Latest news with #J.W.Marriott
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Inside TikTok's Cannes Film Festival Takeover, From One-on-One Time With Tom Cruise to Reece Feldman's Short Film Premiere
TikTok creators got the surprise of their lives during the first week of Cannes Film Festival, when Tom Cruise showed up to give a talk on his new film 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning' ahead of its premiere. The 34 film-centric creators, who TikTok invited to the festival from across the globe, thought they were just coming to the platform's festival hub at the J.W. Marriott for a content creation workshop — until Cruise came out of nowhere. In partnership with Paramount, Cruise gave a 20-minute fireside chat with creator Reece Feldman (@guywithamoviecamera on the platform) and then hung around for about an hour after to have one-on-one conversations with as many of the TikTokers as possible. More from Variety Jafar Panahi's Cannes Palme d'Or Is a 'Powerful Blow to the Machinery of Repression in the Islamic Republic,' Says 'Seed of the Sacred Fig' Director Mohammad Rasoulov (EXCLUSIVE) 'Militantropos' Review: Austere Anti-War Doc Employs Formal Control in an Impassioned Defense of Ukraine 'The Last One for the Road' Review: A Pleasant Italian Gem on Drinking Buddies, Aging and Wistful Flavors of Life 'I've never asked permission to create,' Cruise told the room. 'Actors and filmmakers and businessmen say, 'What should I do?' Do it. Learn it, apply it and don't wait to know everything. The only way to learn is to go jump in, and don't worry about making mistakes.' For TikTok's EMEA head of content operations Marlène Masure, the time with Cruise underlines just how valuable TikTok has become not just as an official partner of the festival, but within the film industry as a whole. 'Having two hours in Tom Cruise's agenda is a testament to the power of our movie community and how important they are,' she told Variety during the festival, adding: 'I hope that this will inspire other studios to give bigger access to creators to top talents.' Indeed, TikTok's presence at the festival this year felt larger than ever, with several events and activations taking place. The platform had its own party, an industry brunch where Feldman interviewed Daniel Kaluuya about redefining fandom, and hosted a premiere for Feldman's first short film, 'Wait, Your Car?.' For Feldman, who started posting videos on the platform in 2020 of his experience working on the set of 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' and now has 2.4 million followers, it was a pinch-me moment. 'That was always the dream,' he said of premiering his first project at Cannes. 'If I won the lottery at any point in my life, the first thing I was going to do was be like, 'Alright, let's sit down, let's choose one of the scripts I've written and let's get really practical about making this.'' Having been told about the opportunity in February, Feldman had roughly three months to write, cast, shoot, edit and deliver the short. 'Wait, Your Car?,' starring Whitney Peak, Ruby Cruz, Minnie Mills and Noa Fisher, follows four girls whose friendship is put to the test after one of them becomes convinced that her car is trying to kill her. The reception to the short in the Palais was glowing, with the screening room filled to standing-room only. Feldman plans to continue taking the short around the festival circuit in hopes that studios and production companies will take it as 'proof of style.' 'It's showing you how I like to shoot things, the tone, the timing, the tempo, the writing style, the humor,' he said. 'So that's the thing that I'm most excited for people to take away, like, 'That's the distinct voice of Reece.'' Masure sees the Cannes partnership, which started four years ago, as a way to give back to TikTok's thriving #FilmTok community and provide an inside look at the festival to those on the platform who may be discovering it for the first time. By the second week of the festival, 27,000 videos had been created on TikTok with the hashtag #Cannes2025, up from 22,000 last year, and posts from creators at the festival garnered over 26 million combined views. 'Cannes used to be a bit more restricted to a certain community of moviemakers in the movie industry,' Masure said. 'That's the whole purpose of what we do — provide more visibility to these talents. Everyone creating content on the platform can have a chance to become a great moviemaker.' Creator and presenter Zainab Jiwa (@zeewhatidid) has seen firsthand the growth in interest regarding the festival with her majority Gen-Z audience. 'It's been a great way to give them access into a space that seems exclusive in a way,' she said. 'What I've tried to do in every step of my journey is to take the audience with me, because I never had that growing up.' Jiwa, who went viral last fall for her playful junket interview with Denzel Washington in which he gave life advice, was on hand in the second week of the festival to be the platform's red carpet host for the premieres of Wes Anderson's 'The Phoenician Scheme,' Spike Lee's 'Highest 2 Lowest' and more. Though Jiwa may be holding a mic and talking to some of Hollywood's biggest stars, she acknowledges that her purpose is different than that of a journalist — many of whom have become frustrated in recent years with lack of access to talent at Cannes and other festivals. 'My aim in an interview in general isn't to get something out of them,' she said. 'I'm not here to find the scoop — my aim is to make them feel comfortable and to just have a chat because that's what my audience wants.' Both Jiwa and Feldman are also open about the fact that they partner with studios on many of their conversations. 'At the end of the day, I'm biased,' Feldman said. 'I'm being hired by these studios, so my opinion is, from the get-go, moot.' But that doesn't mean that they're only asking throwaway questions. In fact, Masure considers conversations between stars like Cruise and creators like Feldman to be more like peer discussions. 'He was very technical,' she said of Feldman's questions to Cruise, many of which centered around how he pulled off 'Mission: Impossible 8's' crazy stunt work. 'I mean, the guy has been working in movie production so he knows a great deal about this. It felt almost like a movie professional to another movie professional.' Overall, TikTok having a large presence at Cannes just makes practical sense to Feldman, as he sees the film industry and social media as now being 'intrinsically tied.' 'I think it's good to lean into the TikTok of it all,' he said. 'It doesn't mean having to ask talent to do dances — it could really just be hey, here's how you sign up for the festival.' He continued: 'Social doesn't have to be used in the most extreme of ways, and TikTok is a place where it's approachable. I do believe that it acts almost as a public sphere, and I think it's good that we're forced to confront voices outside of the ones that we just choose to hear.' 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
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Cannes Film Festival hit by major power outage, authorities suspect foul play
The city of Cannes experienced a large-scale power outage on Saturday morning, only hours before the Cannes Film Festival's highly anticipated closing ceremony. Despite the disruption, festival organizers confirmed the ceremony will 'proceed as planned,' with the Palais des Festivals now operating on an independent power supply. According to Variety, the blackout affected multiple parts of the city, including several festival screening venues where films were interrupted mid-showing. The incident also caused disruptions at restaurants, which either closed or operated on a cash-only basis due to ATM failures. Attendees sought stable power and internet access at places like the J.W. Marriott on the Croisette, though power there remained inconsistent. The outage began around 10:15 a.m. local time, just as a press conference was starting for director Kelly Reichardt's competition film, The Mastermind. Screen Daily was the first to report the power loss, which has significantly affected festival operations, particularly at the Cineum, where screenings were temporarily halted. Officials are investigating whether the blackout was the result of foul play. According to Franceinfo, the outage may be linked to two arson incidents reported overnight and the discovery of sawn-off power line pylons in the Alpes-Maritimes region. The French Ministry of the Interior has noted the possibility of 'malicious acts,' and the mayor of Cannes, David Lisnard, stated that EDF, the national power company, is working to restore electricity. Karin Topin-Condomitti, director of services at Cannes city hall, acknowledged the growing media reports of suspected sabotage. 'In my opinion, this should be the subject of an ongoing investigation,' she said, noting that the public prosecutor's office would confirm the cause. 'In any case, we're taking action to deal with the consequences of this power cut as best we can.' Despite the challenges, the festival's awards ceremony is set to take place at 6:40 p.m. CET. Jury president Juliette Binoche will lead the panel in announcing this year's winners, including the prestigious Palme d'Or and top acting awards.
Chicago Tribune
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Jim Irsay's influence can be felt all around Indianapolis as the city celebrates a big sports weekend
INDIANAPOLIS — When Mark Miles strolls around downtown Indianapolis, he sees Jim Irsay's influence everywhere. From the trademark sports facilities to the towering J.W. Marriott hotel to the Pan Am Plaza currently under construction, he's not sure any of it could have happened without the assistance of the longtime Colts owner who helped this small Midwestern town shed its image as Indiana No Place and emerge as Indiana Some Place. So as Indy steps into a new role, the mega center of a jam-packed Memorial Day sports weekend, the longtime local sports executive is saddened Irsay won't be here to enjoy the results of his efforts. Irsay, the Lincolnwood native and Loyola Academy alumnus, died Wednesday in his sleep at age 65. 'It's incredibly sad, it's a big ache in my heart,' Miles said Thursday. ' He had such a huge heart. He cared so, so much about the people in this community. I don't care what day it was, it was going to be a horrible loss but this weekend is sort of emblematic of what he helped build and I'm sorry he missed it.' Miles, the CEO and president of IndyCar and Penske Entertainment, has had a front-row seat to Indy's evolution — and Irsay's influence — for decades. The Indy native has seen the city thrive under the glare of two NBA All-Star Games, the CFP national championship game, and dozens of other national and international championships. But this is the kind of weekend only Irsay may have envisioned when he first came to town in March 1984. Caitlin Clark, the WNBA's top draw, and the Indiana Fever will host the defending league champ New York Liberty in front of a sold-out crowd Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning, an estimated 350,000 fans — including a sold-out grandstand for the first time since 2016 — will fill Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500. Then on Sunday night, the NBA's Indiana Pacers will face the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. And it wasn't just Miles who saw it. 'He was more than the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, he was a transformative figure in our city and state, a passionate advocate for the community, and someone whose generosity, vision and spirit touched countless lives,' Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon said in a statement. 'Jim helped shape our city into the sports capital it is today, and his legacy, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire us and generations to come.' Miles saw the passion almost from the moment he and his wife welcomed the Irsay family to Indianapolis following the Colts' infamous midnight move from Baltimore. From that moment, Miles sensed a commitment from Irsay to his new hometown — acknowledging Irsay never even threatened to move the Colts as they pressed for a new stadium during the early 2000s. As president of the 1987 Pan American Games organizing committee, Miles had Irsay on his side for an event that helped Indianapolis expand its international reach beyond racing. And after spending more than a decade as CEO of the Association of Tennis Professionals, he returned to lead the city's Super Bowl 46 organizing committee. 'We would never have had a Super Bowl without Jim Irsay, without the Colts or Jim Irsay's passion or commitment to getting it here and that never really wavered,' Miles said. But perhaps the greatest tribute to Irsay will be found on the city's streets this weekend. Before the Colts' arrival, the downtown was a virtual blank slate — devoid of hotels or restaurants and only one sporting venue, Market Square Arena. Today, celebrities and sports fans will fill thousands of hotel rooms, visit dozens of restaurants and bars and make the short downtown strolls to see Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, Victory Field, home of the city's minor-league team, and maybe even the Irsay Family YMCA. Yes, Indy has come a long way — and the locals know why. 'To have his death heading into this epic sports weekend has us pausing to reflect on just how categorically he changed and enhanced the city's skyline for the better based on his generosity, his actions and his advocacy,' said Chris Gahl, Visit Indy executive vice president and chief marketing officer. 'So, it's fitting and also very hard to celebrate a weekend like this, knowing he recently passed and his last tweet was about cheering on another major sporting team in the Indy way. That's the culture he helped put in place in our city.'
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Jim Irsay's impact can be felt all around Indianapolis as city celebrates big sports weekend
INDIANOLIS — When Mark Miles strolls around downtown Indianapolis, he sees Jim Irsay's influence everywhere. From the trademark sports facilities to the towering J.W. Marriott hotel to the Pan Am Plaza currently under construction, he's not sure any of it could have happened without the assistance of the longtime Colts owner who helped this small Midwestern town shed its image as Indiana No Place and emerge as Indiana Some Place. So as Indy steps into a new role, the mega center of a jam-packed Memorial Day sports weekend, the longtime local sports executive is saddened Irsay won't be here to enjoy the results of his efforts. Irsay died Wednesday in his sleep at age 65. 'It's incredibly sad, it's a big ache in my heart," Miles said Thursday. ' He had such a huge heart. He cared so, so much about the people in this community. I don't care what day it was, it was going to be a horrible loss but this weekend is sort of emblematic of what he helped build and I'm sorry he missed it." Miles, the CEO and president of IndyCar and Penske Entertainment, has had a front-row seat to Indy's evolution — and Irsay's influence — for decades. The Indy native has seen the city thrive under the glare of two NBA All-Star Games, the CFP national championship game, and dozens of other national and international championships. But this is the kind of weekend only Irsay may have envisioned when he first came to town in March 1984. Caitlin Clark, the WNBA's top draw, and the Indiana Fever will host defending league champ New York in front of a sold out crowd Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning, an estimated 350,000 fans — including a sold-out grandstand for the first time since 2016 — will fill Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500. Then on Sunday night, the NBA's Indiana Pacers will face the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. And it wasn't just Miles who saw it. 'He was more than the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, he was a transformative figure in our city and state, a passionate advocate for the community, and someone whose generosity, vision and spirit touched countless lives,' Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon said in a statement. 'Jim helped shape our city into the sports capital it is today, and his legacy, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire us and generations to come.' Miles saw the passion almost from the moment he and his wife welcomed the Irsay family to Indianapolis following the Colts' infamous midnight move from Baltimore. From that moment, Miles sensed a commitment from Irsay to his new hometown — acknowledging Irsay never even threatened to move the Colts as they pressed for a new stadium during the early 2000s. As president of the 1987 Pan American Games organizing committee, Miles had Irsay on his side for an event that helped Indianapolis expand its international reach beyond racing. And after spending more than a decade as CEO of the Association of Tennis Professionals, he returned to lead the city's Super Bowl 46 organizing committee. 'We would never have had a Super Bowl without Jim Irsay, without the Colts or Jim Irsay's passion or commitment to getting it here and that never really wavered," Miles said. But perhaps the greatest tribute to Irsay will be found on the city's streets this weekend. Prior to the Colts' arrival, the downtown was a virtual blank slate — devoid of hotels or restaurants and only one sporting venue, Market Square Arena. Today, celebrities and sports fans will fill thousands of hotel rooms, visit dozens of restaurants and bars and make the short downtown strolls to see Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, Victory Field, home of the city's minor league team, and maybe even the Irsay Family YMCA. Yes, Indy has come a long way — and the locals know why. 'To have his death heading into this epic sports weekend has us pausing to reflect on just how categorically he changed and enhanced the city's skyline for the better based on his generosity, his actions and his advocacy,' said Chris Gahl, Visit Indy executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "So, it's fitting and also very hard to celebrate a weekend like this, knowing he recently passed and his last tweet was about cheering on another major sporting team in the Indy way. That's the culture he helped put in place in our city.' /hub/nfl
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Scholarship recipients speak at Big Tide Career Fund
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The inaugural Big Tide Career Fund was held at J.W. Marriott Plant Riverside. WSAV's Tina-Tyus Shaw served as host, with Big Tide presenting scholarships to three students. They represent the next generation of leaders from Savannah High, Liberty County High and Bradwell Institute. 'I'm so honored for this to be the inaugural years of our career fund and to be giving awards to the incredible talents of students who are going directly to college,' said Robert Gould, Big Tide founder. 'And then also we have students who are going directly into trade. We are there to be the bridge for them for the essential items that they need to be successful.' The recipients were Riniya Roberts, Ivan Tovar Torres and Oquahajie Williams. 'It shows that with hard work and dedication things can pay off,' said Williams. 'You know as a student athlete, we work hard not only in the classroom, but as a student athlete we work hard. Not only in the classroom, but also off on the field. And we're coming back home sometimes at 8:00 at night and on Friday nights like 12:00 at midnight and still maintaining a high GPA. Maintaining all A's in my class means a lot.' 'I feel very grateful to be able to receive this,' said Roberts. 'To be honest I was with you I was very shocked to be able to receive it at first. And, it's like, wow!' Click here for a full gallery of images from the event. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
