David Mouriquand
Culture news
Eurovision 2026 crisis: Israel kept in - Who’s out and what next?
The organizers of next year's Eurovision Song Contest announced they were allowing Israel to compete. This drew quick announcements of withdrawals from several European countries critical of the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Here's everything you need to know and what might be next for Eurovision 2026.
Cinema
Film of the Week: 'O último azul' ('The Blue Trail')
Brazil's cinematic output has given audiences some of this year's very best, including 'I'm Still Here' and 'The Secret Agent'. But it all started with Gabriel Mascaro's 'The Blue Trail', which won this year's Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize in Berlin...
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Culture news
'Mortal Kombat' star Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa dies aged 75
The prolific actor, best known for playing villains on screen, was discovered by director Bernardo Bertolucci for his film 'The Last Emperor' in 1987. He went on to appear in more than 30 films, including the Mortal Kombat franchise and James Bond film 'License to Kill'.
Culture news
Eurovision members debate Israeli boycott – will there be a vote?
Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is being debated at a two-day meeting of member broadcasters in Geneva starting today. Eurovision could vote on Israel’s involvement as more countries threaten boycott next year’s event in Austria.
Culture news
Doctor who sold Matthew Perry ketamine sentenced to prison
Dr. Salvador Plasencia was the first of five people to face justice over the actor's 2023 death in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home. Plasencia was ordered to serve 30 months in prison for supplying ketamine to the actor, who had well-documented struggles with addiction.
Culture news
Spotify Wrapped: What are the biggest artists and songs of 2025?
Spotify Wrapped has launched for 2025, showing music fans their most listened to artists, songs, albums and more. It also provides global trends for music listening and has revealed that Bad Bunny has broken Taylor Swift's two-year winning streak.
Culture news
Director Jafar Panahi sentenced to prison by Iran Revolutionary Court
Iran has sentenced acclaimed filmmaker and Cannes Palme d’Or winner Jafar Panahi to one year in prison and imposed a travel ban for allegedly engaging in “propaganda activities” against the state. The verdict, delivered in absentia, was confirmed by his lawyer Mostafa Nili.
Cinema
Lilly Wachowski on right-wing misinterpretations of ‘The Matrix’
What was originally a transgender allegory has been hijacked over the years by various extremist groups. Now, 'The Matrix' co-director Lilly Wachowski has addressed the “crazy, mutant” misinterpretations of the sci-fi classic. "Right-wing ideology appropriates absolutely everything," she says.
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