Month: December 2022

The Kennedy Center said in a statement that actor and comedian Adam Sandler will receive the 24th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which recognizes “individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century novelist and essayist” Mark Twain, for whom the award is named.

The Kennedy Center tweeted : “This spring, some of the biggest names in comedy will gather to honor the comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician at this annual celebration of iconic humorists.” 

The 56-year-old Sandler, a Saturday Night Live alum, has starred in the comedy blockbusters Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, Billy Madison, Big Daddy, 50 First Dates, Murder Mystery and the Hotel Transylvania franchise. Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement: “Adam Sandler has entertained audiences for over three decades with his films, music, and his tenure as a fan favorite cast member on ‘SNL.’ Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry, and cry from laughing. I am looking forward to a laughter-filled evening like no other as we celebrate his career at a ceremony that is sure to bring together the best in comedy.”

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have teased their next Netflix docuseries, Live to Lead. Harry and Markle signed a multi-year deal with Netflix in September 2020.  The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a trailer (which served as the project’s announcement) that the seven-part series, which will debut on Dec. 31, was inspired by South African leader Nelson Mandela.

Also profiled in the upcoming Netflix series are U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; climate change activist Greta Thunberg; New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern; South African rugby player and social inequality campaigner Siya Kolisi; feminist icon Gloria Steinem; and South African anti-apartheid activist Albie Sachs.

The couple released their first project with Netflix, the docuseries Harry & Meghan, in December. It tells the story of their decision to step back from the royal family and move to California, where they are raising their two children. It featured extensive interviews with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who shared details of their romance, their estranged ties to the British royal family, and life in California.

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After recently leaving his roles as DC’s ‘Superman’ and in Netflix’s ‘The Witcher,’ Henry Cavill is joining an adaptation of the popular tabletop game “Warhammer 40,000.” Cavill will star in and executive produce the franchise for Amazon Prime Video, which acquired the global rights to the IP from Games Workshop. The acquisition – the first of its kind for Amazon Studios – includes the “Warhammer 40,000” rights across film, TV and more.  A press release read: “‘Warhammer 40,000’ is set in the far future, where humanity stands at the edge of what might be its brightest future, or its darkest age. The threats to humankind’s empire are many — traitors driven by the fires of ambition, alien empires sworn to reclaim the stars, and the corruption of reality by malevolent gods.”

Cavill said in a statement: “I have loved ‘Warhammer’ since I was a boy, making this moment truly special for me. The opportunity to shepherd this cinematic universe from its inception is quite the honor and the responsibility.”

Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon and MGM Studios, added: “’Warhammer 40,000′ has captured the imagination of fans of all ages, from all walks of life, and all over the world. We are excited to work with Henry, Vertigo Entertainment, and Games Workshop across our Amazon entertainment businesses on this brilliant, immersive franchise for our global customers to experience for years to come.”

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The upcoming NBC special ‘Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party’ has added additional talent to its lineup. NBC confirmed Wednesday that co-hosts Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton will be joined by singer-songwriter Fletcher, rapper Latto, Los Angeles rock band Liily, hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd and Grammy Award nominee Sia.  Additionally, Saturday Night Live’s Chloe Fineman, Sarah Sherman and the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy will also appear.

Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party, executive produced by SNL’s Lorne Michaels and Cyrus herself, is returning to NBC for the second year in a row. Cyrus will be joined by her godmother, Dolly Parton, as co-host to ring in the the new year (Parton replaces Pete Davidson, who co-hosted the special with Cyrus last year).  Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Live Events, Specials and E! News, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said in a statement: “The inaugural ‘Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party’ was an unqualified success and we know this year’s show will be just as spectacular, with plenty of surprises and lots of fun. We can’t wait to get the party started.”

Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party will air live on NBC from Miami on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ET and will also be livestreamed on Peacock.

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Warner Bros. has released the official trailer for Greta Gerwig’s film “Barbie”, starring Margot Robbie as the eponymous fashion doll, and Ryan Gosling as Barbie’s longtime boyfriend, Ken.  Plot details have been kept tightly under wraps, but the film does find Barbie and Ken stuck in the real world.

Along with Robbie and Gosling, the star-studded cast includes Will Ferrell, Emma Mackey, Connor Swindells, Nicola Coughlan, Emerald Fennell, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Simu Liu, America Ferrera, Ncuti Gatwa, Issa Rae, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Sharon Rooney, Scott Evans, Ana Cruz Kayne, Ritu Arya and Jamie Demetriou.

The film is directed by Gerwig from a script the filmmaker co-wrote with Noah Baumbach.  The film began production earlier this year in London and wrapped in July.

“Barbie” premieres in theaters on July 21, 2023. Watch the full trailer – here.

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