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Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shia LaBeouf's Theater Company From Hell: Cannes Doc Reveals Actor's Misconduct With Students and Hopes for Redemption
Leo Lewis O'Neil's documentary 'Slauson Rec' was one of the late additions to the Cannes Film Festival lineup, but it's certainly now one of the festival's buzziest titles following its premiere in the Cannes Classics section. The film, which received a two-minute ovation on Sunday, had been teased for weeks as a rollercoaster ride through an experimental theater company run by a famous (or infamous, according to some) actor. In a smaller theater inside the festival's Grand Palais on Sunday, however, the full two-hour-and-25-minute documentary was no trip to the theme park. More from Variety Cannes Film Festival President Iris Knobloch Awarded Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Culture Minister Wes Anderson Delights Cannes as 'Phoenician Scheme' Lands 6.5-Minute Standing Ovation, Leading Lady Mia Threapleton Overcome With Tears 'The Phoenician Scheme' Review: Wes Anderson Weighs In on the Art of the Deal and Assorted Other Funny Business What begins as a 2018 attempt to build a creative 'family' of players and stimulate the community of South Central Los Angeles played more like a descent into ego-driven insanity, complete with physical violence and harrowing screaming matches. LaBeouf turned up to the screening, in what was his first time seeing the film. He spoke with festival director Thierry Frémaux at the start, simply saying, 'I'm so grateful [O'Neil] still lets me around him and bring him ideas.' In the opening moments of the movie, LaBeouf sits for a present-day interview. 'I've done a lot of coming to terms with the failure that was my life, and the plastic foundation I had,' LaBeouf says. 'I left a lot of people in the wake of my personality defects.' The vibe inside the premiere seemed to mirror what the on-screen theater group lived through: cautious optimism and joy when LaBeouf is engaged about creating art, suffocating tension when he flies off the handle berating actors and crew members with sanctimonious lectures and laugh-out-loud disbelief when the star tries to justify his behavior in the aftermath. It's an endless loop of rage and regret, which caused nearly 30 audience members to trickle out of the auditorium during the screening. The emotional terror LaBeouf wreaks borders on the inhumane. A company member named Sarah, a fan of the actor's since he starred in the Disney Channel original 'Even Stevens,' lands a lead role in a drive-in play from LaBeouf's company during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. As her mother sits dying in the hospital from some undisclosed infection, she chooses to remain in rehearsals for the chance to work with her mentor. After her mother passes and the play is two weeks from opening, LaBeouf fires her, saying the show simply works better without her in the part. In a similar scenario, a young company member named Zeke books a role on the Netflix original 'On My Block' parallel to the company's work. LaBeouf seemingly turns on him, nicknaming him James Dean and ratcheting up the criticism of his performance. It ends with Zeke quitting 45 days into rehearsals, and LaBeouf instigating a fist fight with him that leaves the aspiring performer with scrapes and bruises. An incident that is included in documentary shows another encounter with LaBeouf and Zeke. Footage shows LaBeouf slamming a table with his fist and yelling at Zeke: 'I don't give a fuck what you say to me… You've got it better than I ever had it. What the fuck is the attitude problem? I'm giving you everything I have, so stop fucking with me.' The actor then shoves Zeke against a wall. Director O'Neil revealed to Vanity Fair prior to Cannes that his involvement in the documentary started when he showed up to attend LaBeouf's acting class with a camera in hand. The director said LaBeouf asked him if he would film everything that took place at Slauson. O'Neil did just that over the next few years until the acting school was disbanded in November 2020 amid the COVID pandemic. LaBeouf was sued by singer FKA Twigs for sexual battery, assault and emotional distress a month after the school was disbanded. Given the footage in his documentary, O'Neil told Vanity Fair that he sent LaBeouf a trailer for the project seeking his sign-off on it. LaBeouf allegedly gave his full blessing for the movie to be made without any editorializing on his behalf; thus, scenes of alleged physical violence remain in the final cut. LaBeouf gave the following statement to Vanity Fair: 'I gave Leo this camera and encouraged him to share his vision and his personal experience without edit. I am aware of the doc and fully support the release of the film. While my teaching methods may be unconventional for some, I am proud of the incredible accomplishments that these kids achieved. Together we turned a drama class into an acting company. I wish only good things for Leo and everyone who was part of The Slauson Rec Company.' 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
Japan Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Japan's spring honors to celebrate contributions of 3,990 people
The government announced Tuesday a list of 3,990 individuals recognized in this year's spring honors, including former Prime Minister Naoto Kan and former House of Representatives Speaker Tadamori Oshima. Kan and Oshima, both 78, will be given the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers. Former industry minister Akira Amari, 75, will receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun. Natsuko Toda, an 88-year-old translator of foreign films, will be awarded with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. Women, including Toda, account for 436, or 10.9%, of the total. The awardees include 107 foreigners from 45 countries and regions. Among them, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty, 65, former World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont, 73, and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, 71, will be awarded with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun. Award ceremonies for grand cordons and orders with gold and silver stars will be held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 9.
Gulf News
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Filipino icon Nora Aunor, national artist and 'superstar,' passes away at 71
Dubai: Iconic actress and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor has died at age 71, her son Kristoffer Ian De Leon confirmed in a heartfelt Facebook post on April 16, 2025. ' We love you, Ma… Alam ng Diyos kung gaano ka namin kamahal… Pahinga ka na po Ma… Nandito ka lang sa puso at isipan namin, ' he wrote. (We love you, Mom. God knows how much we love you. Please rest now. You will remain in our hearts and minds.) In his tribute, Ian described his mother as the beating heart of their family, a beacon of unwavering love, strength, and warmth. "Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her," he shared. "She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever." Lotlot De Leon, Nora's daughter, also took to Facebook to express her grief. "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nora Aunor, beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress, and true National Artist of the Philippines," she wrote. "She was a star not only on screen but in the hearts of many—and stars like hers never stop shining. Her light lives on—forever loved, never forgotten." Just days earlier, Lotlot's mother-in-law, the beloved singer and actress Pilita Corrales, also passed away. Lotlot shared an emotional post on Facebook, writing, "She loved her family like there's no tomorrow. She would move heaven and earth just for them... Rest in paradise, Mamita. A million thanks to you." Aunor, born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, reportedly passed away just weeks shy of her 72nd birthday. Her family has not disclosed the exact cause of death, though she had been dealing with ongoing health issues and recently withdrew from the 2025 elections due to medical advice. Known as the 'Superstar' and hailed as the ' Grand Dame of Philippine Cinema,' Aunor's career spanned over five decades in film, television, music, and stage. She first rose to fame as a singing champion on Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1967 and later captivated audiences with award-winning performances in classics like Himala (1982), Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo (1976), and Bona (1980). In 2022, Aunor was conferred the Order of National Artists, the highest cultural honor in the Philippines. She also received multiple accolades, including five FAMAS Best Actress awards and international recognition for roles in Thy Womb (2012) and The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995). Her final film appearance was in Mananambal (2024), and she was last seen on television in Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law. Beyond the spotlight, Aunor lived a vibrant and sometimes turbulent personal life. She is survived by her children Ian, Lotlot, and Matet de Leon, among other adopted children and grandchildren. Condolences and tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and fellow artists, including longtime friend and on-screen rival Vilma Santos, who wrote: 'Our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest in peace, Mare (my friend). Ms Nora Aunor, our superstar and national artist, maraming salamat.' Aunor's legacy is one of unparalleled brilliance, her impact forever etched in the annals of Philippine cinema and culture. Her light may have dimmed, but her spirit, like the stars she embodied, will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who loved her.
