Lebanon Showbiz Latest News and Updates

Iranian protesters have demanded "justice" for a woman who was assaulted by anti-riot police, with one officer forcibly grabbing her bottom and then pushing her on the ground.  The video, captured on a security camera at the Argentina Square in Tehran on Wednesday, shows police surrounding the woman. When they start to cart her away, one officer grabs the woman’s bottom before she drops to her knees.  Another woman can be heard saying that the officers were pulling the victim’s hair as she knelt on the ground.  Tehran’s Police Public Relations office has said the incident will be investigated, the BBC reported, but the police provided no statement as to what might have happened.

Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent Cinemed, the Mediterranean Cinema Film Festival, is partnering up with Lebanese film org Aflamuna / Beirut DC to launch a new co-production and co-financing initiative aimed at high-profile projects from the Arab world. The new program, which is also backed by France’s National Film Board and is part of the festival’s industry showcase Cinemed Meetings, will present seven projects involving 22 Arab countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Liban, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Syria, among others. All selected projects are currently in development and are being brought by filmmakers who have previously directed at least one short film.

Amal, many believed George Clooney would remain the consummate bachelor — even Clooney himself. But his good friend and  co-star, Julia Roberts, knew the 61-year-old actor would settle down eventually.ET's Nischelle Turner spoke with the pair ahead of the film's premiere about their love lives, their new rom-com and more.«People thought? I thought,» Clooney quipped when the topic of him being a lifelong bachelor was broached. «I didn't think,» Roberts, 54, insisted, to Clooney's surprise.

Industry veterans Emad Morcos, former OSN Chief Content and Commercial Officer; Amanda Turnbull, who was previously General Manager at Warner Bros Discovery Middle East, Africa and Turkey; and Amel Farag, former Head of Content Commercial Strategy at OSN have joined forces to launch Rise Studios.

Manori Ravindran International Editor Former Warner Bros. Discovery and OSN executives are teaming up to form a new content studio serving the Middle East and North Africa, Variety can reveal. Rise Studios is being set up by industry veterans Emad Morcos, former OSN chief content and commercial officer; Amanda Turnbull, former general manager at Warner Bros. Discovery Middle East, Africa and Turkey; and Amel Farag, former head of content commercial strategy at OSN. Rise will invest in local content and talent in order to launch homegrown film and TV productions on both regional and global broadcasters and streaming platforms.

The case of Cassie Carli just got a whole lot murkier.

A starry group of global talent has been set to join Paolo Sorrentino on the main jury for the 19th edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival which runs from November 11-19 in the Moroccan city. 

Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent The Marrakech International Film Festival will make a big comeback this year with a star-studded jury, including Oscar Isaac (“Scenes from a Marriage”), Vanessa Kirby (“The Son”), French actor Tahar Rahim (“The Serpent”), Australian director Justin Kurzel (“Nitram”) and Danish director Susanne Bier (“The Undoing”). Lebanese director and actor Nadine Labaki (“Caparnum”), German actor Diane Kruger (“Inglorious Basterds”) and Moroccan director Laïla Marrakchi (“Marock”) complete the high-profile jury. As previously announced, Paolo Sorrentino, the Oscar-winning director of “The Great Beauty” and “The Hand of God,” will preside over the jury, which spans 10 countries from four continents.

, Najimy’s impact in Hollywood goes beyond the beloved witch. From her groundbreaking HBO comedy specials in the late eighties to her on-the-ground activism, Najimy has been building a legacy for herself founded on feminism and natural-born comedic genius.A proud, “full-blooded” Lebanese actor (“I don’t know what full-blooded means, but I say it with gusto,” she jokes), she’s also an advocate for leisurely Beirut holidays and challenging Western notions of what the country is actually like (“the best food, the most beautiful people, the most friendly people”).

Georgia Tech, led by legendary coach and trophy namesake John Heisman, humiliated Cumberland College 222-0 in the most lopsided college football game on record on this day in history, Oct. 7, 1916.  The football farce pitted national pigskin powerhouse Georgia Tech against a school from Lebanon, Tennessee, that reportedly pulled student volunteers off campus and out of frat houses to fulfill a contractual commitment.  A football from Georgia Tech's 222-0 win over Cumberland College, Oct. 7, 1916.

The team clashed with foreman Dan last week when he accused them of trying to “cover up” poor workmanship in their mudroom.

Ty Segall, Osees and A Place To Bury Strangers.The event, which won the Best Small Festival award at the BandLab NME Awards 2022, is again held south of Brixton in Brockwell Park. It takes place on May 27, 2023.Joining the aforementioned acts are: Erol Alkan, Arooj Aftab, Habibi Funk, Sunset Rollercoaster, Gilla Band, Lebanon Hanover, Glass Beams, Madmadmad and Σstella.Early bird tickets are available from £39.50 here.Last year’s festival saw performances from Primal Scream, Floating Points, IDLES, Black Midi, Black Country, New Road, Fat White Family, Yard Act, Bicep, Caribou and more.Wide Awake festival booker and co-founder Keith Miller said in a statement: “There’s a feeling amongst us all at Wide Awake that the 2023 lineup is the most varied and interesting so far.

Khloe Kardashian and 365 Days star Michele Morrone sent the internet into a frenzy when the two were spotted together at Milan Fashion Week.MORE: Are Khloe Kardashian and Michele Morrone dating? All we knowFans of the two immediately began to ship them as a couple, relishing in the fact that the reality star was finally "living her best life" following her tumultuous relationship with Tristan Thompson.However, the actor quickly put any fantasies of the two becoming an item to a halt the following day, revealing where he really stood with her.vidWATCH: Khloe Kardashian surprises daughter True with epic birthday cakeMORE: Who sued the Kardashians? The $100 million lawsuit explainedThe 31-year-old's team spoke to People and revealed that while it was lovely to have met her, things between the two weren't going anywhere beyond their meeting at the Dolce & Gabbana spring/summer 2023 fashion show.Explaining what actually happened, his reps revealed: "Dolce and Gabbana asked them to take a photo at the show."Unfortunately for fans, they added: "Michele said she was very nice, and that was the extent of it." Rumors were sparked when Michele shared a photo of the two on his Instgram StoriesMichele is currently single, though the Italian native was previously married to Lebanese artist Rouba Saadeh from 2014 to 2018.MORE: Khloe Kardashian just rocked the ultimate Barbiecore outfitMORE: Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson welcome baby boy via surrogateMeanwhile, Khloe's personal life as of late has gone through plenty of ups and downs, and she recently opened up for the first time on the season two premiere of The Kardashians about welcoming her baby boy right as it was revealed that her on and off boyfriend, and father to both

Khloé Kardashian recently welcomed a baby boy with her ex Tristan Thompson, and although she is focused on her role as a mother of two, the idea of falling in love with Mr. Right is something she has been dreaming of.

Former Sky Exec Kylie Munnich Named Goalpost Pictures CEO

“Blue Files” (“Karpeta Urdinak”, Ander Iriarte, Spain-France)  Iriarte directs a doc investigating his father’s potential torture while in police custody. The investigations take the doc deeper into findings from Basque’s “Research project on torture and ill-treatment in the Basque Country between 1960-2014.” Produced by Gastibeltza, Filmak, and Iriarte’s own Mirokutana.

Zack Sharf Disney and Marvel Studios announced at the D23 Expo that “Unorthodox” Emmy nominee Shira Haas is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the superhero Sabra in the upcoming fourth “Captain America” movie, officially titled “Captain America: New World Order.” In the comics, Sabra is a mutant who serves as a Mossad agent. The character’s inclusion in the comics has long generated controversy, but Marvel confirmed to Variety that it’s taking a “new approach” with Sabra for the big screen. “While our characters and stories are inspired by the comics,” the studio said in a statement to Variety, “they are always freshly imagined for the screen and today’s audience, and the filmmakers are taking a new approach with the character Sabra who was first introduced in the comics over 40 years ago.”

Rosie O'Donnell may have paved the way for Ellen DeGeneres, but the 60-year-old actress and TV personality never appeared on DeGeneres' long-lived talk show. DeGeneres, now 64, jokingly came out as «Lebanese» on in 1996 ahead of her character coming out as a lesbian on her show. At the time, O'Donnell hinted that she too was a member of the LGBTQ+ community years before she publicly came out. But O'Donnell never appeared on On Thursday's, a fan asked why O'Donnell never appeared as a guest throughout the 19-season run of DeGeneres' famed talk show. «We had a little bit of a weird thing,» O'Donnell told Cohen of DeGeneres.

Rosie O’Donnell revealed why she’d never been on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in its 20-year run as she chatted to Andy Cohen on Thursday’s “Watch What Happens Live”.

"America's Got Talent" judge Sofia Vergara joked that she sometimes feels insecure around her fellow judge Heidi Klum. The 50-year-old actress talked about comparing herself to Klum, 49, in an interview with Fox News Digital after the talent competition show's season 17 finale on Wednesday night. "I mean, Heidi Klum, have you seen her? It's like, God, she's a supermodel!" Vergara exclaimed while on the red carpet at the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel in Pasadena, California.

Simon Cowell reflected on meeting Queen Elizabeth II, and noted that it was a night he’ll "never forget." "Even though she was in her late nineties… you couldn't imagine her not being there. And then when it happened, it was like I could feel it in my stomach, I was really upset," Cowell told Fox News Digital exclusively on the red carpet at "America's Got Talent." The 62-year-old TV personality’s comments come on the heels of King Charles III ascending the throne after Queen Elizabeth II died last week at the age of 96."I have so much respect for her, for her work ethic… now it just doesn't feel the same.

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains details of the winner of America’s Got Talent Season 17.

The Mayyas have danced their way to victory on “America’s Got Talent” season 17. 

has crowned a new champion! On Wednesday night's live finale, The Mayyaswere declared the winner of season 17, and were awarded with a $1 million prize and a headlining gig at 's Las Vegas show.The Lebanese female dance troupe immediately impressed judge Sofia Vergara and earned her Golden Buzzer.«No matter what the outcome in this competition is, already us being here on the biggest stage in the world, as the first Lebanese dance team to be here is already a prize for us,» the group's founder, Nadim Cherfan told ET's Denny Directo after their finale performance Tuesday night. «We are proud of each other, so no matter what the outcome is we are all winners.»Cherfan noted that the ongoing struggles in her group's home country make the experience all the more meaningful.«We come from a country where, right now, surviving day today is crucial for us,» she said.

Mayyas were awarded Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer during this season’s “America’s Got Talent” auditions, and in their final performance the Lebanese dance troupe demonstrated why they were worthy of a Golden Buzzer.

Lebanon is a country with a complicated political situation and a deep history and culture. However, it’s not a country known for its heavy metal music.

Since tying the knot in 2014, George Clooney and Amal Clooney have made the world their own personal runway. The lovebirds make red carpet style look easy, stepping out in coordinated looks that serve up timeless fashion inspiration.

"America's Got Talent" judge Howie Mandel gushed over the Mayyas' semifinals performance after the show on Tuesday, while contestant Kristy Sellars said the judges' reactions to her pole dance act were "amazing." On the red carpet, Sellars told Fox News Digital that judge Simon Cowell, 62, had talked to her after the show about "an opportunity," but didn't disclose any further details.  During the show, Cowell also declared that the Lebanese all-female dance group, the Mayyas, "is a performance that changes the world." Mandel expressed his enthusiasm for the Mayyas as well while speaking with Fox News Digital.  "That was my favorite moment of the night," the 66-year-old television personality said on the red carpet at the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel in Pasadena, California. 'America's Got Talent' judge Howie Mandel gushed over the Mayyas' semifinals performance after the show on Tuesday.

"America's Got Talent" judge Howie Mandel gushed over the Mayyas' semifinals performance after the show Tuesday, while contestant Kristy Sellars said the judges' reactions to her pole dance act were "amazing." On the red carpet, Sellars told Fox News Digital that judge Simon Cowell, 62, had talked to her after the show about "an opportunity" but didn't disclose any details.  During the show, Cowell also declared that the Lebanese all-female dance group, the Mayyas, "is a performance that changes the world." Mandel also expressed his enthusiasm for the Mayyas while speaking with Fox News Digital.  "That was my favorite moment of the night," the 66-year-old television personality said on the red carpet at the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel in Pasadena, California. "America's Got Talent" judge Howie Mandel gushed over the Mayyas' semifinals performance after the show Tuesday.

“America’s Got Talent” dance group the Mayyas awed the judges and audience during Tuesday night’s semifinals.

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Cairo-based film marketing and distribution outfit MAD Solutions has acquired rights for Arab territories to Venice competition entry “Les Miens” (“Our Ties”), directed by French actor and filmmaker of Moroccan descent Roschdy Zem. “Our Ties” is co-written by Zem with actor/director Maïwenn (“Polisse,” “Mon Roi”), who co-stars. Zem is a French cinema fixture, having starred in pics including “Other People’s Children” and directed several films including 2019’s “Persona Non Grata.” “Ties” is a drama about family dynamics centered around a man played by Sami Bouajila whose personality changes radically after he suffers a head injury. Zem plays his TV presenter brother.

Marta Balaga Final Cut, a workshop supporting films in post-production from African and Arab countries – launched by the Venice Film Festival’s industry section, Venice Production Bridge – celebrates its 10th anniversary this week. Its goals have remained the same, however, as it continues to provide emerging filmmakers with concrete assistance as well as visibility, all the while strengthening Venice’s role as “bridge builder,” says Alessandra Speciale, its curator. The final selection features titles made by directors from nine different countries: Algeria, Jordan, Guinea, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Central African Republic and Tunisia.

Gregg Goldstein Becoming Nicholas Sparks’ literary agent and then film production president might not seem like the best preparation for making a romantic drama about cannibalism, but Per Capita Prods. founder Theresa Park is transitioning to a wider, edgier range of projects with ease.  Park is producing an animated children’s show based on Michael Buckley’s bestselling fantasy novel series “The Sisters Grimm” for Apple TV+. And she arrives in Venice for the Sept. 2 world premiere of “Bones and All,” Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of Camille DeAngelis’s novel about a couple (Timothée Chalamet and Taylor Russell) whose tastes run more towards hand eating than the hand holding found in Sparks’ works. The MGM/UA feature follows two other offbeat projects in Per Capita’s first year of releases: A24’s robot drama “After Yang” starring Colin Farrell and the Apple TV+ female-centered series “Roar” with Nicole Kidman. 

Manori Ravindran International Editor Hilary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton’s HiddenLight Productions is co-producing a new feature documentary with the team behind Sundance 2019 title “Gaza.” “In the Shadow of Beirut” is a cinematic portrait of modern-day Lebanon as seen through the eyes of four families living in the impoverished Sabra and Shatila neighbourhoods of the city, the scene of an infamous massacre in 1982. The film will be executive produced by Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton and Siobhan Sinnerton for HiddenLight. The doc is filmed over four years with unique access to the families within these largely restricted areas and co-directed by Stephen Gerard Kelly, in his debut, and Garry Keane (“Gaza,” 2019). Kelly built up his relationship with the families over a six-year period.

Naman Ramachandran The BFI London Film Festival has revealed eight titles that will be in official competition. The films include Santiago Mitre’s political drama “Argentina, 1985” (Argentina); Clement Virgo’s brotherly love tale “Brother” (Canada); Marie Kreutzer’s irreverent period drama “Corsage” (Austria-Luxembourg-Germany-France); Fyzal Boulifa’s atmospheric domestic drama “The Damned Don’t Cry” (France-Belgium-Morocco); Mark Jenkin’s folk horror tale “Enys Men” (U.K.); Hlynur Palmason’s historical epic “Godland” (Denmark-Iceland-France-Sweden); Soudade Kaadan’s poignant family film “Nezouh” (U.K.-Syria-France); and Alice Diop’s courtroom drama “Saint Omer.”

Anna Marie de la Fuente Breaking Glass Pictures has snagged North American rights to “Blood-Red Ox,” the first genre pic by award-winning Bolivian director-producer Rodrigo Bellott, now playing at the 18th Santiago International Film Festival (Sanfic) sidebar Visions of the World.“A mind-bending trip into the depths of myth and madness, Bellott has crafted a haunting tale that pays homage to classic horror films while offering commentary on contemporary environmental and social issues,” said Scott Motisko, Breaking Glass VP of acquisitions, business development and sales, who together with Breaking Glass CEO Rich Wolff negotiated the pact with Ida Martins, CEO of Media Luna.“We have a longstanding business relationship with Breaking Glass Pictures and couldn’t think of a better outlet for “Blood-Red Ox,” said Martins, adding: “They have been doing an excellent job with all Media Luna previous titles, and we are honored to have one more title in their care.” Shot on location in Bolivia and upstate New York, “Blood-Red Ox” centers on Amir, a Lebanese American journalist, and his partner Amat. The two visit Amir’s environmentalist friend in the town of Tarija, which is being harassed by an oil company bent on exploiting the Bolivian rain forest.