NEWS OF THE WEEK: Judge dismisses five charges against Sean 'Diddy' Combs
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an hour ago
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Jussie Smollett Denies Alleged 2019 Hate Crime Was Hoax
Back in 2019, Jussie Smollett — who you probably know best from his performance on Empire — was indicted on 16 felony counts by a Chicago grand jury for allegedly filing a false police report regarding a hate crime that he claimed to be the victim of. When filing the report, Jussie alleged that two men shouted racial and homophobic slurs at him while putting a noose over his neck and pouring bleach on him. In 2021, he was found guilty of falsely reporting a hate crime, but in 2024 the conviction was overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court. In a new interview with Variety that was published ahead of the forthcoming Netflix documentary The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, the actor maintained his innocence and claimed that he was a victim of the hate crime that he was eventually charged for allegedly making a false report of. 'The villains are the two people who assaulted me, the Chicago Police Department and, if I may be so brave, the mayor,' he said, referring to former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel. Jussie also alleged that the 2014 murder of teenager Laquan McDonald by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke played a role in the scrutiny surrounding him. 'Could it be that they had just found out about the missing minutes and the missing tape from the murder of Laquan McDonald? he said. "Could it be that the mayor helped hide that?' 'We're living in a world where the higher-ups, their main mission, in order to do all of the underhanded things that they're doing, is to distract us with the shiny object," he added. Jussie went on to address the pair of brothers, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, who eventually alleged to authorities that they'd planned the hate crime hoax along with the actor. 'All I can say is, God bless you, and I hope it was worth it,' he said. 'Every single other person's story has changed multiple times. Mine has never. I have nothing to gain from this.' When asked why exonerating evidence supporting Jussie's claims hasn't yet emerged six years after the initial report, he replied, 'To be honest with you, I don't really know. I'm not an investigative reporter or a detective. I can't sit and tell you exactly, beat by beat, what happened." "I can only tell you what did not happen. And what did not happen is the story that's been out there for almost seven years, that somehow I would have even a reason to do something as egregious as this.' You can read the entire interview here.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jason Bourne Movies Get Major Update for Matt Damon Series
The Jason Bourne franchise may be readying to return, with Variety reporting that NBCUniversal has acquired all the rights to Robert Ludlum's book series. What's the new Jason Bourne movie update? The deal, according to Variety, will see NBCUniversal gain all rights, excluding publishing, to the book series in perpetuity. Variety's report mentions that this now paves the way for 'new installments' for Matt Damon's Jason Bourne. While no official new movie was announced, it seems like NBCU has big plans for the franchise due to the sum they paid. No official terms were disclosed, but Variety's report notes that the deal came as part of a 'highly competitive bidding situation' that had upwards of seven offers. In the end, NBCU's offer, which is said to be 'a massive nine-figure proposal,' won out. 'Since its debut in 2002, the iconic Bourne franchise has reshaped the spy genre with groundbreaking films that set new standards for cinematic action,' said Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer. 'We're energized to continue expanding the Bourne universe into the future with exciting new stories for global audiences.' The Bourne film series began back in 2002, with The Bourne Identity, directed by Doug Liman and starring Damon in the titular role. The film franchise follows the titular Jason Bourne, a CIA assassin suffering from amnesia, played by Damon. The franchise is based on Ludlum's books, and has produced five films so far, the most recent of which was 2016's Jason Bourne. In total, the Bourne movie franchise is one of the most successful and popular in all of Hollywood. To date, the series has grossed over $1.6 billion, and also helped popularize the more gritty and realistic tones that action thrillers have adopted in the 2000s. (Source: Variety) The post Jason Bourne Movies Get Major Update for Matt Damon Series appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
7 hours ago
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Austin Film Festival to Honor Christopher McQuarrie, With Writers Conference Panels to Include ‘Wicked,' ‘The Studio' and More (EXCLUSIVE)
Austin Film Festival will honor writer, director and producer Christopher McQuarrie with the 2025 Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking Award at the Awards Luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 25. Additionally, McQuarrie will join a panel conversation exploring his creative process and celebrated career during the 2025 Writers Conference, Oct. 23-26, which will also showcase the bold creative voices behind critically acclaimed titles such as 'Wicked,' 'The Studio,' 'Abbott Elementary,' 'Big Mouth,' 'Past Lives' and more. The overall festival will take place Oct. 23-30. The Austin Film Festival hosts the world's largest screenwriters conference and has championed the art and craft of storytelling for more than three decades. More from Variety 'Mission: Impossible' Director Christopher McQuarrie Says Tom Cruise Is 'Very Serious' About Making a Les Grossman Movie: 'It Ultimately Comes Down to What That Character Is' 'Mission: Impossible' Recap: Everything You Need to Remember Before 'The Final Reckoning' Tom Cruise Won't Address 'Mission: Impossible' Future During Surprise Cannes Talk: 'I'd Rather People' Just See 'The Final Reckoning' and Enjoy McQuarrie said of his award, 'I've always held the AFF in the highest esteem. It's a sincere privilege to return to Austin after so much time away and for such a distinguished honor.' McQuarrie is an acclaimed director, producer and screenwriter. His 1995 screenplay for 'The Usual Suspects' was named by the Writers Guild of America as one of the greatest screenplays of all time. In 2008, he co-wrote and produced 'Valkyrie,' starring Tom Cruise, a film which would lead to many more McQuarrie/Cruise collaborations, starting in 2012 with McQuarrie's sophomore directorial effort, 'Jack Reacher.' As a writer, producer and director, he went on to helm the last four installments of 'Mission: Impossible' ('Rogue Nation,' 'Fallout,' 'Dead Reckoning' and 'The Final Reckoning'), comprising some of the largest and most complex practical action films ever made. In between these, he continued to work as a writer-producer on such films as 'Edge of Tomorrow' and 'Top Gun Maverick.' In addition to his credited work, McQuarrie is known throughout the industry for his uncredited contributions as a writer, editor, 2nd unit director and production consultant. AFF will honor McQuarrie at the Awards Luncheon alongside screenwriting awardee Rian Johnson, producing awardee Christine Vachon, and television writer awardee Yvette Lee Bowser. The luncheon features awardees honored for their career achievements, Script and Film competition winners, and the recipients of industry-sponsored fellowships. Past recipients of the Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking Award include Ron Howard, Danny Boyle, Frank Darabont and Jonathan Demme. AFF has also announced the first wave of Writers Conference panels, including WGA nominees Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, the acclaimed screenwriters of Universal Pictures' Academy Award-nominated 'Wicked' and its upcoming conclusion, 'Wicked: For Good.' On : A Conversation with Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox Speakers: Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox Description: Step into the world of Oz with the brilliant minds behind the Wicked stage-to-film adaptations. Tony and Emmy nominated screenwriter Winnie Holzman and acclaimed screenwriter Dana Fox will delve into the monumental task of bringing this beloved Broadway phenomenon to the big screen. From the joys and challenges of adapting an iconic stage musical book, to the thrills of expanding upon that universe for film, Holzman and Fox will discuss how they crafted a cinematic experience that reaches its epic, electrifying conclusion this November with Wicked: For Good. The Writer-Producer Relationship with Christine Vachon and Celine Song Speaker: Christine Vachon and Celine Song Description: Join acclaimed writer-director Celine Song and legendary independent producer Christine Vachon for a conversation about building and sustaining the essential writer-producer relationship. Song and Vachon will share insights into the nuances of their own successful collaborations, including Past Lives and Materialists, offering advice on how to foster trust, manage expectations, and effectively navigate the creative and business challenges inherent in bringing a story from script to screen. Inside the World of Indie Film Financing Speakers: Kara Durrett, Jesse Burgum, and Dave Caplan Description: Navigating the complex landscape of independent film financing can be a filmmaker's greatest challenge. Join producers Kara Durrett and Jesse Burgum of Pinky Promise (Eleanor the Great, Bird, The Last Showgirl), and Dave Caplan of C2 Motion Picture Group (Longlegs, The Monkey) as they pull back the curtain on securing funding for indie projects, and what they look for in a script. Inside the Writers Room: Speaker: Alex Gregory Description: Celebrated for its biting satire, relentless pace, and immersive peek behind Hollywood's curtain, The Studio offers a heightened, hilarious insider's perspective of today's film and TV industry. Co-creator and showrunner Alex Gregory will discuss how the show's writers mined their own experiences to develop its uniquely dysfunctional characters and kinetic storytelling style. On : A Conversation with Justin Simien Speaker: Justin Simien Description: Explore the impactful world of Dear White People with its creator, Justin Simien. This conversation will delve into the origins of the acclaimed film and series, Simien's approach to social commentary, and the show's signature character-driven storytelling. Gain insights into the challenges of tackling complex themes with humor and poignancy. On Grounded Storytelling: Speakers: Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen Description: Go behind the scenes of the Peabody Award-winning HBO series Somebody Somewhere with co-creators and showrunners, Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen. The pair will explore their longstanding creative partnership and their knack compelling character dynamics that turn small moments into universally human stories. Three Page Challenge with Craig Mazin and John August Speakers: Craig Mazin and John August Description: In this live, interactive session, Craig Mazin and John August will offer their insightful feedback on submitted screenplays – focusing on the all-important first three pages. Learn firsthand what makes a script demand attention, the common pitfalls to avoid, and essential techniques for hooking your audience from the very start. Inside the Final Season: Speakers: Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett Description: As Big Mouth takes its final bow, join co-creators and EPs Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett to explore the evolution of the show, from its initial concept and controversial humor to its nuanced portrayal of adolescence. Hear how they crafted the final season's emotional arc, brought beloved characters to a conclusion, and navigated the challenges of ending such a beloved and impactful show. On the Making of Speakers: Patrick Schumacker Description: Go behind the scenes of ABC's Emmy, SAG and Golden Globe-winning sensation, Abbott Elementary, with one of the show's executive producers, Patrick Schumacker. Hailed by critics as a refreshingly authentic and heartwarming mockumentary comedy, Abbott Elementary has been celebrated for its sharp humor, relatable characters, and poignant exploration of community. Austin Film Festival's Writers Conference, happening Oct. 23–26, 2025, will present over 150 panels on the art, craft and business of storytelling, featuring a slate of prominent industry professionals working in film, television and new media. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in August 2025 What's Coming to Netflix in August 2025
