Dominica Showbiz Latest News and Updates

Ed Meza @edmezavar Dominican filmmaker Leticia Tonos’ sci-fi drama “Aire” has won the inaugural Fantastic Latido Award at the Cannes Film Market’s new Fantastic Pavilion genre hub.   Presented by Madrid-based Latido Films, the Fantastic Latido Award offers international sales representation for the winning film. “Aire” centers on Tania, a conservation biologist living in a future dystopian world where the human race has been reduced to extinction level by pollution and disease. In an effort to keep her species from disappearing completely, she tries with the help of Vida, an artificial intelligence system, to self-inseminate herself.

Nicole Williams is looking back on her iconic Sports Illustrated photoshoot.

When Padma Lakshmi was told she would appear in the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, she immediately got to work. "Luckily, I was trying to lose the weight from ‘Top Chef,’ so I was in the gym a lot," the culinary star told Page Six on Sunday. "But I only had three weeks’ notice," the 52-year-old revealed.

Padma Lakshmi is serving some sizzling looks. The "Top Chef" and "Taste the Nation" host is making a splash in this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.The culinary star, who was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica, rocked an itsy bitsy bikini by Toxic Sadie beaded with golden mother-of-pearl sequins.  For the spread, Lakshmi also modeled a two-piece made of seashells, a suit that resembles seaweed and a sunshine yellow bikini. Lakshmi, who got her start as a model in the ‘90s, revealed that it’s empowering to appear in the magazine at age 52.

Prince Royce had his fans a little worried when he shared news about his health. The Dominican singer revealed that he was hospitalized in Chile after suffering an allergic reaction. The Bachata superstar is currently one of the coaches of The Voice Chilean version.

Andrés García, a famed Latin actor known for his Mexican telenovela roles, has died. He was 81.

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor Warner Chappell Music has renewed its global publishing deal with producer Marco “MAG” Borrero. A frequent Bad Bunny collaborator, MAG produced 15 of the 23 tracks on the blockbuster album “Un Verano Sin Ti,” which led to his 2022 Variety Hitmakers honor and his No. 1 position on Billboard’s Year-End Hot Latin Song Producers chart. “Un Verano Sin Ti” became the first all-Spanish album to top the year-end Billboard 200 chart as well as earn a nomination for Album of the Year Grammy award. The Brooklyn-born, Puerto Rican-Dominican producer was mentored by Max Martin — the most successful songwriter-producer of the past 25 years — and over the course of his career has also collaborated with Rauw Alejandro, Arcángel, Bebe Rexha, Imagine Dragons, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato.

Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz is opening up about her feelings on the cancellation of Gordita Chronicles, the HBO Max show about a chubby Dominican girl growing up in the 1980s.

El Gordo y la Flaca,Marc Anthony and his new bride Nadia Ferreira supported Puerto Rico. The model’s baby bump looked too cute! A post shared by ElGordoyLaFlaca (@elgordoylaflaca)Puerto Rican host Carlos Adyan posed with the newlyweds and they were all smiles.

The Guardian that towards the end of last year, federal prosecutors began examining two loans that were wired to Trump Media and Technology Group through the Caribbean from two entities that appeared to be controlled in part by an individual that appears to be a relative of an ally to Russian president Vladimir Putin.TMTG, which owns Trump’s Truth Social platform, initially came under criminal investigation related to its potential merger with blank check company Digital World Acquisition Corporation. The merger, which has been delayed, has also faced separate scrutiny from the U.S.

Ben Croll Cartoon Movie, the European animation sector’s flagship co-production and pitch forum, closed out its 25th edition besting pre-pandemic attendance numbers, welcoming just below 900 industry participant and noting a 40% increase in buyers. Overall, 58 feature projects were presented (and 16 countries encompassed), and — in a testament to France’s robust animation ecosystem — Gallic outfits had a hand in nearly half of them. The forum also reflected the enduring strength of the family market, with 59% of all projects aimed at that demographic. Here are four takeaways from this year’s session, which ran from March 7 – 9 in Bordeaux.

TQG” has been one of Karol G’s most talked about songs, not only because it features Shakira, but because it sheds a light on her break up with Anuel AA. The song’s lyrics are directed at an ex, who despite dating someone else, appears to still like Karol G’s photos on Instagram.

Thania Garcia Marshmello is helping Manuel Turizo get over his ex in a new music video for the duo’s first cross-genre collaboration titled “El Merengue.” On Thursday, the duo premiered the track that puts a fresh spin on merengue with layered electro beats and Turizo’s rich baritone vocals. The video, directed by Chadrick Preuss and Sandeep Vadlamudi, follows a lovestruck Turizo who is hung up on an ex-flame that he casually runs into one night at a crowded nightclub. In the heat of the moment, the Colombian singer and his ex sway to the rhythms of the sultry merengue beat. Overtaken by rekindled emotions — and liquid courage — Turizo ends up retching into the nightclub’s toilet while an unmasked Marshmello listens from the next stall over.

She’s a Millennium BabySpice was born Isis Gaston in the Bronx, New York, in the dawn of the new millennium – January 1, 2000, to be exact – to a Nigerian father and Dominican mother.As the eldest of five siblings, her interest in a rap career reportedly began when she was just seven and was introduced to hip-hop musicians such as Lil’ Kim.Throughout her high school years, she worked on her writing skills by penning poetry and refining her rap talents, but it was not until she attended college that she started making strides toward an actual career in the music industry.Her Collaborator Bought Her a $150,000 Watch as a GiftThe rising star’s Valentine’s Day celebration this year was made very special by fellow rapper Lil Tjay, who surprised her with a $150,000 Richard Mille watch as a present.While the extravagant gift may lead some to jump to conclusions about the nature of their relationship, both hip-hop artists have been quick to clarify that they are just friends.Sources close to Spice revealed to TMZ that the two are not romantically involved. Tjay apparently just wanted to do something meaningful to commemorate their “Gangsta Boo” collaboration’s success in reaching the Billboard Hot 100 chart.She Modeled for Beyoncé’s Ivy Park Fashion BrandIn January 2023, Spice took to Twitter to reveal photos from her modeling moment, as she is one of the select few people featured in the latest Ivy Park campaign, known primarily as Beyoncé’s Adidas collection.The range, named Park Trail, will be available in Adidas stores in February 2023.

Holly Jones Ahead of its world premiere screening as part of Berlinale’s Generation 14plus strand, Alief has swooped on global sales to Dominican director Victoria Linares Villegas’s second non-fiction feature, “Ramona,” and has provided Variety exclusive access to its first look trailer. After its Berlin run, “Ramona” is set for a North American bow at the True False Documentary Film Festival in Columbia, Missouri this March, where Linares will receive the Visionary Award. A postmodern look into the class divide and lives of an already vulnerable population, the project has emerged as a documentary with glimpses of scripted narrative, which the director credits to the adolescents she interviewed; their predicaments became paramount. 

Michelle Rodriguez has been fangirling with her Fast X costar Jason Momoa. The actress recently shared her love for her co-worker while praising his looks. “Oh, hot damn, right? Like, what’s up with that? It’s something primal that happens to me when I see that boy.

or loathe it, there's something for everyone this week. Let's start with Cara Delevingne's Planet Sex on Hulu, which takes a very practical, scientific look at sex, gender, and attraction. It's a riveting series, and I particularly loved episode six (titled, “Do You Think I'm Sexy?”) for going deep on topics like cosmetic surgery and body positivity. That same day, February 14, Netflix drops the first few episodes of Perfect Match, which reunites some of the streaming service's most talked-about reality show singles to see if they can finally find love in a tropical setting.

The creators of series including Tuca & Bertie and Gordita Chronicles, which both were axed at Warner Bros Discovery, have taken the conglomerate to task for the recent moves.

EXCLUSIVE: Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to take Puppy Bowl to another level as a live television event by simulcasting it across linear networks and streaming platforms from both sides of the merged company.

Dominicans never fail to bring the hype!!!!!

Mario Oliver, one of the kings of the Los Angeles nightlife scene when he ran the clubs Vertigo and The Gate and elegant restaurants like Tryst, Le Petit Four, and Linq, has died at age 71.

Ozuna is the new owner of Los Brujos de Guayama. According to the information handed to HOLA! USA, the Governing Board also approved the request to transfer the franchise to the municipality of Manatí, to be renamed Los Osos de Manatí (Manatee Bears).Una publicación compartida por Brujos de Guayama BSN (@losbrujosbsn)“Being in charge of a Puerto Rico National Superior Basketball franchise has been one of my greatest dreams, for which we have been working for some time,” Ozuna said.

Naz Perez made our 2022 100 Latina Powerhouse list. The Live From E! Host, Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango Correspondent, Co-Host of the I Don’t Get It Podcast, and Founder of Heart Broken anonymous™ is an unstoppable force with dreams of becoming one of the best interviewers in the world. We had the opportunity to talk to Perez to learn more about her life and aspirations and it’s clear this is just the beginning for Naz.

Cardi B welcomes her third decade with a big bash alongside her husband, Offset, in Los Angeles. For her big soirée, the rapper honored her roots by wearing Caribbean carnival costumes, paying homage to her Trinidadian and Dominican heritage.The birthday girl celebrated in a stunning red bejeweled satin bodysuit paired with sheer gloves, a feathered train, and a feathered headpiece.

Eva Longoria is a woman of many talents. In Paris Fashion Week, she showed off her modeling skills, walking the runway in a stunning Ellie Saab sequined dress.Eva Longoria and Alejandra Pelayo talk tequila and their mission to empower Mexican womenEva Longoria and Dania Ramirez team up to amplify Dominican activism in their new podcastLongoria’s dress was short and glittery, the right mix of elegant and fun.

Francisca Lachapel has achieved every goal she has put her mind to! Born May 5 of 1989, this Dominican American star is always reaching new heights with her successful career in the entertainment industry, after emigrating to the United States in 2010 and winning the hearts of the Latin audience with her charisma and talent.The fan-favorite TV personality has found her way as an actress, TV host and beauty pageant titeholder. After being crowned ‘Nuestra Belleza Latina’ in 2015, becoming the first Dominican to win the coveted title and stepping into the scene as a current co-host of the popular show ‘Despierta América’ on Univision.Francisca has shown how comfortable she is in front of the camera, making special appearances on ‘El Gordo y la Flaca,’ ‘Sabado Gigante,’ ‘Sabadazo’ and ‘Sal y Pimienta,’ ‘Tu Cara me Suena.’ And on the small screen, participating in Televisa’s telenovela ‘Despertar Contigo,’ and Eurovision’s Song Contest 2018 with co-host Vanessa Claudio.The inspiring story of this talented Latina continues, as she revealed exclusively to HOLA! USA that she still has many goals she would like to achieve.

Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Cinderella musical is finally heading to Broadway – and with a new title!

Debby Wolfe, showrunner and co-creator of NBC’s upcoming comedy “Lopez vs. Lopez” for Universal Television; Claudia Forestieri, creator and executive producer of HBO Max’s “Gordita Chronicles;” and Justin Hillian, showrunner and executive producer of Showtime’s “The Chi.” All of the writers from the most recent 2020-21 class have been staffed on series following the completion of the program with several on NBC or Universal Studio Group (USG)-produced shows, including “The Blacklist,” “Bel-Air,” “FBI: International” and “Space Force.” For the next eight months, the new class will develop an original pilot under the guidance of NBCUniversal programming executives.

We could tell Sarodj was Dominican the first time we heard this song!

exactly five years ago. As the storm made its way through the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, and Bermuda, thousands were left without homes due to severe flooding and mudslides.

Zoē Saldaña’s best anti-aging secret doesn’t come in a jar. In a recent interview with People, the mom of three said her kids keep her youthful. “It’s like Benjamin Button; I’ll take that as a compliment,” she said, referring to her looks.“I think having children keeps me out of trouble a lot,” she continues.

Madonna is getting hot and heavy with Tokischa.

El Gordo y La Flaca.Every afternoon by the time I got home from grade school, my mother and grandmother would have it playing in the background while cooking for the day. It's akin to Live with Kelly and Ryan, although more pointed in delivery. Nestled between discourse about politics and world affairs, questions like "Are they really dating?" and “Did you see how her panza looked in that dress?” were treated with as much journalistic rigor as anything else on air.

Ed Meza @edmezavar In “Patrick and the Whale,” director and editor Mark Fletcher explores an area not often examined by wildlife filmmakers: the emotional connections that bind sperm whales and their ability not only to communicate to one another, but also, seemingly, to humans. Produced by Austria’s Terra Mater Studios and screening in the Zurich Film Festival’s Focus Competition, the film centers on Patrick Dykstra, a passionate wildlife explorer, BAFTA-winning cameraman and host of the Discovery series “Chasing Ocean Giants,” and his relationships with two female sperm whales. Employing stunning underwater footage, the film follows Dykstra as he delves into the fascinating nature of sperm whales, seeking to better understand their intelligence and complexity while also highlighting their fraught relationship with humankind.

Pablo Sandoval Set to be unveiled at this week’s San Sebastian Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum, “Bajo el Mismo Sol” has secured a first co-production deal ahead of the festival.  Argentina’ Pucará Cine has boarded the project, reteaming with lead producer Wooden Boat Productions in the Dominican Republican on director Ulises Porra’s third feature. Both production companies co-produced Porra’s most recent movie, “Carajita” (2021), co-directed by Silvina Schnicer, which won the New Directors award at last year’s San Sebastián, swept Guadalajara, and collected hardware at Argentina’s Mar del Plata and the Miami Film Festival.

Tokischa has been getting a lot of attention lately for hanging out with and collaborating with Madonna. But we’ve liked her well before that!