Latest news with #Wien
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Newspaper cuts ties with reporter over 'exclusive interview' with Clint Eastwood after the director dismisses it as 'entirely phoney'
An Austrian daily has cut ties with a reporter over an alleged exclusive interview with Clint Eastwood after the legendary director called the piece 'entirely phoney'. The German-language Kurier newspaper came under fire after the Q&A - published on Friday to mark Eastwood 's 95th birthday - turned out to be comprised of repackaged old comments. In the article, which was picked up widely by American media over the weekend, Eastwood criticises a lack of fresh ideas in the current film industry as 'we live in an era of remakes and franchises'. 'I long for the good old days when screenwriters wrote films like 'Casablanca' in small bungalows on the studio lot. When everyone had a new idea,' he was quoted as saying. 'My philosophy is, do something new or stay at home,' it adds. In a statement to Deadline magazine published Monday, Eastwood said 'I thought I would set the record straight'. 'I can confirm I've turned 95. I can also confirm that I never gave an interview to an Austrian publication called Kurier, or any other writer in recent weeks, and that the interview is entirely phony,' he added. On Tuesday evening, the editorial team of the Vienna-based Kurier said its freelancer Elisabeth Sereda had compiled the interview by citing from 'a total of 18' round table conversations with Eastwood. But since the article was published as an interview and not as a profile, the daily said it would cut ties with the author. 'Even though no quotes have been fabricated, the interviews are documented and the allegations of falsification can be refuted, we will not be working with the author in the future because transparency and our strict editorial standards are paramount to us,' Kurier said in a statement published on its website. The newspaper had recently published interviews by Sereda with celebrities such as Jude Law and Elton John. Eastwood 's career has spanned decades, with his first movie role in Revenge of the Creature in 1955. He starred in iconic projects over the years, including Man with No Name, For A Few Dollars More, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Dirty Harry, High Plains Drifter, The Outlaw Josey Wales and Escape From Alcatraz - just to name a few. Eastwood has also served as a director in a number of projects including Pale Rider, Unforgiven, Mystic River, Million Dollar Baby, Letters from Iwo Jima, Gran Torino and Flags of Our Fathers and more. He also starred in Pale Rider, Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby, Gran Torino in addition to directing. His most recent project, Juror No. 2 - which he directed - was released in November 2024 and starred Nicholas Hoult. J.K. Simmons and Toni Collete. The last film he appeared in (which he also directed) was Cry Macho in 2021. Scott said he was 'doing good' and said that 'he's a survivor, a trouper,' explaining that his father doesn't complain. 'He was born coming out of the Great Depression, and then he was young during World War II. He saw a lot of struggle.' Last year, Scott told People some advice his dad told him in regards to his acting career. 'Follow your gut,' he said. Eastwood's son Scott Eastwood spoke out about his father recently. The 39-year-old actor - who is the spitting image of his father - was asked by People how his father was doing nearly a year after Eastwood's girlfriend of 10 years, Christina Sandera died at age 61 following a heart attack.
Bloomberg
07-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Austria Tackles Tax Loophole Behind Defunct Signa's Opacity
Austria's government is looking to close a property transaction tax loophole that was seen as one of the reasons for the complex corporate structure at the bankrupt Signa conglomerate. In his budget tax bill submitted to parliament, Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer has proposed to raise the bar for landlords wanting to avoid the tax on property share deals by off-loading a minority stake to a different owner. The bill is currently under public review.
Hospitality Net
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Urban Luxury in a Historic Architectural Palace: Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Shines in New Splendour
Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel has emerged from a glamorous refresh, marking a new era of urban hospitality in the Austrian capital and the official debut of the brand in the country. Designed by the celebrated architect Baron Theophil Edvard von Hansen for the 1873 World's Fair, the heritage palace now stands as the city's first urban luxury resort, where history and modernity are in constant dialogue. Originally built as a hotel, the storied landmark later served as a residential complex and a public administration building, before returning to its hospitality roots in 2011. With over 150 years of history, it remains one of the finest examples of Viennese Neo-Renaissance architecture. From original marble floors and stucco ceilings to ionic columns and heritage-listed staircases, many of the palace's public spaces bear Hansen's signature. The hotel blends historical grandeur with contemporary comfort and Asian-inspired hospitality. Located on the Ringstrasse in Vienna's historic financial district, just steps from the charming Servitenviertel, or Vienna's 'Little Paris', Anantara Palais Hansen offers a unique atmosphere that combines Viennese soul with cosmopolitan elegance. The renovation has revitalised the hotel's 152 guest rooms and suites, creating an intimate sanctuary draped in warm neutrals. A thoughtful interplay of materials, including smooth and porous surfaces, glossy and matte finishes, maximises the natural light streaming in from the three inner courtyards. Luxurious touches, such as marble bathrooms, Acqua di Parma amenities and triple-glazing for uninterrupted rest, are complemented by soaring 3.5-metre ceilings and oversized windows that amplify the sense of space. In select rooms and suites, balconies serve as a standout feature, while the most exclusive accommodations boast sweeping views of the tree-lined Ringstrasse. The Presidential Suite, Vienna's largest at 270 square metres, is framed by seven French balconies and comes with a lounge centred on a grand piano for private concerts; a dining area for gastronomy-focused entertaining; and a wellness space anchored by a window-side marble bath. On request, the suite expands to four bedrooms, reaching 408 square metres. The hotel's gastronomic landscape unfolds through three concepts. At Edvard, the Michelin-starred fine-dining destination, head chef Paul Gamauf's avant-garde cuisine is presented in tasting sets that evolve with natural rhythms. In his skilled hands, impeccably sourced ingredients are spun into sustainable and low-waste dishes and beverages. At Theo's Lounge & Bar, nestled in the former inner courtyard, Viennese coffee house culture meets high mixology. By day, homemade cakes and pastries such as the iconic apple strudel take centre stage. As night falls, Theo's transforms into a vibrant destination bar serving smart cocktails made with local brandies, seasonal ingredients and repurposed produce. Weekly events - from bar takeovers to live music nights - lend the refined venue a dynamic energy. Meanwhile, the newly launched Brasserie Sophie, named after Hansen's wife, reimagines Austrian cuisine through a global lens, as well as hosting monthly themed brunches. At the 800-square-metre Anantara Spa, the brand's 'East meets West' wellness philosophy is felt profoundly. The six treatment rooms, including a couples' suite and a women-only area, are complemented by a Finnish sauna, a Hammam-style steam bath and a sanarium. Beyond signature journeys and muscle-melting massages, wellness extends to high-tech therapies, including intense pulsed light therapy, body contouring and advanced facials with Valmont and Elemis. Workouts take place in the adjacent fitness centre, with scenic jogging routes easily accessible along the Danube Canal and the Ringstrasse. Walkable and picturesque, Vienna is perfect for on-foot exploration. History buffs can join a guided tour with a Hansen expert, followed by a visit to the storied atelier Lobmeyr, where chandeliers, glassware and decorative art for Hansen's palaces were once made. During the warmer months, guests can visit a scenic vineyard located within Vienna's city limits and offering spectacular views, with expert insights into winemaking and a picnic of typical 'Heurigen' or tavern-style food and local wine. On property, Anantara chefs lead dynamic cooking classes as part of the Spice Spoons experience, focusing on such local classics as semolina dumpling soup and beloved Kaiserschmarren pancakes. The hotel features Vienna's largest ballroom, which accommodates up to 265 guests and boasts ample natural daylight, independent street access and a Hansen-designed foyer. With an executive boardroom, a private reading room and eight additional meeting spaces, the hotel is an ideal venue for weddings, conferences, and private events. Hotel website
