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The organisers of the Grammy Awards are in negotiations with the city of New York to bring the annual music show back to the Big Apple.
The original story was broken by the New York Times who reported that music’s biggest night would be leaving Los Angeles and heading for New York in 2018. A decision on the matter is expected in the coming weeks. The Grammy Awards, the top United States honours for the music industry, were first held in 1959 at two simultaneous locations in Los Angeles and New York. Since then, the awards have flitted between the two cities until 2000, when Los Angeles became its permanent home. Nominations for the Grammy’s, which will next be held on February 12, will be announced next week. — Reuters
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New Pirelli calendar features Hollywood stars
Hollywood actresses are dominating the 2017 Pirelli calendar, with Uma Thurman, Helen Mirren and Nicole Kidman among the big names featuring in the newly-unveiled edition. German photographer Peter Lindbergh snapped simple, black and white pictures of the celebrities, which also include Julianne Moore and Alicia Vikander, for the 44th edition of the calendar. At a news conference, 71-year-old Mirren praised Lindbergh’s shots, which show the actresses wearing minimal make-up. “We are used to such spectacular images … with such amazing locations and incredible lighting and airbrushing,” Mirren said. “And here we’re going away from that and saying: ‘No. Let’s find the amazing in something that’s simple and human and real’.” – Reuters
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Ranveer Singh isn’t ruffled by jokes or gossip
Actor Ranveer Singh has revealed that he takes jibes from friend and fellow movie star Ranbir Kappor with a pinch of salt. The two recently appeared in an episode of filmmaker Karan Johar’s TV show Koffee with Karan. During the episode, Kapoor jokingly remarked that Sing and actress Deepika Padukone should marry and have children. “A lot of silly talks happen in the show which shouldn’t be taken seriously,” said Sing after the comments aired. Talking to the media ahead of his new romantic movie Befikre being released on December 9, Sing says he is also becoming more adept at handling idle gossip. “Every second day I hear a new rumour and I learnt how to take it in my stride,” the 31-year-old says. — IANS
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Manchester by Sea scoops multiple gongs
Independent drama Manchester by the Sea, about a working-class American family dealing with multiple tragedies, has become an early front-runner for Hollywood’s awards season as the National Board of Review named it the best film. The movie won four honours, including best actor for Casey Affleck and best original screenplay for Kenneth Lonergan. Another film receiving praise was Moonlight, which charts a young black impoverished man’s struggle with his sexuality. Barry Jenkins scooped the prize for best director and the best supporting actress gong was won by Naomie Harris. Both films have received critical praise and are among the top nominees for the Independent Spirit Awards, which celebrate low-budget artistic films that often do well at the Oscars. — Reuters
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Longtime Elvis aide Joe Esposito dies
Joe Esposito, a former road manager for Elvis Presley and a longtime member of the Presley inner circle known as ‘The Memphis Mafia’, has died at the age of 78. Esposito met Presley in 1959 while both were serving in the United States army in Germany. They remained close to him until Presley’s death in 1977. Esposito became Presley’s assistant in all professional matters, from keeping his calendar to functioning as road manager when ‘the King’ was on tour. Esposito was among the first to find Presley’s body after Elvis collapsed and died at his Graceland mansion. Esposito broke news of the music legend’s death to Priscilla and was a pallbearer at his funeral. — AP
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Ali Fazal’s latest role is not a political stance
Actor Ali Fazal says he didn’t accept the role in Victoria & Abdul — a film that explores the friendship between Queen Victoria and her trusted Indian aide Abdul Karim — to make a social statement. “We can’t stop people from thinking what they want to,” he says. “I didn’t see the role as representing my political views on colonialism. I am just playing the role of a man who was unique and powerful and persuasive. “I got a chance to work with Judi Dench in almost every scene. How many Indian actors get that chance?” the 30-year-old added. The film, which was shot in England, is slated for release next September. — IANS
