The animated film KPop Demon Hunters has officially secured its eligibility for the 98th Academy Awards. Released on Netflix, the film is now among the 35 contenders for the Animated Feature Film category, as announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday. It completed a qualifying theatrical run in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco in June, paving the way for its Oscar consideration. Other notable competitors in this category include Disney titles like Elio and Zootopia 2, as well as Crunchyroll/Sony’s Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. Fans will learn if KPop Demon Hunters receives a nomination on January 22.
In other entertainment news, Spanish singer Rosalía has captivated audiences with her latest album, Lux, which significantly diverges from her previous works. The 15 tracks delve into themes of spirituality, starting with lyrics that openly reference God. The album has garnered admiration from prominent figures in the Catholic Church, including the Cardinal responsible for culture in the Vatican and bishops in Spain.
Italian music legend Ornella Vanoni has passed away at the age of 91. She died of cardiac arrest at her home in Milan. Known for timeless hits such as Senza Fine and L’appuntamento, Vanoni enjoyed a career that spanned over seven decades and left an indelible mark on Italian culture. In a statement, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her deep sorrow over Vanoni’s passing, highlighting the unique legacy she leaves behind.
Shifting to documentary filmmaking, Jordan Peele has released a new docuseries titled High Horse: The Black Cowboy, now streaming on Peacock. This three-part series, directed by Jason Perez, examines the often-overlooked contributions of Black cowboys in American history. It serves as a companion piece to Peele’s 2022 film Nope and addresses themes of systemic racism and land ownership challenges faced by Black citizens since the post-slavery Reconstruction era.
Meanwhile, the soundtrack for Wicked: For Good has raised expectations with its fresh take on the musical’s second act. Featuring performances by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the album includes new songs that enhance the emotional depth of the story. The soundtrack adds over 15 minutes of music, contributing to a more impactful listening experience.
In a significant legal development, Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel of the Fugees has been sentenced to 14 years in prison. This ruling follows his conviction for illegally funneling millions of dollars in foreign contributions to former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. The U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly imposed the sentence despite prosecutors seeking a life sentence. Michel was convicted on 10 counts in April 2023, with testimonies from high-profile figures such as actor Leonardo DiCaprio during the trial.
In response to allegations of interference by the Israeli government, organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest have announced changes to the voting system. The moves are designed to enhance fairness and transparency in light of growing concerns surrounding the competition. The European Broadcasting Union, which oversees Eurovision, has stated that these changes aim to strengthen trust among participants and audiences.
Lastly, a new play titled Kramer/Fauci is set to premiere in New York early next year, exploring the complex relationship between playwright and AIDS activist Larry Kramer and Dr. Anthony Fauci. Directed by Daniel Fish, the play will run at The Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts from February 11 to February 21. Utilizing a transcript of a notable 1993 confrontation between the two, Fish aims to offer a nuanced portrayal of their evolving relationship during the AIDS crisis.
Additionally, the film Rental Family, starring Brendan Fraser, is set to open in theaters this Friday. This drama highlights Japan’s unique industry of “rental families,” where individuals seek emotional connections through paid relationships, reflecting deeper societal issues of loneliness and the pressures of maintaining appearances in Japanese culture.
