

NE-YO has also leveraged his platform as a musician to pivot into acting. His film and television credits include NBC’s “World of Dance,” Netflix’s “Dance Monsters,” “Empire,” “Stomp the Yard,” “Save the Last Dance,” “Battle: Los Angeles,” George Lucas’ “Red Tails,” “The Wiz Live!,” Starz’ “Step Up: High Water,” “Hip Hop Family Christmas Wedding” and “The Sound of Christmas.” He will be starring in the upcoming season of 50 Cent’s acclaimed drama series “BMF” on STARZ.

What is the Wawa Welcome America Festival?

The Wawa Welcome America Festival is Philadelphia’s 16-day celebration for free events. The 2024 festival will feature an expanded lineup of free multicultural & multigenerational events throughout Philadelphia and will culminate on July 4^th on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with a free star-studded concert featuring Kesha and NE-YO followed by fireworks.

What will the 2024 Wawa Welcome America Festival feature?

Once again, Wawa Welcome America will feature a lineup of tried-and-true programming that Philadelphians have come to know and love, combined with new events designed to showcase and celebrate the rich multicultural fabric of Philadelphia, all while activating iconic public spaces across our great city.

As Wawa Welcome America continues to grow and expand leading up to America’s 250^th birthday in 2026, this year’s festival will feature a slate of world class talent designed to put Philadelphia and the festival on a global stage.

With a continued focus on arts, culture, education, wellness, history, and performance, the 2024 festival will feature beloved programming such as concerts, fireworks, block parties, complimentary museum access, Wawa Hoagie Day, and more. 

Wawa Welcome America is continuing its dedication to making the festival inclusive and multi-cultural and will once again include a slate of programming in commemoration of Juneteenth, along with the 40-plus year tradition of Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta, celebrating Hispanic culture and heritage through food, dance and music in late June.

When will the 2024 Wawa Welcome America Festival take place?

The 2024 festival will again begin on June 19 and run until July 4.

Where and when can I watch the July 4^th Philly concert?

Prior to the concert, guests will enjoy a collaborative performance by DJ Diamond Kuts and Snacktime Philly on the Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage on the Parkway 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The concert will begin on the main stage at 7 p.m. and end with a breathtaking fireworks display. It will be televised live during primetime in its entirety on NBC10 & simulcast from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4th on NBC Sports Philadelphia+.

The concert will be followed by Philadelphia’s largest annual fireworks display over the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway courtesy of Wawa beginning at 9:30 p.m. 

The free concert will also be livestreamed on the NBC Philadelphia News channel on Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Fire TV, Pluto and Xumo Play as well as NBC10.com. The concert will be streamed in Spanish on Telemundo Noreste on Roku and Samsung TV Plus as well as Telemundo62.com enabling viewers to watch on any device.

Do I need tickets for the Wawa Welcome America concert?

Entry to the July 4^th Concert & Fireworks is free and tickets are not required. Gates open at 4 p.m. All guests must enter at Logan Circle at 20^th Street through the secure checkpoint, including magnetometers. Bags and beings are subject to search.

Wawa Welcome America will provide multiple opportunities for attendees to obtain free tickets to the front section of the July 4th Concert + Fireworks, including ticket giveaways around the city prior to the festival and at select festival events, as well as the ability to download free tickets right to their device.

Note that while tickets are not required to attend the July 4^th Concert + Fireworks, tickets are required for the front section, closest to the stage.

• Pre-Festival Pop-Ups – Wawa Welcome America will activate in multiple locations beginning June 1st through the start of the festival, giving Philadelphians and visitors an opportunity to score tickets to the front section of the July 4th Concert + Fireworks. Stop by and spin the prize wheel for a chance to win festival swag, tickets and more! Additional dates and locations to be announced.
  • Saturday, June 1 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Xfinity Live! | 1100 S. Pattison Ave. Join us at Xfinity Live! before the Phillies game to experience a Wawa Welcome America takeover on the outside Plaza and turf field. Guests of all ages can enjoy free face painting, a meet and greet with Mickey Morandini, former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star second baseman (3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.), free snacks including Rita’s Water Ice and Tastykake Krimpets, and a chance to spin the prize wheel, featuring tickets to the front section of the July 4th Concert + Fireworks on the Parkway! Guests can also enjoy a performance by At The Apollo on the Plaza stage.
  • Saturday, June 1 | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. | outside The Fillmore | 29 E. Allen St. Spin the Wawa Welcome America prize wheel for a chance to win tickets to the front section of the July 4th Concert + Fireworks on the Parkway! Additional giveaways courtesy of Tastykake and UTZ.
• Festival Events – Stop by the Wawa Welcome America tent at festival events for a chance to win tickets to the front section of the July 4th Concert + Fireworks, along with other fun festival giveaways.
• Ticket Tuesdays – Beginning June 4, tickets to the front section of the July 4th Concert + Fireworks will be available each Tuesday on july4thphilly.com through July 2. Guests will be able to download tickets through Ticketmaster at no cost. 

When and where can I watch the Wawa Welcome America fireworks?

Courtesy of Wawa, the tradition of July 4th fireworks returns to the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The complete fireworks spectacular will be televised live on NBC10 at 9:30 p.m. and simulcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia+.

The fireworks will be live streamed on the NBC Philadelphia News channel on Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Fire TV, Pluto and Xumo Play as well as NBC10.com. The fireworks will be streamed in Spanish on Telemundo Noreste on Roku and Samsung TV Plus as well as Telemundo62.com enabling viewers to watch on any device.

Where can I get the full festival schedule and information?

Updated information on the festival, including the schedule and timing of the events can be found on the NBC10 app as well as the Wawa Welcome America website.

Announcements will also be made on the Wawa Welcome America Facebook page, Instagram page and Twitter profile.

Here’s a breakdown of all the 2024 Wawa Welcome America Festival events:

Free Museum Days

Philadelphia’s most notable museums, cultural institutions, and attractions will open their doors free of charge, or, for an optional pay-what-you-wish donation, throughout the entire festival.

The full Free Museum Day Series includes:

Times per museum may vary.

• Wednesday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | African American Museum in Philadelphia *courtesy of Wawa, pre-registration required
• Thursday, June 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Independence Seaport Museum (Building only Free); 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
• Friday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Historic Rittenhouse *pre-registration required; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Christ Church Preservation Trust; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | The Print Center
• Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Woodford Mansion Museum; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Lemon Hill Mansion Museum; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Science History Institute; noon – 4 p.m. | WPCA/Paul Robeson House & Museum *pre-registration required
• Sunday, June 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Laurel Hill Mansion; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Strawberry Mansion Museum
• Monday, June 24, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Department
• Tuesday, June 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Stenton *pre-registration required; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | The Underground Railroad Museum at the Historic Belmont Mansion; noon – 4 p.m. | Elfreth’s Alley Museum
• Wednesday, June 26, 10 a.m. – 5 PM | Woodmere Museum; noon – 4 p.m. | Wyck Historic House; noon – 6 p.m. | The Fabric Workshop Museum
• Thursday, June 27, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | National Constitution Center *courtesy of Wawa
• Friday, June 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Fireman’s Hall Museum; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Penn Museum *pre-registration required; noon – 4 p.m. | Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion Victorian House Museum & Garden
• Saturday, June 29, 9:30 a.m. – 3:20 p.m. | The Masonic Temple, Library, and Museum; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Arch Street Meeting House; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | American Philosophical Society Museum
• Sunday, June 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum; noon – 4 p.m. | American Swedish Historical Museum
• Monday, July 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | The Mutter Museum *pre-registration required; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | National Liberty Museum *pre-registration required; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | The Barnes Foundation *pre-registration required; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | The Rodin Museum
• Tuesday, July 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Carpenters’ Hall Museum
• Wednesday, July 3, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Wagner Free Institute Museum; 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Academy of Natural Sciences *pre-registration required; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History; 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Eastern State Penitentiary *pre-registration required
• Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Cliveden; noon – 2 p.m. | Johnson House Historic Site *pre-registration required

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Juneteenth Block Party & Free Museum Day at AAMP

Join the African American Museum in Philadelphia for an unforgettable celebration of freedom and culture during the annual Juneteenth Block Party in partnership with Wawa Welcome America. All are welcome to unite to celebrate freedom through music as we honor this year’s theme, “Rhythms of Liberation: Celebrating Juneteenth Through Music,” during Black Music Month. There will be live musical entertainment, a vendor village, food trucks, interactive experiences, and activities for the whole family!

Enjoy a lineup of sensational live performances hosted by WURD Radio personalities Tiffany Bacon and Andrea Lawful-Sanders; Get ready to jam with hip-hop legends, this year’s headliners Kid ‘n Play, groove to the beats of Rich Medina spinning the best in R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and more, and feel the melodic vibes of Seraiah Nicole and West Philly’s favorite band, Suede Lace; Celebrate the essence of Juneteenth with the soul-stirring poetry of Kai Davis, Philadelphia’s newly appointed Poet Laureate, as her words echo the resilience, triumph, and spirit of African American heritage; Free museum access courtesy of Wawa – discover the stories and legacies of African American history and culture; Explore the Vendor Village, showcasing a curated selection of small Black-owned businesses, offering unique treasures that celebrate Black culture, heritage, and entrepreneurship; Discover a wealth of attractions, including a Children’s Zone, delicious cuisine, educational exhibits, and interactive experiences that celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth and the pursuit of freedom and equality for all.

The event concludes with a pivotal conversation entitled “Shattering the Glass Ceiling: African American Women in Politics” moderated by Broadcast Journalist, Soledad O’ Brien.

The event takes place on Wednesday, June 19, noon to 7 p.m., African American Museum in Philadelphia, 7^th & Arch Street.

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Jefferson Einstein Community Day

Come together with friends and family for an evening of fun at Cherashore Playground, hosted by Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital. Guests will enjoy entertainment, free food, including samples of Rita’s Water Ice, giveaways, lawn games, local vendors, and the opportunity to learn about healthcare services and job opportunities at Jefferson Health.

The event takes place on Thursday, June 20, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cherashore Playground on 8^th Street and Olney Avenue.

Friday, June 21, 2024

Kidchella Music Festival

Dance, play, create! Kids of all ages can enjoy this free music festival, celebrating Smith Memorial’s 125^th Anniversary, featuring Emmy® Award winning Alex & The Kaleidoscope, Johnny Shortcake, City Love, Ill Doots, and the Soundspace Performing Arts dance troupe.  Prior to the main concert at 5:00pm, the World Cafe Live Up Next Stage will showcase talented local youth performers curated by World Café Live. Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy dynamic performances, art stations, mouthwatering treats, exciting giveaways, and more! Kidchella offers something special for everyone to enjoy. This vibrant celebration will take place on Smith Memorial’s spacious front lawn, promising a comfortable and scenic experience and convenient parking. It’s not just a concert; it’s a community celebration.       *Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as there is limited capacity.                                                     

The event takes place on Friday, June 21, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse on 3500 Reservoir Drive

Saturday, June 22, 2024, and Sunday, June 23, 2024

Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta, supported by PECO

This two-day festival unites people of all ages through music, dance, and cuisine to celebrate Hispanic culture and heritage. New this year – Philadelphia’s largest event of its kind will move to the John F. Kennedy Bridge at 20^th & John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Both days are jam packed with great performances, including legendary artist Joseph Fonseca, an icon of merengue music, and Huey Dunbar, one of the most prominent representatives of the history of salsa in all the Hispanic countries. While there, guests can delve into cultural cuisine at the Oasis supported by the Philadelphia International Airport and explore the many vendors and activations, including the Well-being on Wheels presented by Independence Blue Cross, featuring free health screenings, wellness information, and nutrition takeaways. This event is produced in partnership with Concilio. Concilio is a non-profit organization located in North Philadelphia that has been serving the community since 1962.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. , 20^th & John F. Kennedy Boulevard.

Monday, June 24, 2024

Declaration House Block Party

Celebrate the opening of Monument Lab’s newest exhibition at the Declaration House at Independence National Historical Park. This block party will commemorate the unveiling of Sonya Clark’s The Descendants of Monticello with special performances and will showcase several historic and artistic organizations from the area, including the African American Museum in Philadelphia, PhillyCAM, and more. This event is in partnership with Monument Lab at Independence National Historical Park.

The event takes place on Monday, June 24, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Declaration House on 7^th Street between Market and Chestnut streets.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Celebration of Innovation and Education, in partnership with Jefferson

Celebrate Jefferson’s 200^th anniversary with our special event!

The event takes place on Tuesday, June 25, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Jefferson Plaza on 12^th and Chestnut streets.

More details on this event to come.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

‘Rocky’ Movie Night

A Wawa Welcome America tradition returns. Fans of all ages can again enjoy a free screening of the timeless classic, Rocky, on the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Guests are encouraged to come early to experience the new Rocky Shop and enjoy food and drinks from local food trucks and the pop-up beer garden produced by the Constellation Culinary Group. Free snacks will also be available courtesy of UTZ and Tastykake. 

Attendees can immerse themselves in the spirit of Rocky by participating in one of two free 30-minute Rumble Boxing classes at the base of the steps. From first time boxers to elite fighters, all are welcome, no matter their current fitness level. The two Rocky-themed free classes will offer an intense, dynamic shadow boxing & strength training workout set to old school favorites and new school beats. Advance class registration is encouraged. Visit july4thphilly.com to pre-register. 

This event is in partnership with Independence Visitor Center & One Cathedral Square. Activities, including the Rumble Boxing classes, will begin at 6 p.m. while the movie will begin at 8 p.m. 

The event takes place Wednesday, June 26, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on 26^th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Wawa Hoagie Day 

Join Wawa for historic Hoagie Day, honoring local heroes, and building and serving 25,000 Wawa Shorti Hoagies.  Hoagies will be served FREE at Noon along Arch Street between 5th & 6th Streets in the Independence Mall area. Guests can enjoy entertainment, including a performance by Voices of Service, a singing quartet of military veterans, along with free admission to the National Constitution Center all day – which includes a special Wawa History exhibit showing their more than 100 years of Philadelphia roots.

The event takes place Thursday, June 27, at noon on Arch Street between 5^th and 6^th streets at Independence Mall.

Friday, June 28, 2024

Our America Now, presented as part of the First Person Arts Festival

Our America Now, presented as part of the First Person Arts Festival, will feature five signature events, highlighting Wawa Welcome America’s ongoing commitment to create platforms for artists to have courageous conversations about what it means to be an American. The First Person Arts Festival is a one-of-a-kind storytelling festival dedicated to presenting art based on real-life stories by well-known and emerging artists across disciplines–and from around the world. Artists will include Marc Lamont Hill, Betty J. Smithsonian, Roxane Gay, and Chris Gethard, and First Person Arts 2023/2024 StorySlam season winners. Thanks to the partnership with Wawa Welcome America, for the first time, the First Person Arts Festival will be completely free.  For more information about the events and how to pre-register, visit www.firstpersonarts.org.

Here’s a breakdown of the five “Our America Now” events running June 28 to July 2:

Our America Now: Speechless GrandSlam

Who is the “Best Philly Storyteller”? Find out at World Cafe Live Lounge LIVE! This season, these Philly storytellers wowed audiences with amazing stories never saying sorry for who they are. Now, it’s time for them to compete for $250 and bragging rights for the year! Join host Betty J Smithsonian and guest judge Lamarr Todd for a fun night filled with the best stories in Philly. This event is FREE and is presented as part of the First Person Arts Festival. Pre-registration required.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 29, from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at World Café Live on 3025 Walnut Street.

Our America Now: A Conversation with Roxane Gay 

Join New York Times bestselling author and columnist Roxane Gay for a conversation about sharing our own stories on our own terms. This event is FREE and is presented as part of the First Person Arts Festival. Pre-registration required.

The event takes place on Monday, July 1, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Parkway Central Library on 1901 Vine Street.

Our America Now: Beautiful/Anonymous with Chris Gethard

Join New York Times bestselling author and columnist Roxane Gay for a conversation about sharing our own stories on our own terms. This event is FREE and is presented as part of the First Person Arts Festival. Pre-registration required.

The event takes place on Tuesday, July 2, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Independence Concert Stage presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA®, Independence National Historical Park at 6th & Market Streets.

Celebration of Black Music Month

Join us as we celebrate Black Music Month, which was founded in Philadelphia.  Hosted and curated by Philadelphia music legend Dyana Williams, this brand new celebration will feature multiple different expressions of black music, performed by some of Philadelphia’s most well-known and sought-after black musicians. Guests will be treated to incredible music, food, and cocktails under the stars at the iconic Dell Music Center.  This event is presented in partnership with The Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter.

The event takes place on Friday, June 28, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Dell Music Center on 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive.

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Avenue of the Arts Block Party, presented by PNC and in partnership with the Ensemble Arts Philly

The Avenue of the Arts comes to life with entertainment, art, food and more! Enjoy high-powered entertainment on the PNC Arts Alive Stage and the PA Lottery Groove Stage from local and world-renowned artists, including Carla Gamble, Javon Newman, Omar Wilson, Verbosity, WeRRedemption, Will Elsworth, winners from the I AM PHL contest presented by PhillyGoes2College and Vanguard, and more! Snap a photo in NBC’s The Voice coach’s chair, take a stroll down PNC Arts Alive Alley, showcasing local artisans, or peruse ‘Philly Fresh Market,’ where locally sourced delights await at our farmers market.  Kids and kids-at-heart can immerse themselves in ‘Avenue of Amusement,’ filled with nostalgic carnival games and thrilling entertainment for all ages. Challenge friends to a game of ping pong or immerse yourself in the art of fashion with a free show from Philly Fashion Week. Our furry friends can also join in the fun. Avenue of the Barks, hosted by Emancipet nonprofit veterinary, will feature dog-friendly games, dog wading pools to cool off in, vendors and more. New this year! The Kimmel Center’s FREE Party on the Plaza will feature a patriotic performance by The Philadelphia Orchestra. There is sure to be something for everyone at this unforgettable block party experience!

The event takes place on Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on South Broad Street between Walnut and Pine streets.

The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Concert & Waterfront Fireworks

The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will put on a patriotic, all-star concert followed by a thrilling fireworks display over the Delaware River Waterfront.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 29, at 8 p.m. on the Delaware River Waterfront.

Sunday, June 30, 2024

Gospel on Independence featuring Tamela Mann

Join us for a moving and soul-stirring performance by the Welcome America Mass Choir under the direction of Austin Woodlin and Zak Williams, debuting Created 4 This dance ensemble and 215 Gospel performers. This year’s performance, hosted by WDAS Patty Jackson, pays tribute to 1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. This year’s Gospel on Independence headliner is Grammy-Award winning gospel singer and actress Tamela Mann.

Along with her Grammy Award, Mann has earned many other accolades and honors, including multiple NAACP Image Awards, a Billboard Music Award, an American Music Award, and a BET Award. In 2022, she was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. In 2023, she broke the record for the most No. 1 singles on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart with ten of her songs topping the chart.

The event takes place on Sunday, June 30, at 7 p.m. on the Independence Concert Stage presented by Visit Philadelphia, at Independence National Historical Park at 6th & Market Streets.

Monday, July 1, 2024

Philadelphia Zoo 150th Anniversary Celebration

Join us at the Philadelphia Zoo to celebrate the 150th anniversary of America’s first zoo. Guests of all ages can enjoy performances, face painting, arts and crafts, games and more! This free celebration will also feature unique opportunities to see some of your favorite animals and their keepers in an up-close and unique way. Guests can enjoy free admission to the Philadelphia Zoo 3:00pm-5:00pm, on a first come first served basis. 

The event takes place Monday, July 1, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Philadelphia Zoo on 3400 W. Girard Avenue.

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Red, White, & Blue To-Do

A partnership of cultural and historical institutions and Old City businesses, the Philadelphia Historic District has created a new event for 2024 and beyond—the Red, White, & Blue To-Do—to take place on July 2. John Adams declared that July 2 should be a day of “pomp and parade” from one end of the continent to the other. Philadelphia’s Historic District will welcome the world to celebrate in the place where it all began. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will take place throughout America’s most historic square mile with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will debut on July 2, 2024, continuing to get bigger and more joyful each July 2 through 2026 and beyond, creating memories for residents and visitors. 

The event takes place on Tuesday, July 2, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Historic Distance and various locations.

Go 4th & Learn: Carpenters’ Hall 250th Anniversary

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Carpenters’ Hall, the host of the First Continental Congress in 1774, with entertainment, games and a unique model of this historic treasure built with LEGO® bricks. Experience the excitement of classic live science demonstrations from The Franklin Institute, celebrating its 200th anniversary. Plus, exercise your own creativity with LEGO bricks and explore the impacts of climate change through interactive activities that educate and inspire.

The event takes place on Tuesday, July 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Carpenters’ Hall on 320 Chestnut Street.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Salute to Service: The United States Army Field Band featuring LeAnn Rimes, supported by Freedom Mortgage

The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus presents “America the Beautiful,” a celebration of all there is to love about our nation. Take in unparalleled natural landscapes and meet the warm and welcoming people on a musical and visual journey across our country. We honor the veterans of every generation who answered the call to defend this great land and recognize the Soldiers standing guard today in more than 140 countries around the world who are proud to call America “home.” 

This year, the Army Field Band will be accompanied by international multi-platinum selling acclaimed singer and ASCAP award-winning songwriter LeAnn Rimes. Rimes has won two Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, two World Music Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards, two Country Music Association Awards and one Dove Award. At 14, Rimes won “Best New Artist” making her the youngest solo artist to take home a Grammy Award, and at 15, she became the first country artist to win “Artist of the Year” at the Billboard Music Awards. In 2022, LeAnn was presented with the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, which is an award presented to genre-spanning songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones.

Out of the 63 singles she has released throughout her expansive career, LeAnn’s ballad “How Do I Live” holds the record as Billboard’s Hot 100 all-time No. 1 hit by a female artist and currently ranks No. 6 on Billboard’s “Greatest of All Time: Hot 100 Songs” list. 15 of her multi-genre singles are Top 10 hits, including “Can’t Fight the Moonlight,” which went No. 1 in 11 countries.

The event takes place on Wednesday, July 3, at 7 p.m. on the Independence Concert Stage presented by Visit Philadelphia, Independence National Historical Park at 6th & Market Streets.

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, Presented by Freedom Mortgage and Supported by Visit Philadelphia

The Wawa Foundation Hero Award honors a non-profit organization and its volunteers serving Philadelphia by providing services that build stronger communities through preserving our independence, protecting our safety, and mentoring and inspiring our youth. Submissions are being accepted through May 31, 2024. Four of the most compelling stories will be chosen for voting by the public. Voting will occur from June 13 – June 28, 2024. The winning organization will receive a $50,000 grant from The Wawa Foundation, and three finalists will each receive a $10,000 grant. The Wawa Foundation Hero Award will be announced during the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony on July 4. 2024. For more information on The Wawa Foundation Hero Award terms and conditions or to submit an entry, please visit www.TheWawaFoundation.org.

About the Celebrate Freedom Award

The Celebrate Freedom Contest is open to all service members, veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers. Entrants submit an essay of 1,500 characters or less based on their personal experience that answers the question: “What does freedom mean to me?” In 2023, Freedom Mortgage will make a $5 donation to both Feeding America and the USO (United Service Organizations) for each of the first 600 submissions, up to $3,000 total per charity. This donation to Feeding America^® will help provide at least 30,000 meals to people facing hunger. The Celebrate Freedom Contest grand prize award winner will receive a trip for two to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to attend the Wawa Welcome America Festival on July 4 and receive a check for $10,000 from Freedom Mortgage. 2024 submissions have officially closed and the winner will be announced on July 4th. For more information visit, freedommortgage.com/celebrate.

Salute to America Independence Day Parade supported by Freedom Mortgage

Celebrate where the nation was born 248 years ago with a patriotic parade featuring dynamic elements commemorating the history and culture that celebrates the people and diversity of our country.  The parade will feature national and international groups, including representation from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Minnesota, and the Nation of Honduras. The parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m. starting at 2nd & Market Streets and continuing to City Hall.

The event takes place Thursday, July 4, at 11 a.m. at East Market Street between 2^nd Street and City Hall.

Wawa Welcome America July 4^th Concert & Fireworks

Find all the details on the July 4^th Concert & Fireworks on top of this article.

The actor recently spent some solo time with his four kids while wife Blake Lively took a much-deserved trip, and he shared some hilarious daddy-duty stories while appearing on TODAY Monday.

When Hoda Kotb asked Reynolds what it was like to watch all four kids, the star cracked a joke.

“You know, single dad. I’m a Reba McEntire song. Single dad, doing it all. Yeah, just doing it for them, right?” he said.

The 47-year-old went on to describe how he kept his kids occupied.

“(I) took them all to the park. Told them Mommy left when they were young. Surprisingly, you get a lot of action that way,” he joked, leaving Hoda and Savannah Guthrie in stitches.

On a (somewhat) serious note, Reynolds said he enjoyed the quality time together.

“No, we had a good time. No one died, which was nice,” he said.

The “If” star then acknowledged something that any parent of multiple children can relate to.

“And four kids, it’s just a zoo! Like, you just surrender, right? You just surrender 24/7,” he said.

Reynolds ended the conversation on another hilarious and relatable note.

“When we had our fourth, I was so happy because I always wanted to make sure we had someone on hand to give me strep throat. And now we’ve recovered,” he said.

“It’s rolling sickness,” Savannah replied. 

“There’s just never a full, clean slate of health ever,” he added.

Reynolds pulled solo parenting duty back in February when Lively traveled to the Super Bowl alongside pal Taylor Swift, who was watching her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce. The mother of four chronicled her journey and revealed that it was the first time she had traveled away from her children.

“Last week I left my kids for the first time ever and wore pants that were shoes. I took pictures upside down and had no clue. I treated a friendship bracelet like a Flat Stanley for my husband like I didn’t realize it wasn’t ‘07. I borrowed more jewelry than the skeleton in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. And I went clubbing. Now I know what my episode of the Twilight Zone would look like,” she wrote.

Many of Swift’s fans have been wondering if the singer revealed the name of Lively and Reynolds’ fourth child on her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” since their other kids’ names are included in her lyrics. Reynolds gave another hilarious answer to the question.

“We always wait for Taylor to tell us what the child’s name will be,” he joked about his youngest child, born in February 2023.

The proud dad continued, “We’ll say this. We’re still waiting, so Taylor, let’s maybe start. You know, (she’s a) prolific writer. I mean, what are we doing here? And lazy’s not a word I’d attach to Taylor.” 

This article first appeared on TODAY.com. Read more from TODAY here:

• We asked 17 doctors what they eat for breakfast and this is their No. 1 pick
• Angelina Jolie and daughter Vivienne visit TODAY for Broadway Week
• Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg announced as new coaches on ‘The Voice’

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Michael Bublé and rapper Snoop Dogg are joining the cast as coaches this fall, NBC announced at its upfront presentation at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on May 13.

The crooner and the rapper join returning coaches Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani to round out the group of all-stars.

“Folks, we’ve got a rookie taking the chair. I can’t wait for him to join us — so I can beat him,” McEntire said onstage during the event. “Everyone please welcome the D-O-double-G, Snoop Dogg!”

The legendary rapper then took the stage and put a twist on the lyrics to his 1994 classic “Gin and Juice.”  

“With so much drama in the LBC, it’s kinda hard being Snoop on NBC,” he rapped.

Snoop then shared his excitement about joining the group.

“Since Reba is the queen of ‘The Voice’ who brings the sparkle, I can be the king who brings the style, the funk and the fun,” he said.

He previously appeared on “The Voice” as a mega mentor in Season 20, and Bublé is also no stranger to the show. The Grammy-winning singer was an advisor to Blake Shelton’s team in Season 3.

Snoop and Bublé will replace Chance the Rapper, the country duo Dan + Shay and singer John Legend as coaches in Season 26.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Paris Hilton wore a prosthetic baby bump while employing a surrogate because she ‘wanted it to feel real’
• Ryan Reynolds reveals whether his new baby’s name is on Taylor Swift’s album
• Hilary Duff’s husband honors her as ‘mother of hot’ for Mother’s Day

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The Universal Pictures release opened on a weekend that Marvel has regularly dominated with $100 million-plus launches. (In 2023, that was “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” with a $118 million debut. ) But last year’s strikes jumbled this year’s movie calendar; “Deadpool & Wolverine,” originally slated to open this weekend, is instead debuting in July.

So in place of a superhero kickoff, the summer launch went to a movie about the stunt performers who anonymously sacrifice their bodies for the kind of action sequences blockbusters are built on. Going into the weekend, forecasts had the film opening $30 million to $40 million.

“The Fall Guy,” directed by former stuntman and “Deadpool 2” helmer David Leitch, rode into the weekend with the momentum of glowing reviews and the buzz of a SXSW premiere. But it will need sustained interest to merit its $130 million production budget. It added $25.4 million in overseas markets.

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Working in its favor for a long run: strong audience scores (an “A-” CinemaScore) and good reviews (83% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes). Jim Orr, distribution chief for Universal, believes things line up well for “The Fall Guy” in the coming weeks.

“We had a very solid opening,” said Orr. “We’re looking forward to a very long, very robust, very successful run throughout the domestic box office for literally weeks if not months to come.”

But the modest start for “The Fall Guy” hints at larger concerns for the film industry. Superhero films haven’t been quite the box-office behemoth they once were, leading studios to search for fresher alternative. “The Fall Guy” seemed to check all the boxes, with extravagant action sequences, one of the hottest stars in the business, a director with a track-record for crowd pleasers and very good reviews.

But instead, the opening for “The Fall Guy,” loosely based on the 1980s TV series, only emphasized that the movie business is likely to struggle to rekindle the fervor of last year’s “Barbenheimer” summer. “The Fall Guy” stars one from each: Gosling, in his first post-Ken role, and Emily Blunt, of “Oppenheimer.” Both were Oscar nominated.

“It’s going to be a very interesting, nontraditional summer this year,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore.

In part due to the effects of last year’s work stoppages, there are fewer big movies hitting theaters. Expectations are that the total summer box office will be closer to $3 billion than the $4 billion that’s historically been generated.

“The summer season is just getting started, so let’s give ‘The Fall Guy’ a chance to build that momentum over time. It’s a different type of summer kickoff film,” said Dergarabedian. “There’s always huge expectations placed on any film that kicks off the summer movie season, but this isn’t your typical summer movie season.”

In a surprise, No. 2 at the box office went to the Walt Disney Co. rerelease of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” The first episode to George Lucas’ little-loved prequels collected $8.1 million over the weekend, 25 years after “Phantom Menace” grossed $1 billion.

Last week’s top film, the Zendaya tennis drama “Challengers,” slid to third place with $7.6 million in its second week. That was a sold hold for the Amazon MGM release, directed by Luca Guadagnino, dipping 49% from its first weekend.

The Sony Screen Gems supernatural horror film “Tarot” also opened nationwide. It debuted with $6.5 million, a decent enough start for a low-budget release but another example of horror not quite performing this year as it has the last few years.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “The Fall Guy,” $28.5 million.

2. “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” $8.1 million.

3. “Challengers,” $7.6 million.

4. “Tarot,” $6.5 million.

5. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” $4.5 million.

6. “Civil War,” $3.6 million.

7. “Unsung Hero,” $3 million.

8. “Kung Fu Panda 4,” $2.4 million.

9. “Abigail,” $2.3 million.

10. “Ghostbuster: Frozen Empire,” $1.8 million.

Prepare for the 2024 Met Gala red carpet to look like a beautiful bouquet.

On May 6, the biggest and brightest stars will step out in their most fantastical designs at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year, the annual event — hosted by Anna Wintour and cochairs Bad Bunny, Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez and Chris Hemsworth — will celebrate the Costume Institute’s new exhibition: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” in which the theme is “The Garden of Time.”

That means, fans can expect to see an explosion of florals and nature-inspired designs on the red carpet.

“This innovative show will push the boundaries of our imagination,” museum CEO Max Hollein said in November, per Vogue. “And invite us to experience many facets of a work, to learn more about its history, and, ultimately, to gain a deeper appreciation of its beauty.”

But before celebrities show off their flower power, keep reading to get the inside details about the 2024 Met Gala.

2024 Met Gala

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What is the 2024 Met Gala theme?

This year’s Met Gala celebrates the Costume Institute’s new exhibition, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.”

However, this isn’t a Disney princess reimagining. It’s about honoring clothes that are so fragile, they can never be worn again. Thus, these diaphanous fabrics and one-of-a-kind constructions are considered “sleeping beauties” in the archives of the museum.

As Andrew Bolton, the head curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, told Vogue, “It is very much an ode to nature and the emotional poetics of fashion.”

The exhibition will also have three main zones that emphasize the Earth’s elements: Land, Sea and Sky.

What inspired the 2024 Met Gala theme?

The fashion extravaganza has been inspired by everything from legendary designers to religion and futurism. But this year’s Met Gala pays homage to the 1962 short story, “The Garden of Time,” written by author J.G. Ballard.

The book follows Count Axel and his wife, who listen to Mozart in their beautiful villa that’s surrounded by a garden of crystal flowers. But outside their gilded cage, is an angry mob that nears their place of solitude. To keep the army at bay, Axel must turn back time by plucking his flowers, one by one, until there is nothing left.

What is the 2024 Met Gala dress code?

The 2024 Met Gala dress code is “The Garden of Time,” which plays off of J.G.’s short story title. While the theme can be interpreted in various ways, it’s likely we’ll see creations inspired by plants, flowers and other botanicals.

Florals? For spring? Why, yes, it will be groundbreaking at the Met Gala.

Who is hosting the 2024 Met Gala?

The cohosts joining Anna Wintour this year are Bad Bunny, Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez and Chris Hemsworth. This will commemorate the Marvel actor’s first time at the annual event, while it marks Bad Bunny’s third appearance, the Euphoria actress’ sixth and J.Lo’s 14th.

How long with the fashion exhibit be at the Metropolitan Museum?

The exhibit runs from May 10 through Sept. 2.

According to the MET, the show will feature approximately 250 garments and accessories all connected visually through nature.

So, expect to be transported, as the exhibit includes several sensory capabilities, like smelling hats with floral notes or touching walls embossed with embroidered fabrics. And prepare to gaze upon the “illusion technique known as Pepper’s ghost,” the museum website states, which will display how the “hobble skirt” restricted women’s strides in the early 20th century.

All in all, the exhibit will span over 400 years of fashion history and showcase designs by Schiaparelli, Dior, Givenchy and others. And the pieces that are too fragile to ever be worn again—such as a Charles Frederick Worth gown from 1877—will be viewed through “animation, light projection, AI, CGI and other forms of sensory stimulation,” the museum website reads.

“By appealing to the widest possible range of human senses,” Andrew said in a press release, “the show aims to reconnect with the works on display as they were originally intended—with vibrancy, with dynamism, and ultimately with life.”

Rio’s City Hall has said some 1.5 million spectators are anticipated, more than 10 times more than Madonna’s record attendance of 130,000 in Paris’ Parc des Sceaux in 1987. Madonna’s official website has been hyping the show as the biggest ever in her four-decade career.

It will be the last show of “The Celebration Tour,” her first retrospective which kicked off in October in London.

In recent days, the buzz has been palpable. Fans milled outside the stately, beachfront Copacabana Palace hotel, where Madonna is staying, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pop star. During the sound check on the stage that’s in front of her hotel, they danced on the sand.

By about noon Saturday, hundreds of fans had gathered in front of the hotel. A white-bearded man carried a sign saying “Welcome Madonna you are the best I love you.”

Flags with ‘Madonna’ printed against a background of Copacabana’s iconic black and white waved sidewalk pattern hung from balconies. The area was teeming with street vendors and concert attendees kitted out in themed T-shirts, sweating under a baking sun.

“Since Madonna arrived here, I’ve been coming every day with this outfit to welcome my idol, my diva, my pop queen,” said Rosemary de Oliveira Bohrer, 69, who was supporting a gold-colored cone bra and a black cap.

“It’s going to be an unforgettable show here in Copacabana,” said Oliveira Bohrer, a retired civil servant who lives in the area.

Eighteen sound towers have been spread along the beach to ensure that all attendees can hear the hits. Her two-hour show is set to start at 9:45 p.m. local time.

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City Hall produced a report in April estimating that the concert will inject 293 million reals ($57 million) into the local economy. Hotel capacity is expected to reach 98% in Copacabana, according to Rio’s hotel association. Fans hailing from across Brazil and even Argentina and France sought out Airbnbs for the weekend, the platform said in a statement. And Rio’s international airport forecast an extra 170 flights from May 1-6, from 27 destinations, City Hall said in a statement.

“It’s a unique opportunity to see Madonna, who knows if she’ll ever come back,” said Alessandro Augusto, 53, who flew in from Ceara state — approximately 2,500 km (1,555 miles) from Rio.

“Welcome Queen!” read Heineken ads plastered around the city, the lettering above an image of a upturned bottle cap resembling a crown. Heineken wasn’t the only company seeking to profit from the excitement, with bars and restaurants reportedly preparing “Like a Virgin” cocktails, named for her 1984 hit. A shop in the downtown neighborhood famed for selling Carnival attire completely reinvented itself, stocking its shelves with Madonna-themed costumes, fans, fanny packs and even underwear.

Organization of the mega-event will be similar to New Year’s Eve, when millions of people gather on Copacabana for the world-famous fireworks display, local authorities said. That annual event often produces widespread thefts and muggings, and there has been some concern such problems may occur at Madonna’s show.

Rio state’s security plan incudes the presence of 3,200 military personnel and 1,500 civilian police officers on stand by. In the lead-up to the concert, Brazil’s navy carried out inspections of vessels that wish to position themselves at sea to follow the show.

A number of huge concerts have taken place on Copacabana beach before, including a 1994 New Year’s Eve show by Rod Stewart that drew more than 4 million fans and was the biggest free rock concert in history, according to Guinness World Records. Many spectators had come to see Rio’s fireworks show, though, so a more fitting comparison might be the Rolling Stones in 2006, which saw 1.2 million people crowd onto the sand, according to Rio’s military police cited by Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper at the time.

That’s right — the night is very hush-hush. Not much else aside from the fashionable entrances are made public, and apparently it is designed that way.

One of the main rules, that helps to keep the allure and mystery of the Met Gala alive is the fact that what happens inside is so secretive thanks to the no-phone rule — and by extension no social media — that all invitees must abide by, according to Vogue.com.

However, like all rules, there are exceptions. Apparently, celebrities have gotten around the no photos rule by…sneaking them in while socializing in the bathrooms!

Another rule that those invited to the night’s event must abide by is that there is no smoking, this after numerous pictures surfaced of celebrities smoking in the bathroom during the according to various reports.

Aside from smoking being banned, chives, onions and garlic are also not allowed, Anna Wintour, the global editorial director of Vogue and Met trustee, confirmed to TODAY. “Those are three things I’m not particularly fond of. And so yes. That’s true,” she said.

Additionally, there is an age limit rule as well that dictates those under 18 years old cannot attend, with an exception being those underage accompanied by their parents, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

And finally, the event is by invitation only. So if you were hoping to score a ticket, you are out of luck. I guess we will just watch the parade of outstanding outfits from the comfort of our couch!

Now through Sunday, May 26, customers from select states can enter weekly for a chance to win a trip to the destination of their choice: Italy or Iceland, including airfare, hotel for two and more.

The Pennsylvania-based frozen treat destination is not stopping there. Rita’s is sweetening the sweepstakes for 40 lucky participants.

Each week of the sweepstakes, ten randomly selected first-prize winners will receive free Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year.

“This sweepstakes underscores our gratitude to our loyal Rita’s community whose unwavering support has propelled Rita’s to become the largest Italian Ice concept in the world serving happiness in over 30 states,” President & CEO of Rita’s Linda Chadwick said in a news release. “Our success story is a testament to the passion and commitment of our fans and franchisees, without whom Rita’s wouldn’t have reached such heights. As we mark this milestone, we are thrilled to give back and express our heartfelt thanks for four decades of Ice, Custard and Happiness. We can’t wait to make this celebration our most memorable one yet.”

Rita’s — originally founded in May 1984 — was created by Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo. He wanted to share his prized family recipe, which included real fruit and opened his first shop in Bensalem.

Since then, Rita’s has expanded into 30 states across the country with over 550 stores.

For more information and to find your closest location visit ritasice.com.

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Grab your earplugs as Grave Digger, Megalodon, El Toro Loco, Kraken, Bad Company, Jester and the rest of the Monster Jam trucks (and drivers) roar at Monster Jam’s Stadium Championship East event on May 4, 2024.

Looking to experience the roar? Here’s your guide to getting tickets and even getting a chance to get up close to the monster trucks:

When does Monster Jam in South Philly start?

There are several tiers of timed admission to keep in mind for Saturday, May 4, 2024. The Pit Party starts at 9:30 a.m., doors to The Linc opens at 11 a.m., trackside access begins at 11:15 a.m. and the action begins at 1 p.m., according to Monster Jam.

Trackside access includes driver interviews, behind-the-scenes with pit crews, giveaways, opening ceremonies and more.

Which trucks and drivers will be crushing dirt at The Linc?

“The Stadium Championship Series East features 12 skilled athletes battling for the championship while tearing up the dirt in intense competitions of speed and skill,” Monster Jam said in a news release.

The drivers will compete in “Racing, 2 Wheel Skills and Freestyle” during the 2-hour program. Megalodon’s Todd Leduc said part of the competition includes fans voting for trucks through their phones.

Here’s the list of each driver and truck slated to participate Saturday:

• Bad Company – John Gordon
• Black Pearl – Cole Venard
• El Toro Loco – Jamey Garner
• Grave Digger – Tyler Menninga
• Great Clips Mohawk Warrior – Bryce Kenny
• JCB DIGatron – Tristan England
• Jester – Matt Pagliarulo
• Kraken – Nick Pagliarulo
• Luca Stabilizer – Linsey Read
• Max-D – Cody Saucier
• Megalodon – Todd Leduc
• Shaker – Ryan Disharoon

How can I buy tickets to Monster Jam in Philly?

Unless you’re 2 and under, you’ll need to pay for the full seat, but you’ll only be using the edge.

Tickets start at $37.40, including fees, on Ticketmaster.com. It’ll cost you more to sit close, with front row seats still up for grabs in the days leading up to the event for $170 each, before fees.

Sorry to be a party pooper, but Pit Party pregame tickets are sold out. So are the tickets to the Post-Event Driver Meet & Greet.

How loud might it actually get?

The 5-ton (or more) machines can produce quite a lot of noise. Average noise levels of 95 to 100 A-weighted decibels (dBA) are expereinced at monster truck rallies, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Noisy Planet project. “Exposure to sounds that are 85 dBA or louder can damage your hearing and put you at risk for noise-induced hearing loss.”

You can bring your own ear protection, or purchase there: “Our concessions staff sells Monster Jam-branded novelty ear protection and disposable ear plugs while supplies last at each event. You may bring your own from home,” Monster Jam says in its FAQs.

Luckily, the open air stadium should help some of the noise escape, but not the excitement.

Did you know?

Monster Jam is produced by Feld Entertainment, the same live touring production company behind other family-friendly events like Disney on Ice, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Sesame Street Live! and Jurassic World Live Tour,

Live Nation’s Concert Week promotion — now in its 10th year — featuring affordable ticket prices begins at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Léelo en español aquí.

Here is everything you need to know about getting $25 summer concert tickets in the Philadelphia region:

How does Live Nation Concert Week work?

From May 8 to 14, 2024, a full list of events will be available on Live Nation’s website. Once a show is selected, look for the ticket type labeled “Concert Week Promotion,” add the $25 ticket(s) to your cart.

The promotion features shows from more than 900 artists. If you’re looking to find concerts only in your area, Live Nation says you should be able to filter your search by venues or set your location to the closest city.

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There are limited tickets for the events, but each varies.

It’s worth noting that some prices do not include taxes, so the price at your checkout may be different.

When is Concert Week?

The sale began at 10 a.m. ET on May 8, 2024, and continues through 11:59 p.m. ET on May 14, “while supplies last.”

For T-Mobile, Rakuten and RBCxMusic members, a special presale began at 10 a.m. ET on May 7. The FAQs section of the Concert Week site answers questions about getting in on the presales.

How can I use hotel points to get concert tickets?

Hilton Honors members can use points for cheap seats.

“Starting May 8 in US only, use your Hilton Honors Points to get tickets to your favorite shows,” the Concert Week website said. “Get 2 Tickets for only 25K Points during Concert Week! Connect your Hilton Honors and Ticketmaster accounts today to make sure you’re prepped and ready to pay with Points when tickets go on sale.”

Which 2024 Philadelphia concerts can you get $25 tickets for?

In total, the company said the sale will include more than 5,000 shows across the United States and Canada, but will only be “for select Live Nation events, while inventory lasts.”

The full list of Philadelphia shows includes country music stars like Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson and Jason Aldean and singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge. Other artists revealed to be part of the $25 concert promotion include P!nk, Jennifer Lopez, Alanis Morrissette, Sean Paul, Janet Jackson, Avett Brothers, The String Cheese Incident, Bill Maher, Sum 41, X Ambassadors, John Fogerty, Patti LaBelle, Kid Laroi, The Early November, Pitbull, The Wailers, Goose, 21 Savage, Santana, Pixies and Finesse Mitchell.

Some concerts even leak into fall 2024, as was evidenced by a list of teased shows ahead of the promotion beginning.

Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (Camden, NJ)

• Hardy (June 27)
• Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic featuring Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Maren Morris and Mavis Staples (July 4)
• Sam Hunt (July 11)
• Jason Aldean (Aug. 2)
• Parker McCollum (Oct. 12)

The Fillmore Philadelphia

• Charley Crockett (July 19)
• Marcus King (Oct. 12)

The Met Philadelphia

• The Teskey Brothers (June 18)
• Justin Moore (Sept. 28)
• Orville Peck (Oct. 18)

Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia)

• Tim McGraw (June 20)

The Mann Center (Philadelphia)

• Melissa Etheridge (Aug. 22)

Other Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey shows are listed on the Concert Week website.

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Gosling, who stars in “The Fall Guy” opposite Emily Blunt, walked the carpet twice Tuesday during the Los Angeles premiere. He looked dapper for his first appearance in a mint green suit and shirt, but donned a blonde pompadour wig and “Death Rock” T-shirt for a second appearance as Beavis with Day’s buck-toothed Butt-Head.

The animated characters, known for their stupid antics, ridiculous laughs and crass jokes, were a mainstay in the 1990s on MTV.

Gosling and Day debuted their live-action take on the animated characters on “Saturday Night Live” last month, causing cast member Heidi Gardner and several other performers to break into laughter during the sketch. The bit, with Beavis and Butthead sitting in the audience of a panel discussion about artificial intelligence, has been viewed more than 14 million times on YouTube.

Gosling and Day posed on the carpet in character, including with “Fall Guy” composer Dominic Lewis, but did not do interviews in character.

Gosling plays a stunt man in “The Fall Guy,” which kicks off this year’s summer movie season in theaters on Friday.

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This year’s event is happening on Wednesday, April 24, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More than 35 businesses in Old City will open their doors, and attendees can explore wedding attire, florists, jewelers, restaurants, venues, and wedding services.

“There are so many unique things about Old City, and as the only business improvement district in Philadelphia to host a neighborhood-wide wedding event, we’re excited to have the Wedding Stroll on that list,” Executive Director of Old City District Job Itzkowitz said in a news release. “With the growing variety of wedding related businesses and services offered in Old City, this event showcases how Old City businesses can support every aspect of your wedding day.  

The event is free to attend, but you must register online ahead of time. Those who have registered will be automatically entered to win a prize on behalf of Old City District – valued at nearly $4,000.

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The Philadelphia native will be making stops in three local locations throughout the tour.

First, Hart will stop in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday, June 30, at the Prudential Center, then Atlantic City, New Jersey at Hard Rock Live on Sunday, July 21, and then ending his tour a little later with a homecoming stop in Philadelphia at the Met Wednesday, Dec. 4.

“Acting my Age” is my ninth tour and I wanted to change things up by creating a more intimate environment. This hour is about connecting with the audience and feeding off the crowd’s energy and laughter,” Hart said in a statement.

Organizers said this event will be a phone-free experience. Upon arrival, guests will have their phones secured in an individual Yondr pouch that will not be opened again until the end of the event.

For information on tickets visit KevinHartNation.com.

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Say J Balvin‘s name, and the men in black will appear.

The “Mi Gente” singer surprised fans at Coachella 2024 by welcoming Will Smith on stage for an out-of-this-world performance that saw the actor recreate his rap and dance moves from his 1997 “Men in Black” music video from the soundtrack to his hit movie of the same name.

In footage from the pair’s rehearsal of the alien-themed set, obtained exclusively by E! News, J Balvin praised the star. “We have the legend Will Smith here,” he said in Spanish, later calling his experience working with him a “dream.”

“Men in Black” stars Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as agents investigating extraterrestrial life on Earth. And fans couldn’t get enough of the movie’s UFO conspiracy theories, as sequels were released in 2002, 2012 and 2019.

Although the alien movies blew up, Smith recently revealed that he almost turned down the role.

“That was the next year after “Independence Day,”” he told Variety in August. “So I didn’t want to make two alien movies back to back.”

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But Steven Spielberg, who was an executive producer on the film, was able to persuade him after sending a helicopter to fetch Smith from New York.

“It landed at his house,” he recalled. “And, like, he had me at hello. And it was the first time I ever had lemonade with carbonated water. You can’t say no to that.”

Noting that the “Jurassic Park” director said the “coldest s—,” to win him over, Smith added, “He said, ‘Tell me why you don’t want to make my movie…’ And he was the producer. And he put the ellipsis at the end, it was the dot, dot, dot. If he had continued, he would have said, ‘Joker, you know I made ‘Jaws,’ right? You know I made ‘E.T.'”

And almost 30 years later, the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” alum stepped back into the suit for Coachella 2024.

In addition to Balvin’s intergalactic performance, the desert music festival saw spectacles put on by headliners Lana Del Rey, Tyler The Creator, Doja Cat and No Doubt in Indio, Calif.

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Gosling, who starred as Ken in “Barbie,” and Blunt, who starred as Kitty Oppenheimer in “Oppenheimer,” joined forces during Gosling’s monologue to let go of their roles and move on with their careers.

Gosling, in particular, had a real hard time letting go of Ken.

“Ken and I, we had to break up,” Gosling said at the start of his monologue. “We went too deep. But it’s over. So, I’m not going to talk about it.”

“I actually am going to talk about it a little bit,” Gosling then admitted.

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The “Drive” star then sat down at a piano and began to play Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well,” but with Barbified lyrics.

“I shredded Venice Beach, it’s true. My clothes were tight. But somehow that spandex felt so right,” Gosling sang, reminiscing on the famous scene of him and Margot Robbie skating down the boardwalk at Venice Beach.

The three-time “SNL” host continued to sing about being Ken, and even put on his character’s iconic fur coat, before Blunt stopped the show to knock some sense into her “The Fall Guy” costar.

“What are you doing?” Blunt asked Gosling.

According to Blunt, the two were supposed to do a whole skit related to their upcoming movie “The Fall Guy,” but instead Gosling was “singing about Ken, again.”

“Look at you, you’re Kenning right now,” Blunt said. “And I resent the fact that that is even a verb. I resent that. Take that fur coat off right now.”

Blunt then told Gosling needs to move on, but he said he “just can’t,” and began to sing again before Blunt came back on stage and hit him over a glass.

After some back-and-forth, Gosling turns the screws on Blunt, asking her if she misses her Oscar-winning film.

“I mean…” she responded, before beginning to sing herself.

“Father of the atom bomb, and a bottle of jack. I used to be the alcoholic wife of a dude in a hat,” Blunt sang, reminiscing on her role.

The two then converge for a duet reminiscing on the summer of 2023 and finally saying farewell to their Barbenheimer roles.

However, even at the conclusion of the monologue, Gosling still couldn’t resist.

“Ken will never die!” He yelled.

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Beyoncé’s girls are running the world.

Jay-Z and the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer’s younger daughter, Rumi, just snatched a new record — right from her older sister Blue Ivy.

As Rumi — twin to brother Sir — was featured on the “Protector” track of “Cowboy Carter,” she became the youngest woman to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in history at just 6 years old.

Track four on Beyoncé’s new country album, which currently sits at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, features Rumi asking her mother, “Mom, can I hear the lullaby, please?” and surpasses the feature Blue, 12, on Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” in 2019, which peaked at number 76. Blue sang on the “Lion King” movie track at just 7 years old.

And while Rumi may have surpassed her older sister in being the youngest woman to ever chart on the Billboard Hot list, Blue still holds a record for being the youngest overall person to claim a spot on any Billboard chart.

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Blue was credited under the moniker “B.I.C.” on Jay-Z’s “Glory” in 2012, which features her coos just after she was born. The song did not hit Billboard’s hot list, but it did chart on Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B charts.

Blue doesn’t have a feature on her mom’s latest album, but she is certainly still following in her footsteps. In fact, the tween often appeared on stage alongside her mom during the “Renaissance” tour as a backup dancer during “My Power.”

“I feel like now my mindset has changed,” Blue said in the “Renaissance” concert film of continuing to join her mother on stage, despite criticism of her early performances. “I actually have to wake up in the morning and go to rehearsals, and I actually have to work hard.”

Beyoncé and Jay-Z were initially hesitant to allow Blue to join her mother’s show, but her performances eventually made them very proud.

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“Blue is fearless,” Beyoncé said of her daughter in the film. “What I love the most is she becomes fearless, and I can see the growth and the confidence and her trusting herself more and more.”

And while Blue continues to build a name for herself in the industry, it’s exciting for fans to get a bold introduction to Rumi’s own power on the record-breaking track.

The news arrived via Instagram, where Eilish shared the album artwork showing the pop singer floating in a body of water after being ejected from a door. In the caption, she wrote that she will not drop singles in advance of the release.

“I wanna give it to you all at once,” she captioned the image. “I truly could not be more proud of this album.”

Eilish worked with her brother and longtime collaborator Finneas on “Hit Me Hard and Soft.” The pair recently took home their second Oscar for their big “Barbie” ballad “What Was I Made For?” In doing so, Eilish, 22, became the youngest person by far to have won two career Oscars.

Earlier this month, Eilish signed a new open letter submitted by the Artist Rights Alliance nonprofit, calling on AI tech companies, developers, platforms, digital music services and platforms to stop using artificial intelligence “to infringe upon and devalue the rights of human artists,” according to the letter.

All physical variants of “Hit Me Hard and Soft” will feature the same tracklist and will be made of 100% recyclable materials, a press release from Eilish said.

The Big Dill, the leading authority in the world of pickles announced the ultimate pickle celebration will take place at Xfinity Live! on Saturday, June 15. 

Event organizers said from noon to 7 p.m. guests will immerse themselves into a world of pickle wonders.

Throughout the day, a diverse lineup of musicians, mummers, DJs, emcees and mascots will perform. There will even be a pickle rave with Xfinity’s own DJ Jay Roy.

Guests will have the opportunity to try pickle-inspired beverages crafted with premium spirits and gourmet pickles.

Then pickle your fancy and indulge in delicious food, such as pickle pizza, pickle egg rolls, pickle grilled cheese, and pickle ice cream.

After trying all the custom cocktails and food, enjoy the festival’s activities, such as pickle pitching, pickleball, rock climbing, AXE throwing and more.

“The Big Dill is no ordinary event; it’s a movement,” Founder Kevin Baxter explained in a news release. “The Big Dill has become a global sensation, with fans traveling from all over the world to participate in this event. And in 2024, The City of Brotherly Love will be at the epicenter of all the fermentation frenzy!”

Tickets are available at www.bigdill.com. Guests can choose their “pickle adventure” from these ticket options:

• VIP Pickle Pass for $109.99
• Early Entry Pickle Pass for $69.99
• Premium Pickle Pass for $39.99  
• Standard Pickle Pass for $24.99
• Little Gherkin Pickle Pass for $17.99 (For kids ages 2-13 – Children under 2 years of age are free)

“This album has been over five years in the making. It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t,” she wrote in a March 19 Instagram post.

“The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me,” she added. “Act ii is a result of challenging myself, and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work.”

Since she immediately segued into the country music genre and said the incident happened “years ago,” fans immediately began to speculate that she was referring to her 2016 performance at the Country Music Association Awards with The Dixie Chicks, now known as The Chicks.

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The she joined the group to perform Beyoncé’s country song “Daddy Lessons” from her 2016 album “Lemonade.” It was Beyoncé’s first time performing at the CMAs.

“Beyoncé felt unwelcome at the CMAs and they thought it would be the last time they saw her there. Not only has she claimed the top of the country charts, she’s making an album with country influences. 5 years in the making!” one fan celebrated on X.

“I’d like to actually thank the CMAs for pissing her off,” another fan tweeted, connecting the performance to the new album.

Beyoncé has not confirmed the CMAs led to “Cowboy Carter.” But for more background on what exactly happened with Beyoncé at the CMAs in 2016, keep reading.

What happened during 2016 CMAs performance, and why was it controversial?

It’s not uncommon for artists who are primarily known to perform in other genres to perform a country song at the awards show.

When Justin Timberlake joined Chris Stapleton for “Tennessee Whiskey” in 2015, for instance, the crowd loudly cheered. Pink’s performance of “Love Me Anyway” with Stapleton was also well received in 2019.

Beyoncé’s first, and so far only, performance at the CMAs in 2016 was different, however — and immediately divisive.

Following rumors, co-host Brad Paisley confirmed she would be performing in a tweet several hours before the awards show began.

“Frequently, country crosses over. But every now & then a major pop superstar wants to be a part of this too. Welcome, Beyoncé,” he wrote.

Discourse from the tweet hinted at what was to come. Some responses were enthusiastic; others skeptical, with additional users questioning the phrasing Paisley chose. “How can you welcome her into something our race started?” one person wrote on X.

Beyoncé performed “Daddy Lessons,” a twangy song off her 2016 album “Lemonade,” with The Chicks. (Over the years, the Chicks, it should be noted, also fell out with members of the country music community for speaking out against then president George W. Bush and the Iraq War and a public feud with the late Toby Keith.)

During the performance, some members in the audience loudly booed Beyoncé, Tanner Davenport, co-director of country outlet Black Opry, recalled in an essay for MSNBC.com that came out in 2024 timed to “Cowboy Carter.”

“The woman in front of me yelling at Beyoncé had so much rage in her voice,” Davenport wrote. “Months later, I was still replaying that moment in my head. I’d ask myself: Do people feel this way about me when I enter the country music space?”

Online, the performance was met with both praise and outright racism. The day after the performance, on Nov. 3, The Chicks tweeted about the backlash: “If we all turn this up really loud, together we can drown out the hate,” they wrote with a link to “Daddy Lessons.“

Further controversy ensued when the CMAs did not post the performance on their platforms and deleted the promotional post it had shared, The New York Times reported. Screenshots taken by Elle in 2016 showed that The Chicks and Beyoncé had been removed from the CMAs website.

The CMAs told The New York Times in 2016 that the post was deleted, and it didn’t post the performance anywhere at Beyoncé’s request.

How might ‘Cowboy Carter’ be a response to the CMAs?

After her appearance at the Grammys in a cowboy hat, fans started to speculate Beyoncé would be exploring the country genre in her next album.

“Renaissance” explored the Black and queer roots of house music; her second album, they speculated, would do the same for country.

After the release of two singles during the Super Bowl, fans’ guesses were right. Though “Cowboy Carter” isn’t a straightforward country album.

Instead, the album draws from “country, original Rhythm & Blues, Blues, Zydeco, and Black Folk” in an effort to “(redefine) and (rebuild) what is Country and Americana, and who gets to be included,” according to a statement from Parkwood Entertainment.

The album is “deeply rooted in country,” the statement read, featuring instruments like the mandolin, fiddle and “handclaps, horseshoe steps, boot stomps on hardwood floors” — plus, “Beyoncé’s nails as percussion.”

Country music legends like Dolly Parton, Linda Martell and Willie Nelson also introduce songs, and Miley Cyrus joins as a guest.

“I think people are going to be surprised because I don’t think this music is what everyone expects,” Beyoncé said, “but it’s the best music I’ve ever made.”

This article first appeared on TODAY.com. Read more from TODAY here:

• How Beyoncé’s ‘Jolene’ changes Dolly Parton’s original — and why
• What are the healthiest whole grains? The No. 1 pick, according to a dietitian
• Dev Patel ‘didn’t think anyone was going to show up’ to ‘Monkey Man’ premiere — then got a standing ovation

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From Sunday, April 7, to Saturday, April 13, you can try a wide array of culinary styles, including traditional Latino cuisine and more.

Event organizers said dozens of restaurants, including El Merkury, Boca Del Mar, and Izlas Latin Cuisine, will participate.

The seven-day event offers customers one complimentary appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two dinner entrees.

“Dine Latino Restaurant Week not only provides a platform for showcasing the culinary talents and cultural richness of Latino-owned establishments but also fosters vital support and recognition for these businesses within our communities,” President & CEO of GPHCC Jennifer Rodriguez said in a news release. “Throughout the week, we affirm our commitment to celebrating diversity, supporting local entrepreneurs, and embracing the flavors that are influencing restaurant kitchens across the region.”

Participating restaurants include:

Izlas Latin Cuisine
Amigos Restaurant and Pizzeria
Arepa Grub Spot
Añejo Philadelphia
Plaza Garibaldi
Frida Cantina
Geronimo’s Peruvian Cuisine
La Cocina Latín Cuisine
Alta Cocina Restaurant
Kocinao restaurant
San Lucas Mexican Restaurant
El Merkury
Tortas and Pizza El Sabor de mi Tierra
El Sarape Blue Bell
Las Fridas Mexican Kitchen Lansdale
Si Taqueria
Space Smash
Happy Maki Sushi
Boca Del Mar

Additionally, the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Dine Latino Chef’s Tasting event with Juan Andres Placencia, chef-owner of Brazas BBQ Chicken, on Thursday, April 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Visit philahispanicchamber.org to purchase tickets for the chef’s tasting event and learn more about Dine Latino Restaurant Week.

‘Temple Proud’: Da’Vine Joy Randolph takes home Oscar for best supporting actress

Mount Airy native and Temple University alum Da’Vine Joy Randolph took home one of Sunday’s night’s biggest prizes: best supporting actress for her role as Mary Lamb in Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers.”

Randolph — who was the favorite to take home the prize — gave an emotional acceptance speech talking about her journey to becoming an Oscars winner:

“For so long I’ve always wanted to be different,” Randolph said. “And now I realize I just need to be myself.”

Temple celebrated Randolph’s win on social media:

Episcopal Academy grad Jennifer Lame wins Oscar for editing ‘Oppenheimer’

The 2024 Academy Awards were ruled by the epic “Oppenheimer.”

Included in Christopher Nolan’s film’s seven Oscar wins was best film editing, which went to Jennifer Lame.

Lame is a Wynnewood, Montgomery County, native who graduated from Episcopal Academy in neighboring Delaware County.

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In a bit more of Philly-area fun, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star Danny DeVito — alongside “Twins” co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger — announced Lame’s win.

Lame joked that she was “terrified” when Nolan hired her the first time. “It felt like you took a huge risk on me.”

Lame is a 2000 grad of Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. She was part of varsity crew and served as a manager for the football team, according to Episcopal Academy.

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Ken’s job is just beach — but the world was his oyster at the Oscars.

Ryan Gosling transformed back into a Ken doll at the 2024 Academy Awards on March 10, performing the nominated song “I’m Just Ken” from the Barbie movie alongside his Ken costars.

Gosling, 43, started his performance from the audience wearing a hot pink suit, matching gloves and sunglasses, prompting Margot Robbie and Billie Eilish to suppress giggles as he sang the emotional ballad.

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“‘Cause I’m just Ken, anywhere else I’d be a 10,” he sang at the Dolby Theatre. “Is it my destiny to live and die a life of blonde fragility?”

The song was nominated for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) at the 2024 Oscars alongside fellow “Barbie” track “What Was I Made For?” performed by Billie Eilish, as well as “American Symphony” song “It Never Went Away” performed by Jon Batiste; “Flamin’ Hot” song “The Fire Inside” performed by Becky G; and “Killers of the Flower Moon” song “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” performed by Scott George and the Osage Singers.

Stars Who Were Almost Cast in “Barbie”

“What Was I Made For?” took home the statue in the end.

While Gosling has previously performed on movie soundtracks including “La La Land,” he was surprised to see his Barbie track get an Oscar and a Grammy nomination. The “Drive” actor even earned his first-ever spot on the Hot 100 with “I’m Just Ken,” calling its success on the charts “so surreal.”

One person who never doubted he was Kenough? Partner Eva Mendes, who recently defended Gosling from “hate” over his role.

“So many people trying to shame him for doing it,” she wrote on Instagram in January. “Despite all the #Notmyken ridicule and articles written about him, he created this completely original, hilarious, heartbreaking, now iconic character and took it all the way to Oscars.”

She added, “So beyond proud to be this Ken’s Barbie.”

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Host Jimmy Kimmel recognized the anniversary of the streak seen around the world by showing the clip of a naked man running across the Oscars stage in 1974 as David Niven introduced Elizabeth Taylor.

Kimmel then said “Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?” and repeated himself as if something was supposed to happen.

That’s when Cena stuck his head out from the side of the stage, as he apparently was supposed to run across naked but was instead having cold feet.

“I changed my mind, I don’t want to do the streaker bit anymore,” Cena told Kimmel.

Kimmel hilariously tried to get Cena to do it anyway before Cena told the Oscars host he should be “ashamed for such a tasteless idea.”

“It’s supposed to be funny,” Kimmel replied.

To which Cena said the “male body is not supposed to be a joke.”

“Mine is,” Kimmel replied.

The two settle on Cena giving out the award for best costume design, with nothing but the envelope covering up his male body.

Cena carefully walked across the stage, and, with the help of Kimmel, presented the nominees.

“They are so important,” Cena said of costumes while on stage. “Maybe the most important thing there is.”

After the video ensemble showing the nominees, Cena had changed into a toga-like outfit.

Video on X showed the bodybuilder quickly put on his robe.

The Oscar for costume design ended up going to “Poor Things.”

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Other films with multiple Oscars included Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” which scored 10 nominations, and “Barbie” with eight nominations.

Some other big winners include “American Fiction,” “Poor Things” and “Zone of Interest.”

Left out of the list of possible winners include Margot Robbie for best actress in a leading role and Greta Gerwig for best director for “Barbie,” and host Jimmy Kimmel did not waste time and addressed the snubs during his monologue Sunday night.

“Ryan and Margot, I want you to know that even if neither one of you wins an Oscar tonight, you both already won something much more important — the genetic lottery,” Kimmel quipped.

But “Barbie” dominated the show nonetheless, with Eilish performing “What Was I Made For?” and Ryan Gosling performing “I’m Just Ken.”

For Kimmel, it is the second year in a row and the fourth time overall he has hosted the Academy Awards.

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Here is the full list of winners. This list will be updated as winners are announced:

Best picture

“American Fiction”
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“Barbie”
“The Holdovers”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Maestro”
WINNER: “Oppenheimer”
“Past Lives”
“Poor Things”
“Zone of Interest”

Best actor in a leading role

Bradley Cooper, “Maestro”
Colman Domingo, “Rustin”
Paul Giamatti, “The Holdovers”
WINNER: Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer”
Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction”

Best actress in a leading role

Annette Bening, “Nyad”
Lily Gladstone, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Sandra Hüller, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Carey Mulligan, “Maestro”
WINNER: Emma Stone, “Poor Things”

Best actor in a supporting role

Sterling K. Brown, “American Fiction”
Robert De Niro, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
WINNER: Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer”
Ryan Gosling, “Barbie”
Charles Melton, “May December”
Mark Ruffalo, “Poor Things”

Best actress in a supporting role

Emily Blunt, “Oppenheimer”
Danielle Brooks, “The Color Purple”
America Ferrera, “Barbie”
Jodie Foster, “Nyad”
WINNER: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers”

Best adapted screenplay

WINNER: “American Fiction”
“Barbie”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
“The Zone of Interest”

Best original screenplay

WINNER: “Anatomy of a Fall”
“The Holdovers”
“Maestro”
“May December”
“Past Lives”

Best original song

“The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot”
“I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
“It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony”
“Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People),” “Killers of the Flower Moon”
WINNER: “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”

Best original score

“American Fiction”
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
WINNER: “Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”

Best animated feature film

WINNER: “The Boy and the Heron”
“Elemental”
“Nimona”
“Robot Dreams”
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”

Best animated short film

“Letter to a Pig”
“Ninety-Five Senses”
“Our Uniform”
“Pachyderme”
WINNER: “War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko”

Best director

Justine Triet, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Martin Scorsese, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
WINNER: Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”
Yorgos Lanthimos, “Poor Things”
Jonathan Glazer, “The Zone of Interest”

Best international feature film

“The Teachers’ Lounge,” Germany
“Io Capitano,” Italy
“Perfect Days,” Japan
“Society of the Snow,” Spain
WINNER: “The Zone of Interest,” United Kingdom

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Best live action short film

“The After”
“Invincible”
“Knight of Fortune”
“Red, White and Blue”
WINNER: “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”

Best costume design

“Barbie”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Napoleon”
“Oppenheimer”
WINNER: “Poor Things”

Best documentary

“Four Daughters”
WINNER: “20 Days in Mariupol”
“Bobi Wine: The People’s President”
“The Eternal Memory”
“To Kill a Tiger”

Cinematography

Edward Lachman, “El Conde”
Rodrigo Prieto “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Matthew Libatique, “Maestro”
WINNER: Hoyte van Hoytema, “Oppenheimer”
Robbie Ryan, “Poor Things”

Documentary Short Film

Sheila Nevins and Trish Adlesic, “The ABCs of Book Banning”
John Hoffman and Christine Turner, “The Barber of Little Rock”
S. Leo Chiang and Jean Tsien, “Island in Between”
WINNER: Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, “The Last Repair Shop”
Sean Wang and Sam Davis, “Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó”

Film Editing

Laurent Sénéchal, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Kevin Tent, “The Holdovers”
Thelma Schoonmaker, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
WINNER: Jennifer Lame, “Oppenheimer”
Yorgos Mavropsaridis, “Poor Things”

Makeup and Hairstyling

Karen Hartley Thomas, Suzi Battersby and Ashra Kelly-Blue, “Golda”
Kazu Hiro, Kay Georgiou and Lori McCoy-Bell, “Maestro”
Luisa Abel, “Oppenheimer”
WINNER: Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston. “Poor Things”
Ana López-Puigcerver, David Martí and Montse Ribé, “Society of the Snow”

Production Design

Production Design: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer, “Barbie”
Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Production Design: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Elli Griff, “Napoleon”
Production Design: Ruth De Jong; Set Decoration: Claire Kaufman, “Oppenheimer”
WINNER: Production Design: James Price and Shona Heath; Set Decoration: Zsuzsa Mihalek, “Poor Things”

Sound

Ian Voigt, Erik Aadahl, Ethan Van der Ryn, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic, “The Creator”
Steven A. Morrow, Richard King, Jason Ruder, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic, “Maestro”
Chris Munro, James H. Mather, Chris Burdon and Mark Taylor, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
Willie Burton, Richard King, Gary A. Rizzo and Kevin O’Connell, “Oppenheimer”
WINNER: Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn, “The Zone of Interest”

Visual Effects

Jay Cooper, Ian Comley, Andrew Roberts and Neil Corbould, “The Creator”
WINNER: Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima, “Godzilla Minus One”
Stephane Ceretti, Alexis Wajsbrot, Guy Williams and Theo Bialek, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
Alex Wuttke, Simone Coco, Jeff Sutherland and Neil Corbould, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”
Charley Henley, Luc-Ewen Martin-Fenouillet, Simone Coco and Neil Corbould, “Napoleon”

Universal‘s “Oppenheimer” took home seven Academy Awards on Sunday, including best picture.

The Christopher Nolan-directed biopic about the father of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer, earned best actor, best supporting actor, best film editing, best cinematography, best score and best director.

Disney and Searchlight’s “Poor Things” won four awards during the ceremony, including best actress, best makeup and hairstyling, best production design and best costume design.

Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 96th annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, moving the night along with biting comedic beats often aimed at past Oscars mishaps, including the accidental announcement of “La La Land” as best picture.

There was also a jab at the 50th anniversary of an Oscar streaker in the form of a nearly naked John Cena announcing the best costume award.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the first Oscar of the night, picking up the best supporting actress award for her performance as a boarding school cafeteria manager mourning the death of her son in the Vietnam War in Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers.”

Best supporting actor went to Robert Downey Jr. for his role as Lewis Strauss in “Oppeneheimer.” His co-star Cillian Murphy won best actor.

Best actress went to Emma Stone, her second win in the category. She won for her role in “Poor Things.”

“Barbie” director Greta Gerwig may have been snubbed from the directing category, but the film still snagged a win for best original song with “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell.

Disclosure: Comcast is the parent company of NBCUniversal and CNBC.

Here is the full list of winners:

Best Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers”

Best Animated Short: “War Is Over!”

Best Animated Feature: “The Boy and the Heron”

Best Original Screenplay: “Anatomy of a Fall”

Best Adapted Screenplay: “American Fiction”

Best Makeup and Hairstyling: “Poor Things”

Best Production Design: “Poor Things”

Best Costume Design: “Poor Things”

Best International Feature: “”The Zone of Interest”

Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer”

Best Visual Effects: “Godzilla Minus One”

Best Film Editing: “Oppenheimer”

Best: Documentary (Short Subject): “The Last Repair Shop”

Best Documentary Feature: “20 Days in Mariupol”

Best Cinematography: “Oppenheimer”

Best Short Film (Live Action): “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”

Best Sound: “The Zone of Interest”

Best Score: “Oppenheimer”

Best Song: “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”

Best Actor: Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer”

Best Director: Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”

Best Actress: Emma Stone, “Poor Things”

Best Picture: “Oppenheimer”

Read more:

• Jimmy Kimmel kicks off with jokes about AI and Greta Gerwig snub
• Best-picture Oscar nominees ‘Barbenheimer’ account for 88% of the slate’s box-office haul
• Here’s what’s inside the nearly $180,000 Oscars gift bag

Best Picture

And the winner is… “Oppenheimer”

Also nominated:

“American Fiction”
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“Barbie”
“The Holdovers”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Maestro”
“Past Lives”
“Poor Things”
“The Zone of Interest”

‘Isn’t it past your jail time?’ Jimmy Kimmel flips script on Trump social media blast

Donald Trump took a social media shot at Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel — but Kimmel made sure to get the last laugh.

Trump blasted Kimmel’s performance as host and the “really bad politically correct” Oscars broadcast in a scathing Truth Social post during the show.

“Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars,” wrote Trump, who is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

“His opening was that of a less than average person trying too hard to be something which he is not, and never can be.”

“Get rid of Kimmel and perhaps replace him with another washed up, but cheap, ABC ‘talent,’ Georgia Slopanopoulos,” Trump sniped.

Kimmel, before the announcement for best picture, read out Trump’s post to the audience at the show.

“I just got a review, and I wanted to share it with you,” Kimmel said before reading a large portion of the post, and ending with the ad lib “blah blah blah.”

“See if you can guess which former president just posted that on Truth Social,” Kimmel asked to laughs from the audience. “Anyone?”

“Thank you, President Trump, thank you for watching. Isn’t it past your jail time? Kimmel cracked. “He’s focused on the important stuff for sure.”

– Dan Mangan

Best Actress

And the winner is… Emma Stone, “Poor Things”

Also nominated:
Annette Bening, “Nyad”
Lily Gladstone, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Sandra Hüller, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Carey Mulligan, “Maestro”

Best Director

And the winner is… Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”

Also nominated:

Justine Triet, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Martin Scorsese, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Yorgos Lanthimos, “Poor Things”
Jonathan Glazer, “The Zone of Interest”

Best Actor

And the winner is… Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer”

Also nominated:
Bradley Cooper, “Maestro”
Colman Domingo, “Rustin”
Paul Giamatti, “The Holdovers”
Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction”

Best Original Song

And the winner is… “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”

Also nominated:
“The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot”
“I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
“Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon”
“It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony”

Best Original Score

And the winner is… “Oppenheimer”

Also nominated:
“American Fiction”
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Poor Things”

Best Sound

And the winner is… “The Zone of Interest”

Also nominated:
“The Creator”
“Maestro”
“Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One”
“Oppenheimer”

Best Live Action Short Film

And the winner is… “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”

Also nominated:
“The After”
“Invincible”
“Night of Fortune”
“Red, White and Blue”

Best Cinematography

And the winner is… “Oppenheimer”

Also nominated:
“El Conde”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Maestro”
“Poor Things”

Best Documentary Feature

And the winner is… “20 Days in Mariupol”

Also nominated:
“Bobi Wine: The People’s President”
“The Eternal Memory”
“Four Daughters”
“To Kill a Tiger”

Best Documentary Short

And the winner is… “The Last Repair Shop”

Also nominated:
“The ABCs of Book Banning”
“The Barber of Little Rock”
“Island in Between”
“Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó”

‘Barbenheimer’ rivalry heats up at the Oscars

Emily Blunt, nominated for her supporting role in “Oppenheimer,” and Ryan Gosling, nominated for his part as Ken in “Barbie,” took to the stage on Sunday to celebrate the unsung heroes of the stunt community.

But before they played a sizzle reel, the actors teased each other about the popularity of “Barbenheimer.”

“And the way this awards season’s turned out it wasn’t much of a rivalry,” Blunt goaded, alluding to how many awards “Oppenheimer” has snared from other Hollywood award shows this season.

“I think I figured out why they call it ‘Barbenheimer’ and they didn’t call it ‘Oppenbarbie,'” Gosling retorted. “I think you guys are at the tail end of that because you guys were riding ‘Barbie’s’ coattails all summer.”

“Barbie” generated nearly $1.5 billion at the global box office during 2023.

Blunt called Gosling out for “Kensplaining” before claiming he painted on his abs for the role of Ken. The two bickered briefly before thanking the stunt community for their hard work.

— Sarah Whitten

Best Film Editing

And the winner is… “Oppenheimer”

Also nominated:
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“The Holdovers”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Poor Things”

Best Visual Effects

And the winner is… “Godzilla Minus One”

Also nominated:
“The Creator”
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
“Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One”
“Napoleon”

Some nominees are wearing ‘Artists 4 Ceasefire’ pins on red carpet

Red pins in support of a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza have shown up at previous award ceremonies this season and now are appearing on the Oscars red carpet. The pins are from a group called #Artists4Ceasefire, which also wrote an open letter asking President Joe Biden to call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

“What Was I Made For?” singer Billie Eilish, “Origin” director Ava DuVernay, “Poor Things” actor Ramy Youssef and more stars wore the pins on the red carpet.

Kaouther Ben Hania, the director of the nominated documentary “Four Daughters,” and Misan Harriman, the director of the nominated live action short film “The After,” were also seen wearing the pins.

“A lot of people are going to be wearing these pins tonight,” Ramy Youssef told Variety. “We want to use where we’re at to speak to people’s hearts.”

— Kat Tenbarge, NBC News

Best Supporting Actor

And the winner is… Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer”

Also nominated:
Sterling K. Brown, “American Fiction”
Robert De Niro, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Ryan Gosling, “Barbie”
Mark Ruffalo, “Poor Things”

Costumes ‘are so important,’ says nearly naked John Cena

Fifty years ago, the Academy Awards ceremony was interrupted by a streaker. To honor that moment, host Jimmy Kimmel asked the crowd how people might react to that happening today.

That’s when wrestler and actor John Cena poked his head out from the wings.

“I changed my mind,” he called out to Kimmel. “I don’t want to do the streaker bit.”

Cena then walked toward the microphone with a giant envelope covering his private parts to present the night’s award for best costume design.

“Costumes,” a nearly fully naked Cena said, “they are so important.”

While a video montage of the nominees played, Cena was draped in a curtain by Kimmel.

— Sarah Whitten

Best International Feature

And the winner is… “The Zone of Interest”

Also nominated:
“Io Capitano”
“Perfect Days”
“Society of the Snow”
“The Teachers’ Lounge”

Hollywood needs to take more risk on small films, Jefferson says

Director Cord Jefferson called on Hollywood to spend more money on small films.

“I understand that this is a risk averse industry, I get it, but $200 million movies are also a risk and it doesn’t always work out but you take the risk anyway,” Jefferson said during his Academy Awards speech for best adapted screenplay. “And instead of making one $200 million movie, try making 20 $10 million movies.”

Jefferson’s “American Fiction” had a budget of $10 million.

He also implored Hollywood to take more chances on up-and-coming talent, saying the next Greta Gerwig or Martin Scorsese could be out there to be found

— Sarah Whitten

Best Costume Design

And the winner is… “Poor Things”

Also nominated:
“Barbie”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Napoleon”
“Oppenheimer”

Best Production Design

And the winner is… “Poor Things”

Also nominated:
“Barbie”
“Killers of the Flower Moon”
“Napoleon”
“Oppenheimer”

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

And the winner is… “Poor Things”

Also nominated:
“Golda”
“Maestro”
“Oppenheimer”
“Society of the Snow”

Best Adapted Screenplay

And the winner is… “American Fiction”

Also nominated:
“Barbie”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
“The Zone of Interest”

Best Original Screenplay

And the winner is… “Anatomy of a Fall”

Also nominated:
“The Holdovers”
“Maestro”
“May December”
“Past Lives”

Best Animated Feature

And the winner is… “The Boy and the Heron”

Also nominated:
“Elemental”
“Nimona”
“Robot Dreams”
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”

Best Animated Short Film

And the winner is… “War Is Over!”

Also nominated:
“Letter to a Pig”
“Ninety-Five Senses”
“Our Uniform”
“Pachyderme”

Best Supporting Actress

And the winner is… Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers”

Also nominated:
Emily Blunt, “Oppenheimer”
Danielle Brooks, “The Color Purple”
America Ferrera, “Barbie”
Jodie Foster, “Nyad”

Kimmel jokes about AI, Greta Gerwig snub, throws support behind teamsters

Jimmy Kimmel opened his Oscars monologue taking a dig at artificial intelligence. He addressed the crowd saying, “Look at these beautiful human actors.”

Technology in the space continues to be a source of panic for Hollywood scribes and actors. So much so, that guidelines were put in place after two dual labor strikes in 2023. 

Kimmel then poked fun at the typically long-running Academy Awards show, noting that Sunday’s show was already running 5 minutes late.

He then turned his attention to the biggest films nominated for the 96th annual event. He called out “Barbie” for being the biggest movie of the year and noted that Greta Gerwig was not nominated for best director.

“I know you’re clapping, but you’re the ones who didn’t vote for her,” Kimmel chided the audience.

Kimmel poked fun at “Oppenheimer,” “Killers of the Flower Moon” and other films that had long run times, telling guests in attendance that Hollywood films have gotten too long.

He also championed film crew members who are currently working on new contracts and told them, “we will stand with you too”

“Before we celebrate ourselves, let’s have a very well-deserved round of applause for people behind the scenes,” Kimmel said, bringing the Oscars crew onto the stage.

They received a standing ovation.

— Sarah Whitten

A tight best actress race and a chance to make history

The best actress category is a tight race between Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) and Emma Stone (“Poor Things”).

The actresses have traded wins throughout this year’s award season. Gladstone picked up wins at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Golden Globe for best actress in a drama. Stone won the BAFTA and Critics Choice trophies, as well as the Golden Globe for best actress in a comedy.

Stone previously won the best actress award at the Oscars in 2017 for her role in “La La Land.” Winning on Sunday would make her the 15th woman to own at least two best actress trophies.

However, if Gladstone wins, she will be the first Native American person to ever win a competitive acting Oscar in the ceremony’s 96-year history.

— Sarah Whitten

‘Barbie’ director Greta Gerwig snubbed

Heading into Sunday’s Oscars ceremony, some pundits are still questioning why “Barbie” co-writer and director Greta Gerwig isn’t among those nominated for best director.

Gerwig’s pink-fueled comedy, which skewered the patriarchy and explored what it means to be a woman — human or doll — in the modern world, generated nearly $1.5 billion at the global box office. It was the highest-grossing film ever directed by a woman.

Gerwig earned a nomination in the directors category for her solo directorial debut, “Lady Bird,” but missed out on the category for her next film, “Little Women.” All three of her films were nominated for best picture.

Host Jimmy Kimmel joked about the snub in his marketing materials for Sunday’s ceremony. In the video, he’s lost in Barbieland and needs the help of Kate McKinnon’s Weird Barbie as well as America Ferrera, who plays Gloria, and Ryan Gosling, the iconic Ken.

Gosling, who was nominated for best supporting actor for his role as Ken in the film, criticized the Academy’s vote in a public post immediately following the nominations.

“No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit and genius,” he said in a statement of both Gerwig and Barbie herself, Margot Robbie. “To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement.”

The snub is also paired with a head-scratching decision by the Academy Awards to place the “Barbie” script in the adapted screenplay category rather than the original screenplay category. The film campaigned to be placed in the original screenplay category.

While the script is wholly original, it is likely that the Academy decided to push the film over to adapted screenplay because it’s based on preexisting characters.

— Sarah Whitten

Two ‘Barbie’ tunes up for best original song

Two songs from Warner Bros.’ “Barbie” are nominated for Sunday’s Oscars.

The Academy’s music branch selected “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell and “I’m Just Ken” by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt to compete for the best original song trophy.

This is not the first time multiple songs from a film have been nominated. The first film to receive multiple song nominations was 1980’s “Fame” and only four have received three nominated songs — “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Dreamgirls” and “Enchanted.”

However, after both “Dreamgirls” and “Enchanted” failed to win any golden statues, the Academy revised nomination rules so that no film could have more than two nominated songs.

Previously, up to five songs from a single film could be submitted for consideration, though the rules changed in 2023 to allow only three to be submitted. Even still, most studios usually only submit one, fearing that having more nominations will lead to split votes.

This was the case when Disney nominated “Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto” for Academy Award contention instead of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” The nomination was submitted before “Bruno” rose to popularity.

This year, the two “Barbie” tunes are considered the frontrunners, with “What Was I Made For?” expected to take the prize. Siblings Eilish and O’Connell won the award in 2021 for “No Time to Die” from the James Bond movie of the same name.

Meanwhile, Ronson and Wyatt were two of the four 2018 winners for the song “Shallow” from “A Star is Born.”

Here are all the nominees for best original song:

• “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
• “What Was I Made For” from “Barbie”
• “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot”
• “It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony”
• “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon”

— Sarah Whitten

The greatest maestro of all time

Legendary composer John Williams has broken his own record for most Oscar nominations earned by a living person.

The maestro earned his 54th nomination this year, this time for his work on “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Williams is just behind the late Walt Disney, who had 59 Oscar nominations, for the most Academy Award nominations of all time.

Williams received his first Oscar nomination for 1967′s “Valley of the Dolls” and his first win for 1971′s “Fiddler On the Roof.”

Throughout his career, Williams has created some of the most iconic scores in cinematic history. He is responsible for the panic-inducing “Jaws” theme, the haunting soundtrack to “Schindler’s List” and the heroic “Superman” theme.

He’s also the mastermind behind the music of such blockbusters as “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones,” “Harry Potter” and “ET: The Extra-Terrestrial.”

In addition to “Fiddler,” for which Williams won for adapted score, he has received the golden trophy for “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” “ET: The Extra-Terrestrial” and “Schindler’s List.”

If he wins, he will become the oldest Oscar winner in history at age 92.

— Sarah Whitten

Best-picture Oscar nominees ‘Barbenheimer’ account for 88% of the slate’s box-office haul

It was no surprise that Warner Bros.′ “Barbie” and Universal’s “Oppenheimer” were among the 10 best-picture nominees announced for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. The duo exploded into cinemas in July, generating big box-office bucks and enchanting critics and audiences alike.

Helmed by Academy darlings Greta Gerwig and Christopher Nolan, respectively, the dichotomous films were on Oscar prediction lists for months. Although Gerwig missed out on a best director nomination, both filmmakers received nods for their screenplays.

The tag team of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” also represented 88% of the cumulative box-office haul generated by best picture nominees prior to their nomination, according to data from Comscore.

The 10 best-picture films together tallied $1.09 billion at the domestic box office before the Oscar nominees were announced. That’s the fifth-highest haul for the slate of nominees since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences began nominating 10 titles for the top award in 2009.

“Barbenheimer” accounted for $963.1 million of this year’s figure.

— Sarah Whitten

Jimmy Kimmel back to host

Jimmy Kimmel is set to host the Academy Awards for the second consecutive year. This marks his fourth time helming the gig — he also emceed in 2017, 2018 and 2023.

The late-night talk show host was tapped for the job again after attracting nearly 19 million viewers last year, the most since 2020’s pre-pandemic Oscars ceremony.

The show went hostless in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes split hosting duties in 2022, the year Will Smith slapped Chris Rock.

Kimmel has had his fair share of iconic Oscars moments, too. In 2017, the musical “La La Land” was mistakenly announced as the year’s best picture. “Moonlight” had actually won the award.

— Sarah Whitten

An early start for the Oscars

Fans of the Oscars know the ceremony typically takes place at 8 p.m. ET, but this year it’s starting an hour earlier.

Sunday also marks the first full day of Daylight Saving Time, and clocks moved forward at 2 a.m.

The earlier start could keep viewers tuned in longer and boost ratings. In the past, networks and ceremony hosts have attempted to keep the show under three hours, but many have still managed to stretch until after 11 p.m. ET. Much of the drop-off in viewership has come from East Coasters turning off their TVs in the third hour.

Many speculate that ABC, which is handling the telecast this year, could also benefit from moving up the start time. This year it’s following the Academy Awards with a new episode of the hit show “Abbott Elementary.” The ceremony’s earlier start time could bring more eyeballs to the show.

— Sarah Whitten

How to watch this year’s Oscars

For those who still have a cable subscription, the 96th Academy Awards will be aired live on ABC starting at 7 p.m. ET.

The ceremony will also be streamed live on abc.com and the ABC app, as well as through streaming services like Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and FuboTV.

— Sarah Whitten

From March 4 through March 15, select eateries will offer prix-fixe lunch menus for $20, $25 or $30 and dinner menus for $30, $40 or $50.

Additionally, a portion of the proceeds benefit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

To see the full list of participating restaurants visit koprestaurantweek.com.

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Lindsay Lohan is ready for “Freaky Friday” to go on and on and on and on.

After first teasing a sequel to the 2003 movie was in the works last year, the “Mean Girls” star confirmed that the movie is, in fact, happening with her and Jamie Lee Curtis both set to return.

“I don’t want to say too much,” Lohan shared on SiriusXM’s “Andy Cohen Live” March 4. “And we’re both excited. I’m gonna speak for Jamie.”

However, when it came to giving insight into a timeline, the 37-year-old, who welcomed 7-month-old son Luai with husband Bader Shammas in July, kept her lips firmly sealed, only telling host Andy Cohen, “I won’t say that yet.”

In “Freaky Friday,” itself a remake of the 1976 movie starring a young Jodie Foster, Curtis and Lohan played straight-laced psychiatrist mom Tess and high school rocker daughter Anna, respectively, who accidentally swap bodies after a heated fight.

Nov 11, 2022

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And in the two decades since the film hit theaters, the former costars have remained close. In fact, last fall the Oscar winner hinted the sequel was on the way while sharing a glimpse at a recent reunion.

“YOU GREW UP and SO BEAUTIFULLY!” Curtis captioned a smiling selfie of her and Lohan in November. “Well, it’s Friday, and the strike is over so hopefully, we can switch places again in the near future! @lindsaylohan.”

But more than her and Lohan loving the film, that it endures with fans is what led the “Everything Everywhere All At Once” star to further explore the possibility of returning to that world.

“As I went around the world with Halloween Ends, people wanted to know if there was going to be another ‘Freaky Friday,'” Curtis told The New York Times last May. “Something really touched a chord. When I came back, I called my friends at Disney and said, ‘It feels like there’s a movie to be made.'”

Internationally, it earned $97 million, bringing its global debut to $178.5 million.

“Denis made a really extraordinary and special film and its been really exciting to see people respond,” said Mary Parent, a producer on both “Dune” films and chairman of worldwide production at Legendary. “It was made for the big screen and it feels like it’s being received as a cinematic event.”

It’s the first major hit of 2024, and one that was sorely needed by exhibitors. Although there have been holdovers from December that have continued to earn, like Warner Bros.’ “Wonka” (also starring Chalamet) and Sony’s romantic comedy “Anyone But You,” the box office is in a bit of a drought. In the first two months of 2024, no films have crossed $100 million domestically. The highest earning movies have been “The Beekeeper,” “Bob Marley: One Love” and “Mean Girls.”

Movies Feb 5

Timothée Chalamet makes Austin Butler blush when talking about his ‘Dune: Part Two' performance

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Zendaya stuns with vintage cyborg suit at ‘Dune: Part Two' world premiere

“Dune 2″ rode a wave of great reviews (94% on Rotten Tomatoes) into a marketplace that was essentially free of competition. Warner Bros. released it in 4,071 locations in the U.S. and Canada, where audiences across the board gave it the highest PostTrak marks and an A CinemaScore. According to exit data, men accounted for 59% of opening weekend ticket buyers and 64% were over the age of 25. The sequel was primarily financed by Legendary and its production budget, previously reported to be in the $122 million range, is closer to $190 million.

“It really captured the marketplace,” said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution. “It’s a cultural moment globally.”

Premium large format screens like IMAX and 70mm accounted for 48% of the opening weekend business. It marked a March record for IMAX, which made up $18.5 million of the overall take. Villeneuve filmed the movie using IMAX cameras. Unlike “ Oppenheimer,” it was shot on digital, but with the extra time with the strike delay they were able to make film prints as well and the film format is proving a popular draw for audiences.

“Our most iconic film locations are virtually sold out for weeks,” said IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond.

The $81.5 million debut is also a record for its director Villeneuve, and stars Chalamet, Austin Butler and Rebecca Ferguson.

Originally planned for an October 2023 release, Warner Bros. bumped the movie to March amid the Hollywood strikes that would have prevented its starry cast from doing the promotional circuit. The global promo tour has been on hyperdrive for about a month, driving conversations with buzzy interviews, the viral sandworm-inspired popcorn bucket and eye-popping fashion moments from the stylish young cast – peaking with Zendaya’s silver cyborg showstopper (vintage Mugler) in London. They’ve made stops in Mexico City, South Korea, Abu Dhabi and New York City.

“We worked very hard to be ready for that (original) date but we very much felt that, especially with this incredible cast, that it was worth waiting for,” Parent said.

Goldstein added that there was “a lot of debate” over whether or not to release it during the strikes but they knew that they needed the cast to “fully realize the movie.”

“You don’t make movie stars any place other than theaters,” Goldstein said. “Cinemas, on the big screen with the big sound and that shared experience makes a big star, or show the talent of a big star anyway.”

The first “ Dune ” opened under complicated conditions in October 2021. It was one of the last films of Warner Bros.’ divisive plan to simultaneously debut its major movies in theaters and on its streaming platform. And yet it still earned over $40 million in its first weekend and went on to gross over $400 million worldwide.

“Denis Villeneuve is up there with Christopher Nolan as a filmmaker whose name alone inspires people to go to the movie theater,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore.

This weekend, he added, “moves the needle in a big way.”

Going into the weekend the box office was down about 20% from the same point last year (when “Avatar: The Way of Water,” a 2022 release, was lifting everything). The closest equivalent this year is “Wonka,” still a hit, but not as big as “Avatar 2.” After the “Dune” weekend, the deficit will be closer to 13%.

“It shows how important one movie can be to the overall health of the industry,” Dergarabedian said. “But this is not a one-hit wonder for March. It’s a momentum business. Now we’re going to get the wind back in the sails as we head further into March, April and the summer movie season.”

Warner Bros. is one of those studios that will be back in short order with another big film, in “Godzilla x Kong” at the end of March, followed by “Furiosa” in May, the “Beetlejuice” sequel in September and the “Joker” sequel in October.

“This is our year,” Goldstein said. “Exhibitors are fighting for their lives but we can be clever and collaborative with them to keep our business relevant to audiences.”

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “Dune: Part Two,” $81.5 million.

2. “Bob Marley: One Love,” $7.4 million.

3. “Ordinary Angels,” $3.9 million.

4. “Madame Web,” $3.2 million.

5. “The Chosen: Season 4, Episodes 7-8,” $3.2 million.

6. “Migration, $2.5 million.

7. “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To the Hashi,” $2.1 million.

8. “Wonka,” $1.7 million.

9. “Argylle,” $1.4 million.

10. “The Beekeeper,” $1.1 million.

The two-week event highlights local chefs and allows diners to experience the honoree’s signature dishes and drinks.

One of the participating chefs is Amanda Rafalaski – the pastry chef at the James Beard award-winning restaurant Friday, Saturday, Sunday in Rittenhouse Square.

“I’m super honored. I’m the only pastry chef,” Rafalski said. “It’s great to work all day in the basement and then finally somebody recognizes all the hard work that goes into it.”

Philadelphia Feb 28

Vietnam Restaurant in Philadelphia wins James Beard award

Philly live Feb 22

Food artist transforms ordinary food into works of art

Rafalski’s featured dish for Rising Stars Restaurant Week is black sesame canelé. She describes it as a French cake that has a crunchy exterior and creamy interior.

Other participating chefs include Mike Cater of Down North Pizza, Forsythia Chef Chris Kearse and Chef Chance Anies of Tabachoy.

Rising Stars Restaurant Week runs now through Wednesday, March 13th. For details about the participating restaurants and chefs visit StarChefs.com.

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The “Bank Account” rapper will kick off the tour on May 1 at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena and will stop in dozens of other major cities across North America before coming to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ, on Sunday, June 9.

According to Live Nation, the show will feature special guests J.I.D, Nardo Wick, and 21 Lil Harold.

This tour celebrates the release of 21 Savage’s third studio album of the same name which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, maintaining the spot for two weeks.

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Presale tickets for Citi card members will be available on Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. until Thursday, Feb. 29 at 10 p.m. through the Citi Entertainment program.

Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, March 1 at 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com.

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We just got a groundbreaking Devil Wears Prada reunion. That’s all.

Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt reunited at the 2024 SAG Awards on Feb. 24, nearly 18 years after their iconic movie debuted. For the occasion, the former costars made us scream their names by presenting Male Actor in a Comedy Series together on stage—with Hathaway and Blunt even turning the tables on Miranda Priestly herself.

Blunt—who is nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for playing Kitty in “Oppenheimer”—even joked Streep and her character are “like twins.”

In fact, the 74-year-old channeled the “Dragon Lady” herself in an elegant Prada look, while Hathaway wore a cerulean blue Atelier Versace SS15 Couture look, in true Andy Sachs (and Mia Thermopolis!) fashion.

And although the actresses have reunited over the years in pairs, getting a “Devil Wears Prada” moment with all three stars is basically rarer than getting an unpublished “Harry Potter” manuscript.

See the 2024 SAG Awards Winners

But clearly, the runway roots run deep for Hathaway.

“This is so embarrassing,” she told Blunt during a joint interview with Variety in December, “because I remember every second of the first time I met you.”

“I’m so much more into you than you are into me. It’s fine,” she continued, recalling how they met for coffee and a walk around her neighborhood before filming. “I remember instantly just thinking, ‘What a movie star.’ You were shedding stardust.”

The feeling was mutual, Blunt admitted.

“You were so good to me even though you were a colossal movie star at that time,” she gushed. “You treated me like a complete equal to you always.”

So, who will The Actor statue go to at the 2024 SAG Awards?

No need to panic, we’ve got you covered. ICYMI, the Feb. 24 event — which steamed live Netflix — honored the best in TV and film.

Several films and shows scored numerous nominations, including “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer” and “Succession.”

SAG Awards Feb 24

SAG Awards 2024 winners: See the complete list

SAG Awards Feb 24

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SAG Awards 2024: Stars React to Their Nominations

Other winners the star-studded evening? “Devil Wears Prada” fans, Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt reunited on stage 18 years after the film had us wondering if that top is turquoise, lapis or actually cerulean.

Plus, EGOT winner Barbra Streisand gave an inspiring speech after she received the Life Achievement Award, which was presented by Jennifer Aniston.

“Ever since I was a young girl sitting in the Loew’s Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, I dreamed of being one of those actresses I saw on the screen,” the 81-year-old said in a statement. “The movies were a portal to a world I could only imagine.”

“Even though I was an unlikely candidate, somehow my dream came true,” Streisand continued. “This award is especially meaningful to me because it comes from my fellow actors, whom I so admire.”

As for what other stars walk away with an Actor statue? We’ll update the list below as the awards are handed out:

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

Matt Bomer, Fellow Travelers
Jon Hamm, Fargo
David Oyelowo, Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Tony Shalhoub, Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie
WINNER: Steven Yeun, Beef

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

Uzo Aduba, Painkiller
Kathryn Hahn, Tiny Beautiful Things
Brie Larson, Lessons in Chemistry
Bel Powley, A Small Light
WINNER: Ali Wong, Beef

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Sterling K. Brown, American Fiction
Willem Dafoe, Poor Things
Robert De Niro, Killers of the Flower Moon
WINNER: Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer
Ryan Gosling, Barbie

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer
Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple
Penélope Cruz, Ferrari
Jodie Foster, Nyad
WINNER: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Bradley Cooper, Maestro
Colman Domingo, Rustin
Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers
WINNER: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer
Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Annette Bening, Nyad
WINNER: Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon
Carey Mulligan, Maestro
Margot Robbie, Barbie
Emma Stone, Poor Things

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series

Brian Cox, Succession
Billy Crudup, The Morning Show
Kieran Culkin, Succession
Matthew MacFadyen, Succession
WINNER: Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

Jennifer Aniston, The Morning Show
WINNER: Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown
Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us
Keri Russell, The Diplomat
Sarah Snook, Succession

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso
Bill Hader, Barry
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear
Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso
WINNER: Jeremy Allen White, The Bear

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

Alex Borstein, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
WINNER: Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

The Crown
The Gilded Age
The Last of Us
The Morning Show
WINNER: Succession

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary
Barry
WINNER: The Bear
Only Murders in the Building
Ted Lasso

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

American Fiction
Barbie
The Color Purple
Killers of the Flower Moon
WINNER: Oppenheimer

SAG Life Achievement Award
Recipient: Barbra Streisand

Outstanding Action Performance By a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture

Barbie
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
John Wick Chapter 4
WINNER: Mission: Impossible, Dead Reckoning, Part I

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series

Ashoka
Barry
Beef
WINNER: The Last of Us
The Mandalorian

Alyse and Lexi Scaffidi are the founders of DreamWalk, an all-inclusive, body-positive fashion show.

Léelo en español aquí

The sisters created the show to celebrate diversity and spotlight people’s stories and the differences that make everyone beautiful.

“After watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and not fitting the typical model criteria, we decided to make our own show that included women of all shapes and sizes,” the sisters said in a news release. “Let’s have all of the glamor, the performances, the glitz and glam – and change the way people think about fashion”.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re 4 foot tall, 6 foot tall, 100 pounds or 250 pounds, if you are twenty or are sixty,” said Alyse. “You are beautiful and the story, the scars, the things that make you distinct are what make you beautiful.”

After taking a hiatus, DreamWalk is making a return to Philadelphia with a show on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Fabrika in the city’s Fishtown neighborhood.

According to event organizers, the show has made a big statement worldwide, garnering over 45 million views on social media and inspiring hundreds around the globe.

If you would like to attend this year’s show general admission tickets are still available here.

Event organizers said proceeds from the show will be donated to the Canine Compansions, a national organization that provides trained service dogs to people with disabilities at no charge to the recipient.

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From Monday, Feb. 26th through Friday, March 8, over 20 award-winning restaurants will offer specially priced three-course prix fixe lunch and/or dinner menus for $20, $30, $40 or $55.

Participating restaurants this year will include Barcelona Wine Bar, Bing Bing Dim Sum, Cantina los Caballitos, The Dutch, Ember and Ash, Flannel, Gabriella’s Vietnam, Juana Tamale and more.

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“East Passyunk Restaurant Week is designed to showcase the wide diversity of restaurants, chefs and menus up and down the Avenue,” East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District Executive Director Rebecca O’Leary said in a news release. “As the new Executive Director, I am thrilled to see so many award-winning restaurants of all sizes and backgrounds stepping up with menus that bring together Avenue favorites from over the years with new and exclusive dishes debuting just for this event. For foodies, this event is truly a win-win.”

Check out visiteastpassyunk.com/restaurantweek to see a full list of participating restaurants.

Select restaurants will offer special-multi course menus for $30, $40, or $50.

Additionally, takeout options are available at specific locations.

This is your chance to support your favorite restaurant or try something new. West Chester Restaurant Weeks runs Sunday, Feb. 25 through Sunday, March 3.

To see a full list of participating restaurants visit downtownwestchester.com/restaurantweek.

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Now’s your chance as the Center City District launched a two-week program offering buy one, get one half-off tickets until March 6.

There’ll be more than 20 shows to choose from with lots of performances happening through the spring and early summer.

You can take advantage of the discount for shows hosted by:

• The Philadelphia Orchestra
• Ensemble Arts
• Opera Philadelphia
• Philadelphia Ballet
• The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
• BalletX
• The Philadelphia Theater Company
• The Lantern Theater Company
• The Walnut Street Theatre
• The Wilma Theater

“We’re thrilled to partner with these resident companies and performers to encourage patrons to fill our iconic venues,” President and CEO of the Center City District Prema Katari Gupta said. “Whether you’re catching a show with friends after work or heading into town for a night out, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience performing arts that you won’t find anywhere else.”

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If you’re hoping to buy tickets in person and catch some live performances, some Center City on Stage groups will be popping up at the following locations between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.:

• The Concourse at Comcast Center located at 1701 JFK Boulevard on Feb. 26
• Jefferson Plaza East Market located at 1115 Chestnut Street on March 4
• Reading Terminal Market located at 1136 Arch Street on March 6

If buying the discounted tickets online, check the performance partner’s site for the discount code to use at checkout.

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The event will take place from Feb. 21 through Feb. 25 at Live! Casino Hotel for its 19th year of action, and its sixth year in a row partnering with Fab Scrap and Fashion District Philadelphia to present their “Next Up Student Design Competition and Trend Show.”

Select local students will have the opportunity to present their designs for a chance to win $1,000 and educational sessions with industry professionals. Students from Moore College or Art, Jefferson University, Drexel University, Harcum University, the University of Delaware and Albright College will be competing in the event on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

The week will continue with the Runway I show, which will take place on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. and highlight designers Andre Nowell, Atelier H., Gege Gizline, Zipporaa, David Ferron and more.

The Runway II show will take place on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. and highlight Willfredo Gerardo, Chiimowild, Nativ NY and Bo Scott.

Philly Fashion Week’s co-founder Kevin Parker calls the event a “beacon of opportunity and innovation for the fashion industry.”

“Our runway shows are guaranteed to inspire and showcase the most creative and talented designers in the game,” Parker said.

A full itinerary for the entire week can be found on Philly Fashion Week’s website.

The legendary Roots crew will be joined by Lil Wayne, Jill Scott and more on June 1 and June 2 at Fairmount Park’s Mann Center for the Performing Arts. 

Check out NBC10’s full guide to this year’s show: 

Where is the Roots Picnic being held?

The Roots Picnic will return to the Mann in Fairmount Park. 

The Mann is located at 5201 Parkside Drive in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.

When will the Roots Picnic take place? 

The two-day festival will take place June 1, 2024, and June 2, 2024. 

Who are the headliners for the 2024 Roots Picnic? 

This year’s headliners are multi-Grammy award-winning hip hop star Lil Wayne and soul singer Jill Scott. 

The Roots will join Lil Wayne in a set that will highlight the musical legacy of the rap star’s hometown of New Orleans. The performance will also feature special guests PJ Morton and Trombone Shorty. 

Philly native and Grammy Award-winning soul singer Jill Scott will also be a headliner. Her performance will come off the heels of her 20th anniversary tour commemorating her 2000 debut album “Who Is Jill Scott?” 

Who else will perform at the Roots Picnic? 

The show will also feature hip hop icons André 3000, Nas, Method Man, and Redman, legendary R&B producer and singer Babyface, singer and actress Fantasia Barrino and hip hop star Gunna.

Here is the full lineup: 

Lil Wayne & The Roots Celebrate New Orleans (feat. Special guests PJ Morton, Trombone Shorty)

Jill Scott

André 3000

Nas

Gunna

Victoria Monét

Sexyy Red

Babyface

Robert Glasper & Yebba

J.Period Live Mixtape featuring Black Thought, Method Man, and Redman

Adam Blackstone’s Legacy Experience featuring Fantasia and Muni Long

Smino

Cam’ron

Wale

Tyla

Marsha Ambrosius

Baller Alert Presents Backyard Band featuring Scarface & Amerie

October London

Leon Thomas

Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Funk Flex

Q

Leon Thomas

Blk Odyssy

OT7 Quanny

Kenya Vaun

N3wyrkla

Julian King

Rec Philly Presents Chioke

DJ Diamond Kuts

DJ Aktive

DJ Doc B

DJ RL

Which podcasts will be featured? 

The Roots Picnic will also feature the Parkside Stage (formerly known as the Podcast Stage) which will host several live podcasts and immersive experiences. The stage will feature the following live podcasts: 

Million Dollaz Worth of Game

R&B Only & U+ME+RNB 

Tonight’s Conversation

Juan Epstein Podcast

World Series of Spades 

They Have the Range

When and where can I buy tickets?

Presale tickets go live on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. ET while general on-sale begins Friday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m. ET. 

Weekend tickets and VIP packages will be available here.