Longtime SXSW Head Janet Pierson Steps Aside, With No. 2 Claudette Godfrey Taking Reins

Max Woodward, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts executive and producer who oversaw the production of its theater programming for years before his retirement in 2016, died today of Alzheimer’s disease at a Washington D.C. care facility. He was 76.

Roving gangs have gained power throughout Haiti over the past 15 months in the wake of former President Jovenel Moïse's assassination, blockading essential ports and terrorizing citizens who are increasingly in need of basic supplies like food and medicine.  The Biden administration announced this week that it will deploy security assistance to Haiti's National Police and issue visa restrictions on Haitian officials involved with gangs.  The move falls short of "a specialized armed force" that Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry requested from the international community, an action that U.S. Sen.

Bleached brows aren’t going anywhere! Singer Janet Jackson showcased her new look on Tuesday, October 11, while attending an Alexander McQueen fashion show in London.

A negative experience. Yolanda Hadid revealed that she doesn’t have many good memories from her time filming the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

The U.S. government will pull visas belonging to current and former Haitian government officials involved with criminal organizations as well as provide security and humanitarian assistance to Haiti, senior U.S. officials said Wednesday.

Three illegal immigrants caught and released at the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as a fourth person, a U.S. citizen previously released on cashless bail, have been charged in New York’s Long Island for carrying out a hate-fueled robbery ring allegedly targeting members of the Indian community.  Brayan Alexis Ortiz-Ramos, 20, Daniel Esteban Jimenez-Carrillo, 30, Gersson Jhoan Hernandez-Gomez, 33, all born and raised in Columbia, as well as Justin Mora-Soto, 20, who was born in the U.S.

MK2 Managing Director Fionnuala Jamison was the focus of the London Film Festival’s second ‘spotlight’ industry talk Wednesday, during which she provided insights on navigating the international film market, including how regional prejudices can impact how films are sold.

The stars are stepping out for the Alexander McQueen Fashion Show!

Janet Jackson looked stunning during Paris Fashion Week, and with her niece, Paris Jackson, in attendance, who even took some time to walk some of the runways at the prestigious event, the pair had a chance to share a sweet moment at one of the after parties.“So good catching up w/ my beautiful niece Paris Jackson,” Janet wrote, adding heart emojis and posting a sweet photo sitting next to her, as the pair posed for the cameras in their chic outfits.The 56-year-old music legend wore a white button-down shirt, dark gray blazer and black tie, adding a red, white, and blue bow for a pop of color.Paris, who has been showing off her unique fashion style lately, wore a cream-colored slip dress with a sheer lace bodice, accessorized with a studded choker, big sunglasses and thigh-high brown suede boots. Fans of the Jackson family were excited to see the interaction.

with her Khaite cashmere bradigan set. That moment affirmed her status as a knitwear influencer, and she’s served in Manhattan since then.

Bella Hadid is celebrating her birthday in style!

Bella Hadid turned 26 on Sunday, and was showered with love by her famous friends and family.The fashion model and aspiring actress was celebrated enthusiastically by her mother, Yolanda Hadid, who commemorated the special day with a long series of photos on her Instagram story that took fans on an emotional journey of Bella's life.The photo series began with adorable baby pics, and then shared different moments through Bella's childhood, as she went to school, into her teens, and up to now.«26 years ago i gave birth to this little peanut, my forever baby girl,» Yolanda captioned a sweet photo of herself and a newborn Bella.Hadid shared small, heartfelt captions along with each of the dozens of photos, including one baby photo of Bella beaming, which she captioned, «Your smile makes me smile.»She also posted another of baby Bella sleeping next to Yolanda, over which she wrote, «My most snugglish & favorite sleeping partner.» Another pic of a slightly older Bella featured the caption, «Too cute for words.»She also posted a cute photo of Bell and her older sister, Gigi Hadid, 27, as they shared a hug as teenagers.«Sisters are a girls best friend,» the proud mom captioned the pic.Meanwhile, Bella's father, Mohamed Hadid, posted a slideshow to Instagram, which included a celebratory montage video for the cover, as well as a number of baby pics, and photos of Bella at a protest march.«Princess of Nazareth birthday day. Fearless.

Janet Jackson is sharing a cute snap with her niece.

and may be the two foremost members of one of America's most famous families (I'd put the Jacksons just below the Kennedys in terms of national importance), but it's surprisingly rare to catch them hanging out together.  But while Janet is, well, to the rest of us, she's still an aunt to Paris. And aunts love to take any opportunity to post their nieces. Ms.

Haiti is preparing to seek military assistance from the international community to confront gangs that have blocked the country's principal fuel port, the Miami Herald reported on Friday, citing sources with knowledge of the decision. The government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry plans to make the written request on Friday to allied nations, without specifying where the troops should come from, the Herald reported.

Pat Saperstein Deputy Editor Longtime SXSW Film & TV Festival Director Janet Pierson will transition to be Director Emeritus, the South by Southwest Conference and Festivals announced Wednesday. Her deputy Claudette Godfrey will take over leadership of the festival. Pierson served as head of the film and TV branch of SXSW for 15 years, part of her 45 years in the independent film business as producer’s rep, exhibitor and many other roles. During her time at SXSW, the festival launched a dedicated section for episodic programs, years before other festivals. In her new role, she will serve as a programmer for the next edition of the fest in 2023, where she will be feted for her contributions to SXSW and entertainment.

The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival’s long-time director Janet Pierson will now shift to a new emeritus role and will turn over leadership of the festival to her deputy Claudette Godfrey.Pierson, who has led SXSW Film & TV for the past 15 years, will now become Director Emeritus, which will still allow her to contribute as a programmer for the 2023 festival, and where she will also be honored by SXSW for her contributions to the festival and entertainment space over the years. Godfrey, currently the fest’s programming director, is now the new VP, Director of Film & TV, stepping into Pierson’s shoes.