Latest news with #BetterWorldFund
News.com.au
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
NEWS OF THE WEEK: Kevin Spacey speaks out at Cannes against blacklisting
The Better World Fund Gala has handed out its Award for Excellence in Film and Television to two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey at Cannes. While Spacey was accused of several allegations of sexual misconduct, he was found not liable in a 2022 New York lawsuit, and was acquitted by a jury of sexual assault charges in a 2023 London court. The American Beauty Best Actor Oscar-winner has yet to be invited back to any major studio Hollywood productions. "I'd like to congratulate Manuel (Collas de La Roche, president and founder of the Better World Fund) for the decision to invite me here tonight to accept this award,"
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NEWS OF THE WEEK: Kevin Spacey speaks out at Cannes against blacklisting
The Better World Fund Gala has handed out its Award for Excellence in Film and Television to two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey at Cannes. While Spacey was accused of several allegations of sexual misconduct, he was found not liable in a 2022 New York lawsuit, and was acquitted by a jury of sexual assault charges in a 2023 London court. The American Beauty Best Actor Oscar-winner has yet to be invited back to any major studio Hollywood productions. "I'd like to congratulate Manuel (Collas de La Roche, president and founder of the Better World Fund) for the decision to invite me here tonight to accept this award,"
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeff Bezos, Kevin Spacey Spotted at amfAR Cannes Gala as James Franco and Adrien Brody Auction Their Art for Over $300,000
After winning his second best actor Oscar, Adrien Brody took on a new role at the amfAR Cannes Gala on Thursday night — that of an artist. Brody, who has previously called painting his 'first love,' took the stage at the star-studded auction to present a mixed media piece he created of Marilyn Monroe — and demanded the chatty crowd's attention. Sporting a sparkly black suit, the actor shushed the crowd as he got on stage in a moment reminiscent of his now infamous five-minute Oscars speech. 'Please, for a moment, I know it's a big room,' he said. More from Variety 'Love Letters' Review: A French Lesbian Couple Navigates Pregnancy in Alice Douard's Beautifully Realized Directorial Debut Norwegian Director Joachim Trier Talks 'Sentimental Value': 'People That Deny Emotions Make Terrible Choices' 'Aisha Can't Fly Away' Review: Buliana Simon Stuns in Morad Mostafa's Intriguing if Uneven Immigrant Tale He then explained his inspiration behind the piece, saying that it represents 'what Marilyn's life did not afford her': 'To live a life fully and to cherish all the moments and the imperfections in life.' Brody continued, 'Women are so often objectified in the media and on social media. They have to look beautiful and they are beautiful, but what is within them is what's most important in this world. And I want to honor that.' After the piece sold for a whopping $425,000, Brody made a beeline for Leonardo DiCaprio's table to give him a bro hug. DiCaprio, shielding himself in a ball cap at the otherwise black-tie gala, was cuddled up to his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti for most of the night. Brody and DiCaprio were just two of the stars at the glitzy event, which takes place during the Cannes Film Festival at the glamorous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, attracting some of the biggest names in entertainment and business. Among the guests were Jeff Bezos and his soon-to-be-wife Lauren Sánchez, Mariska Hargitay and her husband Peter Hermann, Heidi Klum, Colman Domingo, Helen Mirren, Michelle Rodriguez and more. (This Variety reporter was between 'Yellowstone' actor Ian Bohen and Jeffrey Wright's son Elijah, who stars alongside his father and Denzel Washington in Lee's Cannes-premiering 'Highest 2 Lowest.') Kevin Spacey, who has been attempting a comeback at Cannes (a movie he's starring in was previewed to buyers at the film market and her received a lifetime achievement award from the Better World Fund), was seated toward the back of the room, away from the A-list stars. Spacey, who hosted the gala in 2016 before his career was derailed by sexual assault allegations, mostly kept to his entourage during the night, but was greeted by Adam Lambert, who later performed a medley of Queen songs. James Franco was also in attendance, having donated a painting to the auction that he'd worked on across several decades. Franco, who has struggled to fully reenter Hollywood after facing his own sexual misconduct allegations, was closer to the front and welcomed on stage by auctioneer Simon du Pury — who called him an 'outstanding human being' — to introduce his painting (which sold for $368,000). Along with Lambert, the five-hour dinner featured a performance from Ciara — who brought the energy with some of her biggest hits, including '1, 2 Step' and 'Level Up' — and was hosted by Taraji P. Henson, who took a serious tone to discuss the event's mission: finding a cure for AIDS. 'We all have a part to play in bringing this global epidemic to an end. Together, tonight, let's help amfAR find a cure for AIDS and get the job done,' Henson said, adding: 'We're here to support research that will save lives for generations to come.' Other items up for auction included a stay for 16 people at the mega mansion featured in the 'Knives Out' film 'Glass Onion,' which was presented by Robin Thicke. The singer said several times that the house has 11 pools and even started calling out members of the audience to try and drive the price up. 'Adrien Brody wants it, I know!' Thicke said. 'He only has two pools.' It eventually sold for $368,000. A James Bond-inspired fashion show, opened by Cara Delevinge, delighted the audience with outfits from every era of the franchise — including a surprise appearance from 'Tomorrow Never Dies' Bond girl Teri Hatcher, who looked fabulous in a black dress and diamonds. After the show, it was revealed that the entire collection was part of the auction — and Bezos and his soon-to-be-wife Lauren Sánchez, who were flanked by two bodyguards, snatched it up for $510,000. One of the final lots up for grabs was a walk-on role in Lee's next film, which Henson joked she would also be starring in, as well as courtside seats to a Knicks game with the filmmaker. 'Who's going to star in the next Spike Lee joint with me? Leo? Colman Domingo?' she said, getting big laughs before it went to the highest bidder at $454,000. Duran Duran then closed out the night with a performance of their biggest hits, including 'Notorious' and 'Girls on Film,' prompting the crowd — including Spacey — to get up and dance before heading to the afterparty. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Let's Talk About Kevin Spacey, Shia LaBeouf, And Ezra Miller In Cannes
Note: This post is an Op-Ed and shares the author's personal views. Discussion of sexual abuse. Listen, I know that looking for feminism at the Cannes Film Festival might be like looking for oranges at the scrap heap. But, for the love of god, Kevin Spacey was just awarded with the "excellence in film and television" lifetime achievement award at the Better World Fund's gala dinner. Well, surely Spacey must have been in some wondrous film or TV show as of late? No, of course he hasn't. Since 2017, the actor has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, starting with actor Anthony Rapp accusing him of making a "sexual advance" toward him when he was 14. Now, Spacey was found not liable for sexual battery against Rapp. Criminal charges against him were dropped in Massachusetts. He was also cleared of all sexual assault charges in a UK trial against four men. Spacey himself has consistently denied allegations of misconduct. But that's not the end of his legal woes. He's currently facing at least two civil lawsuits in the UK alleging sexual abuse. In total, Spacey has been accused of sexual misconduct by over 30 men. This includes his L.A. Confidential costar Guy Pearce, to which Spacey said, "Grow up. You are not a victim." So, what did ol' Kev spend his time in Cannes doing? Comparing himself to artists who had been blacklisted during the McCarthy era. Spacey said in a speech of one such person, "He couldn't find work in Hollywood for 13 years... There are times when one has to stand up for principle. I've learned a lot from history — it often repeats itself. The blacklist was a terrible time in our history so that it never happens again." The award was, as per a Vulture writer in attendance, "an 'engagement award' for 'people who have engaged, inspired, and mobilized for a cause.'" The emcee even spoke about victims of violence. Yes, folks, losing your career because you might be a communist is totally the same thing as being #MeToo-ed. It feeds into other antagonistic language I've heard about the movement: that it's a witch hunt, that victims can just say any old thing and ruin men's lives. Never mind that serious abuse allegations don't stop you from being president of the goddamn United States, no, won't someone think of the men! Never even consider how many talented people we may have lost because of mistreatment. I swear to god if someone comments about how "Believe All Women" is wrong — THAT'S NOT THE SLOGAN. Now, to the credit of the festival itself, it's worth noting that the award ceremony was not an official event. A statement to the Guardian from the festival read, 'The Festival de Cannes had no involvement in, and was not informed of, either the invitation extended to Mr Spacey or the award presented during this private event.' But let's take a moment to look back. In 2024 — the year after Johnny Depp presented his movie Jeanne du Barry — Variety wrote that the festival began as the "belated" #MeToo movement came to the French film industry. This year continues in that suit: Previous Cannes fixture Gerard Depardieu recently began his 18-month suspended sentence for sexual assault. There's also been a parliamentary inquiry into the entertainment industry, which found misconduct to be "endemic." Inquiry chairwoman Sandrine Rousseau subsequently said, "The Cannes Film Festival must be the place where this shift in mindset happens; the place where we say loud and clear ... amid the glitter and the red carpets ... that finally, we all want things to change: every one of us, at every level of the industry." As per Variety, the festival issued a rule for this year "banning filmmakers or talent accused of sexual misconduct from walking the red carpet and presenting films at the festival." Actor Theo Navarro-Mussy was subsequently barred from the premiere of Case 137 as he had been accused of rape and sexual assault (though the charges were dropped, his accusers reportedly plan to appeal). It hasn't been foolproof. Ezra Miller, who walked down the red carpet of Die, My Love, has faced allegations of abuse and grooming. Then there's Shia LaBeouf, who attended the red carpet for The Phoenician Scheme, despite the fact that he's set to go to trial against his ex, FKA twigs, later this year in a case where she has alleged sexual assault and battery. To add insult to injury, LaBeouf is at the center of a documentary that also debuted at Cannes this year called Slauson Rec, which reportedly features him screaming and behaving violently toward his acting students. Shia also attended the photo call for the documentary. The real cherry on this shit sundae is that the splashiest new rule at Cannes was that the dress code had been updated to bar nudity and voluminous dresses. Many took this to be a comment on the presence of female nipples we've seen in recent years on the red carpet. It's funny what's considered bad behavior, isn't it? But hey, maybe my hopes are too high! If someone says they want to "guarantee that the films submitted have respected and continue respecting the safety, integrity and dignity of all contributors," then why on earth would I expect them to actually do something about it? If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE), which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here. If you are concerned that a child is experiencing or may be in danger of abuse, you can call or text the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 ( service can be provided in over 140 languages. BuzzFeed has reached out to representatives for the Cannes Film Festival for comment.
Buzz Feed
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Kevin Spacey And Shia LaBeouf At Cannes: Opinion
Note: This post is an Op-Ed and shares the author's personal views. Discussion of sexual abuse. Listen, I know that looking for feminism at the Cannes Film Festival might be like looking for oranges at the scrap heap. But, for the love of god, Kevin Spacey was just awarded with the "excellence in film and television" lifetime achievement award at the Better World Fund's gala dinner. Well, surely Spacey must have been in some wonderous film or TV show as of late? No, of course he hasn't. Since 2017, the actor has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, starting with actor Anthony Rapp accusing him of making a "sexual advance" towards him when he was 14. Now, Spacey was found not liable for sexual battery against Rapp. Criminal charges against him were dropped in Massachusetts. He was also cleared of all sexual assault charges in a UK trial against four men. Spacey himself has consistently denied allegations of misconduct. But that's not the end of his legal woes. He's currently facing at least two civil lawsuits in the UK alleging sexual abuse. In total, Spacey has been accused of sexual misconduct by over 30 men. This includes his LA Confidential costar Guy Pearce, to which Spacey said, "Grow up. You are not a victim." So, what did ol' Kev spend his time in Cannes doing? Comparing himself to artists who had been blacklisted during the McCarthy era. Spacey said in a speech of one such person, "He couldn't find work in Hollywood for 13 years... There are times when one has to stand up for principle. I've learned a lot from history — it often repeats itself. The blacklist was a terrible time in our history so that it never happens again." The award was, as per a Vulture writer in attendance, "an 'engagement award' for 'people who have engaged, inspired, and mobilized for a cause.'" The emcee even spoke about victims of violence. Yes, folks, losing your career because you might be a communist is totally the same thing as being #MeToo-ed. It feeds into other antagonistic language I've heard about the movement: That it's a witch hunt, that victims can just say any old thing and ruin men's lives. Never mind that serious abuse allegations don't stop you from being President of the goddamn United States, no, won't someone think of the men! Never even consider how many talented people we may have lost because of mistreatment. I swear to god if someone comments about how "Believe All Women" is wrong — THAT'S NOT THE SLOGAN. Now, to the credit of the festival itself, it's worth noting that the award ceremony was not an official event. In a statement to the Guardian from the festival read, 'The Festival de Cannes had no involvement in, and was not informed of, either the invitation extended to Mr Spacey or the award presented during this private event.' But let's take a moment to look back. In 2024 — the year after Johnny Depp presented his movie Jeanne du Barry — Variety wrote that the festival began as the "belated" #MeToo movement came to the French film industry. This year continues in that suit: previous Cannes fixture Gerard Depardieu recently began his 18-mont suspended sentence for sexual assault. There's also been a parliamentary inquiry into the entertainment industry, which found misconduct to be "endemic." Inquiry chairwoman Sandrine Rousseau subsequently said, "The Cannes Film Festival must be the place where this shift in mindset happens; the place where we say loud and clear ... amid the glitter and the red carpets ... that finally, we all want things to change: every one of us, at every level of the industry." As per Variety, the festival issued a rule for this year "banning filmmakers or talent accused of sexual misconduct from walking the red carpet and presenting films at the festival." Actor Theo Navarro-Mussy was subsequently barred from the premiere of Case 137 as he had been accused of rape and sexual assault (though the charges were dropped, his accusers reportedly plan to appeal). It hasn't been foolproof. Ezra Miller, who walked down the red carpet of Die My Love, and who's faced allegations of abuse and grooming. Then there's Shia LaBeouf, who attended the red carpet for The Phoenician Scheme, despite the fact that he's set to go to trial against his ex, FKA Twigs, later this year in a case where she has alleged sexual assault and battery. To add insult to injury, LaBeouf is at the center of a documentary that also debuted at Cannes this year called Slauson Rec, which reportedly features him screaming and behaving violently towards his acting students. Shia also attended the photo call for the documentary. The real cherry on this shit sundae is that the splashiest new rule at Cannes was that the dress code had been updated to bar nudity and voluminous dresses. Many took this to be on a comment on the presence of female nipples we've seen in recent years on the red carpet. It's funny what's considered bad behavior, isn't it? But hey, maybe my hopes are too high! If someone says they want to "guarantee that the films submitted have respected and continue respecting the safety, integrity and dignity of all contributors," then why on earth would I expect them to actually do something about it? BuzzFeed has reached out to representatives for the Cannes Film Festival for comment.
