Tom Cruise received his first Academy Award on November 18, 2023, at the Governors Awards, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career. The 63-year-old actor was honored with an honorary Oscar in recognition of his four decades of contributions to the film industry. During his acceptance speech, Cruise expressed his deep passion for cinema, stating, “Making movies is not what I do, it’s who I am.” This prestigious ceremony also recognized notable figures such as production designer Wynn Thomas, choreographer Debbie Allen, and singer Dolly Parton for her philanthropic efforts.
The award presentation was made by director Alejandro González Iñárritu, who has been collaborating with Cruise on an upcoming project. Iñárritu hinted that this might not be Cruise’s last Oscar, suggesting further accolades could be in his future.
Met Gala Plans New Fashion Exhibit
In other entertainment news, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York announced its upcoming spring fashion exhibit titled “Costume Art,” set to debut at the Met Gala in 2026. This exhibit aims to explore the relationship between fashion and art by pairing garments with art pieces from the museum’s vast collection. Max Hollein, the museum’s CEO, expressed his hope that the exhibit will take visitors on a journey through art history while introducing a new permanent gallery space for fashion.
Curator Andrew Bolton shared that the exhibit will cover a range of themes, including “Naked Body,” “Classical Body,” “Pregnant Body,” and “Aging Body,” offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of fashion and societal narratives.
Bridget Jones Statue Unveiled in London
On November 20, 2023, London’s Leicester Square welcomed a new bronze statue of the beloved character Bridget Jones, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the first “Bridget Jones” film. The unveiling ceremony featured actor Renée Zellweger, who portrayed Bridget Jones in the film series, alongside author Helen Fielding. The statue joins a collection of other cinematic icons in the “Scenes in the Square” trail, which celebrates notable characters from film history.
Box Office Update: “Now You See Me 3” Dominates
In box office news, “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” the third installment of the popular “Now You See Me” series, led the North American box office during its opening weekend, grossing $21.3 million. This film, directed by Ruben Fleischer, outperformed Paramount’s “The Running Man,” which earned $17 million. With international sales included, the worldwide opening for “Now You See Me” is estimated at $75.5 million. Although reviews were mixed, audience reactions were more favorable.
In contrast, “The Running Man,” directed by Edgar Wright, garnered $28.2 million worldwide, also facing mixed reviews.
Tributes and Celebrations in Entertainment
This week also marks the birthdays of several notable celebrities, including Colin Hanks, Miley Cyrus, and Sarah Hyland, who turns 35. The entertainment community remembers the late disability rights activist and author Alice Wong, who passed away at the age of 51 due to an infection. Wong was known for her advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities, leaving a significant impact on the community.
Additionally, a new documentary titled “Selena Y Los Dinos: A Family’s Legacy” will premiere on Netflix, offering an intimate look at the life of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Directed by Isabel Castro and produced by Selena’s siblings, the film features previously unseen archival footage, aiming to solidify her cultural legacy for future generations.
In upcoming releases, viewers can look forward to Todd Snider’s music and the anticipated film “Varanasi” from acclaimed director S.S. Rajamouli, set for release in 2027, promising a visually stunning time-travel adventure rooted in Hindu mythology.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, these events and tributes highlight the diverse contributions and legacies of figures in film, music, and advocacy.
