Culture + Entertainment – Prestige Online – HongKong https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk Thu, 18 Jan 2024 07:51:49 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.4 https://images.prestigeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/28175929/cropped-favicon-1-32x32.png Culture + Entertainment – Prestige Online – HongKong https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk 32 32 The Net Worth of Olivia Benson, Taylor Swift’s Millionaire Cat https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/olivia-benson-taylor-swift-cat-net-worth/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 08:00:56 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298910

Olivia Benson rose to fame after her appearance in a few of Taylor Swift’s music videos. At the time of writing, she now has a net worth of $97 million. If you’ve never heard of her, she’s Taylor Swift’s Scottish fold cat. Here’s everything you need to know.

Olivia Benson was adopted by Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star in June 2014. If the name sounds familiar to you, that’s because she was named after Taylor’s favourite character in Law & Order: SVU. Olivia has one sister and one brother, a Scottish fold named Meredith Grey and a Ragdoll named Benjamin Button.

Inside the Net Worth of Olivia Benson, Taylor Swift’s Scottish Fold Millionaire Cat

Why is Olivia Benson So Rich?

The source of Olivia Benson’s sky-rocketing net worth comes from her vibrant resumé. Olivia once appeared alongside Taylor in Diet Coke commercials in 2013. Most of us, however, would recognise her from the very beginning of the “Blank Space” music video, as well as the 2019 single “ME!” and the 2023 single “Karma.”

Apart from her acting career, Olivia was also featured in Taymojis, a collection of emojis that was once available in on social networking app, The Swift Life.

As evidence of her rising popularity and glamorous success, Olivia Benson won the Favourite Pet award at Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice awards in 2023.

What is the net worth of Taylor Swift’s cat?

As of 2023, Olivia Benson has a total net worth of $97 million, ranking as the third richest pet in the world according to The Ultimate Pet Rich List. Needless to say, she holds a higher value than several human beings. One example is Taylor’s footballer boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who has a net worth of $40 million.

[Hero and featured image credit: Youtube]

The post The Net Worth of Olivia Benson, Taylor Swift’s Millionaire Cat appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Olivia Benson rose to fame after her appearance in a few of Taylor Swift’s music videos. At the time of writing, she now has a net worth of $97 million. If you’ve never heard of her, she’s Taylor Swift’s Scottish fold cat. Here’s everything you need to know.

Olivia Benson was adopted by Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star in June 2014. If the name sounds familiar to you, that’s because she was named after Taylor’s favourite character in Law & Order: SVU. Olivia has one sister and one brother, a Scottish fold named Meredith Grey and a Ragdoll named Benjamin Button.

Inside the Net Worth of Olivia Benson, Taylor Swift’s Scottish Fold Millionaire Cat

Why is Olivia Benson So Rich?

The source of Olivia Benson’s sky-rocketing net worth comes from her vibrant resumé. Olivia once appeared alongside Taylor in Diet Coke commercials in 2013. Most of us, however, would recognise her from the very beginning of the “Blank Space” music video, as well as the 2019 single “ME!” and the 2023 single “Karma.”

Apart from her acting career, Olivia was also featured in Taymojis, a collection of emojis that was once available in on social networking app, The Swift Life.

As evidence of her rising popularity and glamorous success, Olivia Benson won the Favourite Pet award at Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice awards in 2023.

What is the net worth of Taylor Swift’s cat?

As of 2023, Olivia Benson has a total net worth of $97 million, ranking as the third richest pet in the world according to The Ultimate Pet Rich List. Needless to say, she holds a higher value than several human beings. One example is Taylor’s footballer boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who has a net worth of $40 million.

[Hero and featured image credit: Youtube]

The post The Net Worth of Olivia Benson, Taylor Swift’s Millionaire Cat appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> 7 Shows You Need to Watch If You Liked The Bear https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/shows-like-the-bear/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 03:00:52 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298914 shows like the bear

From Shameless to The West Wing, these are some shows you need to binge if you enjoyed FX’s The Bear.

FX’s comedy-drama has been enjoying a fantastic awards season, winning all six of its Emmy nominations and three Golden Globes—and for good reason. Audiences have raved about the show, making it a binge-favourite show for many, and it currently holds a 93% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The first two seasons are available to watch on Disney+ Hotstar here in Thailand and Season 3 is slated to start production at the end of the year according to Deadline. But if you’ve finished binging all two seasons and there’s a Bear-shaped hole in your heart, consider these shows that could perhaps tide you over until the inevitable arrival of the third season.

[Hero image: FX]

Shows like The Bear you need to binge right now

Hell’s Kitchen

Image: Hell’s Kitchen FB

No other kitchen could rival the tension of Carmy’s but the aptly named Hell’s Kitchen. Gordon Ramsay yells and swears at his legion of “idiot sandwiches” as they try and prove they’re worthy of being called “chef”. Some succeed; most fail disastrously and hilariously. The Bear is fictional but Hell’s Kitchen proves that the tension depicted in Carmy’s kitchen is pretty spot on. 

Shameless

Image: Warner Bros.

If for some reason you still can’t get enough of Jeremy Allen White after watching The Bear, seeing him make the rounds in all the awards shows, and having that Calvin Klein ad on perpetual replay, then this show is your next binge. Here, White plays one of the Gallagher children, whose patriarch, played by William H. Macy, is an absentee alcoholic. Much like The Bear, this show is rife with family drama, and it also takes place in Chicago. This time though, the Gallaghers are Irish-American instead of the Berzatto’s Italian-American.

The West Wing

Image: Warner Bros.

What does a show about a US President and his staff have in common with The Bear? I’ve actually written about how the Aaron Sorkin show paved the way for shows like the award-winning kitchen comedy-drama, but the sense of camaraderie among noble yet very flawed characters is something that both shows have and depict very well. Watch an episode of either of these shows and you’ll find yourself wanting to have friends like Josh and CJ or Richie and Sydney, friends who have your back no matter what but who also won’t hesitate to call you out on your crap.

The Newsroom

Image: HBO

Evidently, Aaron Sorkin has a thing for flawed noble characters working together for a common purpose. He trades the White House for a news channel this time around as this HBO show, which premiered back in 2012, follows the journalists who work there. The show makes use of real events, like the assassination of Bin Laden and the BP oil spill back in 2010, while also mixing in some hilarious personal drama in true Sorkin fashion for a little levity. Much like Carmy and co., it’s hard not to fall in love with this group of misfits. 

Succession

Array
Brian Cox and Sarah Snook in Succession. (Image: Courtesy of Graeme Hunter/Graeme Hunter – © HBO/IMDb)

The Bear has become famous for its frenetic energy and high tension balanced by humour and heart. If you’d like to lean into the tension with a generous helping of awkwardness and absurdity, Succession is the show you’re looking for. This comedy-drama, which had a great night at the Emmy Awards, gives audiences a front-row seat to the scheming, manipulating, and sheer disconnected-ness of the Roys, an absurdly rich family who are only looking out for themselves. Unlike The Bear though, don’t expect likable characters here. And if you do end up liking them, consider therapy.

Beef

Image: Netflix

I can’t count how many times I’ve yelled at my TV after Carmy does something incredibly stupid (like at the end of Season 2, for example). With this show, you may end up doing that all the way through. Steven Yeun and Ali Wong star as two people involved in a road rage incident that spirals from being a bad day into a fiery feud. It’s funny, it’s tense, and it involves a lot of bad decisions similar to Carmy hurting Claire. He better apologise in Season 3 or I swear…

The Chef Show

Image: Netflix

If Sydney’s utterly delectable omelette sprinkled with potato chips, Marcus’ chocolate ganache cake, and Mikey’s iconic family spaghetti got you hankering for more food-related entertainment, look no further than Jon Favreau and Roy Choi’s adventures. After making the 2014 film Chef, Favreau, who directed and starred in the film, and Choi, who served as consultant and co-producer, made this show where they make various dishes while also inviting some of their friends. It’s really enjoyable and mouth-watering. It may even inspire you to get into the kitchen. 

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

The post 7 Shows You Need to Watch If You Liked The Bear appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> shows like the bear

From Shameless to The West Wing, these are some shows you need to binge if you enjoyed FX’s The Bear.

FX’s comedy-drama has been enjoying a fantastic awards season, winning all six of its Emmy nominations and three Golden Globes—and for good reason. Audiences have raved about the show, making it a binge-favourite show for many, and it currently holds a 93% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The first two seasons are available to watch on Disney+ Hotstar here in Thailand and Season 3 is slated to start production at the end of the year according to Deadline. But if you’ve finished binging all two seasons and there’s a Bear-shaped hole in your heart, consider these shows that could perhaps tide you over until the inevitable arrival of the third season.

[Hero image: FX]

Shows like The Bear you need to binge right now

Hell’s Kitchen

Image: Hell’s Kitchen FB

No other kitchen could rival the tension of Carmy’s but the aptly named Hell’s Kitchen. Gordon Ramsay yells and swears at his legion of “idiot sandwiches” as they try and prove they’re worthy of being called “chef”. Some succeed; most fail disastrously and hilariously. The Bear is fictional but Hell’s Kitchen proves that the tension depicted in Carmy’s kitchen is pretty spot on. 

Shameless

Image: Warner Bros.

If for some reason you still can’t get enough of Jeremy Allen White after watching The Bear, seeing him make the rounds in all the awards shows, and having that Calvin Klein ad on perpetual replay, then this show is your next binge. Here, White plays one of the Gallagher children, whose patriarch, played by William H. Macy, is an absentee alcoholic. Much like The Bear, this show is rife with family drama, and it also takes place in Chicago. This time though, the Gallaghers are Irish-American instead of the Berzatto’s Italian-American.

The West Wing

Image: Warner Bros.

What does a show about a US President and his staff have in common with The Bear? I’ve actually written about how the Aaron Sorkin show paved the way for shows like the award-winning kitchen comedy-drama, but the sense of camaraderie among noble yet very flawed characters is something that both shows have and depict very well. Watch an episode of either of these shows and you’ll find yourself wanting to have friends like Josh and CJ or Richie and Sydney, friends who have your back no matter what but who also won’t hesitate to call you out on your crap.

The Newsroom

Image: HBO

Evidently, Aaron Sorkin has a thing for flawed noble characters working together for a common purpose. He trades the White House for a news channel this time around as this HBO show, which premiered back in 2012, follows the journalists who work there. The show makes use of real events, like the assassination of Bin Laden and the BP oil spill back in 2010, while also mixing in some hilarious personal drama in true Sorkin fashion for a little levity. Much like Carmy and co., it’s hard not to fall in love with this group of misfits. 

Succession

Array
Brian Cox and Sarah Snook in Succession. (Image: Courtesy of Graeme Hunter/Graeme Hunter – © HBO/IMDb)

The Bear has become famous for its frenetic energy and high tension balanced by humour and heart. If you’d like to lean into the tension with a generous helping of awkwardness and absurdity, Succession is the show you’re looking for. This comedy-drama, which had a great night at the Emmy Awards, gives audiences a front-row seat to the scheming, manipulating, and sheer disconnected-ness of the Roys, an absurdly rich family who are only looking out for themselves. Unlike The Bear though, don’t expect likable characters here. And if you do end up liking them, consider therapy.

Beef

Image: Netflix

I can’t count how many times I’ve yelled at my TV after Carmy does something incredibly stupid (like at the end of Season 2, for example). With this show, you may end up doing that all the way through. Steven Yeun and Ali Wong star as two people involved in a road rage incident that spirals from being a bad day into a fiery feud. It’s funny, it’s tense, and it involves a lot of bad decisions similar to Carmy hurting Claire. He better apologise in Season 3 or I swear…

The Chef Show

Image: Netflix

If Sydney’s utterly delectable omelette sprinkled with potato chips, Marcus’ chocolate ganache cake, and Mikey’s iconic family spaghetti got you hankering for more food-related entertainment, look no further than Jon Favreau and Roy Choi’s adventures. After making the 2014 film Chef, Favreau, who directed and starred in the film, and Choi, who served as consultant and co-producer, made this show where they make various dishes while also inviting some of their friends. It’s really enjoyable and mouth-watering. It may even inspire you to get into the kitchen. 

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

The post 7 Shows You Need to Watch If You Liked The Bear appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Watch Brian Cox Recount The Story of ‘Tekken’ So Far https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/brian-cox-tekken/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:00:24 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298915

The year is off to a great start as Brian Cox lends his gravitas to tell us the story of Tekken so far. Absurd? Yes. Awesome? Definitely.

If there’s one thing Tekken is known for, it’s that it’s absurd. There’s the family drama that involves Devil Genes, a lot of throwing each other off cliffs, and a panda and a log that can somehow fight. Anyone who isn’t familiar with the game will think it’s bonkers. Anyone who is a fan of the game will know it certainly is.

As if the sheer ridiculousness of the whole franchise isn’t enough, Bandai Namco released an interesting video a few days ago. In anticipation of Tekken 8, the video gets you up to speed on the story of the franchise so far. But it’s not just video footage from past games edited together. No, this video is narrated by none other than Logan Roy himself, Brian Cox.

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

[Hero image: Bandai Namco]

Brian Cox tells us the story of Tekken so far

Image credit: Bandai Namco

Scottish actor Brian Cox is a legend. He’s classically trained, has won two Olivier Awards and several others, and has acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre. He’s also fresh off the hit TV show Succession, where he played the domineering Logan Roy. The show had an awards sweep at the recent Emmys, winning six of the categories it was in.

So to see this iconic thespian against a green screen background saying the words “King of Iron Fist Tournament” and “Tekken” is quite jarring. That’s not to say it’s not utterly entertaining. The juxtaposition of the ridiculousness of the story and Cox’s impeccable delivery and enunciation of names like “Heihachi Mishima” is something I can watch over and over again—and I did. 

“Every single fight, no matter how big or small, has a story behind it,” the actor says with a delivery that makes it seem like it’s straight from King Lear. “That’s why when it comes to Tekken and the King of Iron Fist Tournament, there’s one hell of a story to tell.” And man, does he tell it in the only way he can. 

Watch the full video in all its glory below. 

The post Watch Brian Cox Recount The Story of ‘Tekken’ So Far appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

The year is off to a great start as Brian Cox lends his gravitas to tell us the story of Tekken so far. Absurd? Yes. Awesome? Definitely.

If there’s one thing Tekken is known for, it’s that it’s absurd. There’s the family drama that involves Devil Genes, a lot of throwing each other off cliffs, and a panda and a log that can somehow fight. Anyone who isn’t familiar with the game will think it’s bonkers. Anyone who is a fan of the game will know it certainly is.

As if the sheer ridiculousness of the whole franchise isn’t enough, Bandai Namco released an interesting video a few days ago. In anticipation of Tekken 8, the video gets you up to speed on the story of the franchise so far. But it’s not just video footage from past games edited together. No, this video is narrated by none other than Logan Roy himself, Brian Cox.

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

[Hero image: Bandai Namco]

Brian Cox tells us the story of Tekken so far

Image credit: Bandai Namco

Scottish actor Brian Cox is a legend. He’s classically trained, has won two Olivier Awards and several others, and has acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre. He’s also fresh off the hit TV show Succession, where he played the domineering Logan Roy. The show had an awards sweep at the recent Emmys, winning six of the categories it was in.

So to see this iconic thespian against a green screen background saying the words “King of Iron Fist Tournament” and “Tekken” is quite jarring. That’s not to say it’s not utterly entertaining. The juxtaposition of the ridiculousness of the story and Cox’s impeccable delivery and enunciation of names like “Heihachi Mishima” is something I can watch over and over again—and I did. 

“Every single fight, no matter how big or small, has a story behind it,” the actor says with a delivery that makes it seem like it’s straight from King Lear. “That’s why when it comes to Tekken and the King of Iron Fist Tournament, there’s one hell of a story to tell.” And man, does he tell it in the only way he can. 

Watch the full video in all its glory below. 

The post Watch Brian Cox Recount The Story of ‘Tekken’ So Far appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> All About ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Thai Cast: Dom Hetrakul, Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong, And Patravadi Mejudhon https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/the-white-lotus-season-3-thai-cast-dom-hetrakul-tayme-thapthimthong-patravadi-mejudhon/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 12:00:34 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298784 the white lotus season 3 thai cast

The White Lotus has revealed three Thai cast members for season 3, but who are they? Here, we get to know Dom Hetrakul, Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong, and Patravadi Mejudhon.

In 2021, HBO’s The White Lotus debuted to critical acclaim, and now, the show’s third season is on the horizon. Production is set to kick off in Thailand this February, with Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui serving as filming locations. Excitingly, the new cast members have also been announced, including three Thai actors: Dom Hetrakul, Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong, and Patravadi Mejudhon. If you’re curious about who the Thai cast members, here’s a little background below. 

[Hero Image Credit: Dom Hetrakul/Facebook Patravadi Mejudhon/IMDb Tayme Thapthimthong; Feature Image Credit: Fabio Lovino/HBO]

What we know about The White Lotus Season 3 Thai cast: Dom Hetrakul, Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong, & Patravadi Mejudhon

Image Credit: Instagram @dom_h_official

Dom Hetrakul

Born on April 9, 1976, Dom Hetrakul is a well-known actor who has appeared in various Thai dramas and films. Most notably, he was also in the Hollywood production of Bangkok Dangerous, where he played Aran, and starred alongside Nicholas Cage. His recent works includes starring in the Thai series The Family, The Sky Without the Sun, and Soi Nakhee.

Apart from being an accomplished actor, model, and host, the 47-year-old comes from the renowned family behind Thai newspaper Daily News. Outside of his media life, Dom holds the managing director position at Britbike, the official distributor of Triumph motorcycles.

Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong

Tayme, a London-born-and-raised actor, gained recognition primarily for his appearances in the films Skin Trade and Farang. However, his career in the entertainment industry really only began after he participated in the tenth season of Academy Fantasia, a popular Thai singing competition. Tayme captivated the audience with his friendly and authentic personality, winning second place and garnering massive support from fans. This achievement opened up new opportunities for him in the industry, enabling him to pursue his passion for both music and acting.

Patravadi Mejudhon

Patravadi Mejudhon, best ‘known as Khru Lek,’ has earned respect as a highly accomplished figure in the Thai entertainment industry. She is an actress, playwright, director, producer, and dramatic arts teacher at the Patravadi School in Hua Hin. Her work in developing projects to help troubled kids and giving back through art has earned her particular renown.

Patravadi’s love of theatre began when she saw a ballet performance in Thailand that creatively blended Eastern and Western styles. Although working in the theatre in Thailand that time was not considered prestigious, she decided to pursue her passion. She began with fashion design, modelling, and some acting until a producer approached her to do a live play on television. 

Her performance caught the attention of a director who offered her a role in a film. This led to her debut in No Paradise for You, playing a middle-aged 45 year-old woman. This movie won her Best Actress at the Takkata Thong Awards in 1973, Thailand’s equivalent of the Oscars. Patravadi also received the National Artist in Performing Arts award in 2014. More recently, in 2018, she played the role of the matriarchal grandmother in the Thai-Chinese drama In Family We Trust.

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

The post All About ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Thai Cast: Dom Hetrakul, Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong, And Patravadi Mejudhon appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> the white lotus season 3 thai cast

The White Lotus has revealed three Thai cast members for season 3, but who are they? Here, we get to know Dom Hetrakul, Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong, and Patravadi Mejudhon.

In 2021, HBO’s The White Lotus debuted to critical acclaim, and now, the show’s third season is on the horizon. Production is set to kick off in Thailand this February, with Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui serving as filming locations. Excitingly, the new cast members have also been announced, including three Thai actors: Dom Hetrakul, Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong, and Patravadi Mejudhon. If you’re curious about who the Thai cast members, here’s a little background below. 

[Hero Image Credit: Dom Hetrakul/Facebook Patravadi Mejudhon/IMDb Tayme Thapthimthong; Feature Image Credit: Fabio Lovino/HBO]

What we know about The White Lotus Season 3 Thai cast: Dom Hetrakul, Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong, & Patravadi Mejudhon

Image Credit: Instagram @dom_h_official

Dom Hetrakul

Born on April 9, 1976, Dom Hetrakul is a well-known actor who has appeared in various Thai dramas and films. Most notably, he was also in the Hollywood production of Bangkok Dangerous, where he played Aran, and starred alongside Nicholas Cage. His recent works includes starring in the Thai series The Family, The Sky Without the Sun, and Soi Nakhee.

Apart from being an accomplished actor, model, and host, the 47-year-old comes from the renowned family behind Thai newspaper Daily News. Outside of his media life, Dom holds the managing director position at Britbike, the official distributor of Triumph motorcycles.

Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong

Tayme, a London-born-and-raised actor, gained recognition primarily for his appearances in the films Skin Trade and Farang. However, his career in the entertainment industry really only began after he participated in the tenth season of Academy Fantasia, a popular Thai singing competition. Tayme captivated the audience with his friendly and authentic personality, winning second place and garnering massive support from fans. This achievement opened up new opportunities for him in the industry, enabling him to pursue his passion for both music and acting.

Patravadi Mejudhon

Patravadi Mejudhon, best ‘known as Khru Lek,’ has earned respect as a highly accomplished figure in the Thai entertainment industry. She is an actress, playwright, director, producer, and dramatic arts teacher at the Patravadi School in Hua Hin. Her work in developing projects to help troubled kids and giving back through art has earned her particular renown.

Patravadi’s love of theatre began when she saw a ballet performance in Thailand that creatively blended Eastern and Western styles. Although working in the theatre in Thailand that time was not considered prestigious, she decided to pursue her passion. She began with fashion design, modelling, and some acting until a producer approached her to do a live play on television. 

Her performance caught the attention of a director who offered her a role in a film. This led to her debut in No Paradise for You, playing a middle-aged 45 year-old woman. This movie won her Best Actress at the Takkata Thong Awards in 1973, Thailand’s equivalent of the Oscars. Patravadi also received the National Artist in Performing Arts award in 2014. More recently, in 2018, she played the role of the matriarchal grandmother in the Thai-Chinese drama In Family We Trust.

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

The post All About ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Thai Cast: Dom Hetrakul, Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong, And Patravadi Mejudhon appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> IU Is Coming to Hong Kong For A Two-Day Concert This May https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/iu-concert-hong-kong-world-tour-her-dates-venue-ticket-details/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:00:50 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298782 iu concert world tour hong kong

South Korean superstar IU just announced her upcoming world tour, ‘H.E.R’. IU will make a stop in Hong Kong for a two-day concert at the AsiaWorld-Expo in May.

In total, she will perform in 18 cities across the globe. She will kick off the tour in Seoul before jetting off to Asia, Europe, and the US. Keep reading to find out more details.

IU is holding a two-day concert in Hong Kong

IU delighted fans with an announcement of a long-awaited world tour. The Korean soloist will first perform in Seoul for four shows and head to other cities in Asia with stops in Yokohama, Taipei, Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur.

Then, she’ll also perform briefly in London and Berlin and return to Asia for concerts in Bangkok and Osaka. She’ll be flying to the US and holding concerts in Newark, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Rosemont, and Oakland. Finally, she’ll wrap up the tour in the US with a performance in Los Angeles.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 이지금 IU (@dlwlrma)

IU’s ‘H.E.R’ world tour dates and cities

Mark your calendar for the dates, cities, and venues below.

March
03.02-03.03 — Seoul (KSPO Dome)
03.09-03.10 — Seoul (KSPO Dome)
03.23-03.24 — Yokohama (Yokohama Arena)

April
04.06-04-07 — Taipei (Taipei Arena)
04.20-04.21 — Singapore (Singapore Indoor Stadium)
04.47-04-28 — Jakarta (Indonesia Convention Exhibition)

May
05.25-05.26 — Hong Kong (AsiaWorld-Expo)

June
06.01 — Manila (Philippine Arena)
06.08-06.09 — Kuala Lumpur (Axiata Arena)
06.21 — London (Ovo Arena Wembley)
06.23 — Berlin (Mercedes-Benz Arena)
06.29-06.30 — Bangkok (Impact Challenger)

July
07.06-07.07 — Osaka (Asue Arena Osaka)
07.15 — Newark (Prudential Center)
07.19 — Atlanta (State Farm Arena)
07.22 — Washington D.C. (Capital Arena One)
07.25 — Rosemont (Allstate Arena)
07.20 — Oakland (Oakland Arena)

August
08.02 — Los Angeles (Kia Forum)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 이지금 IU (@dlwlrma)

From ‘Little Sister’ to superstar

IU or Lee Ji-eun is one of the most recognisable names in the South Korean entertainment industry. She debuted as a singer when she was fifteen years old and her albums and singles have received mainstream success. Due to her popularity, she was given the title of Korea’s ‘Little Sister’.

Out of her five studio albums and nine EPs, five have reached number one on the Gaon Album Chart alongside 30 number-one singles. This feat made her the solo artist with one of the most number-one songs in South Korea. Since 2012, IU has been included in the top ten of Forbes Magazine’s Korea Power Celebrity list five times.

In addition to being a force in the K-pop scene, IU also cemented herself as a formidable actress. She starred in the popular teen drama, Dream High in 2011 and has since worked on other big projects like The Producers, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and My Mister. 

Specifically in My Mister, she received critical acclaim for her performance which earned her first Best Actress nomination at the Baeksang Arts Awards. She received her second Best Actress nod for the series, Hotel Del Luna.

All images credit: dlwlrma/Instagram

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong

The post IU Is Coming to Hong Kong For A Two-Day Concert This May appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> iu concert world tour hong kong

South Korean superstar IU just announced her upcoming world tour, ‘H.E.R’. IU will make a stop in Hong Kong for a two-day concert at the AsiaWorld-Expo in May.

In total, she will perform in 18 cities across the globe. She will kick off the tour in Seoul before jetting off to Asia, Europe, and the US. Keep reading to find out more details.

IU is holding a two-day concert in Hong Kong

IU delighted fans with an announcement of a long-awaited world tour. The Korean soloist will first perform in Seoul for four shows and head to other cities in Asia with stops in Yokohama, Taipei, Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur.

Then, she’ll also perform briefly in London and Berlin and return to Asia for concerts in Bangkok and Osaka. She’ll be flying to the US and holding concerts in Newark, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Rosemont, and Oakland. Finally, she’ll wrap up the tour in the US with a performance in Los Angeles.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 이지금 IU (@dlwlrma)

IU’s ‘H.E.R’ world tour dates and cities

Mark your calendar for the dates, cities, and venues below.

March
03.02-03.03 — Seoul (KSPO Dome)
03.09-03.10 — Seoul (KSPO Dome)
03.23-03.24 — Yokohama (Yokohama Arena)

April
04.06-04-07 — Taipei (Taipei Arena)
04.20-04.21 — Singapore (Singapore Indoor Stadium)
04.47-04-28 — Jakarta (Indonesia Convention Exhibition)

May
05.25-05.26 — Hong Kong (AsiaWorld-Expo)

June
06.01 — Manila (Philippine Arena)
06.08-06.09 — Kuala Lumpur (Axiata Arena)
06.21 — London (Ovo Arena Wembley)
06.23 — Berlin (Mercedes-Benz Arena)
06.29-06.30 — Bangkok (Impact Challenger)

July
07.06-07.07 — Osaka (Asue Arena Osaka)
07.15 — Newark (Prudential Center)
07.19 — Atlanta (State Farm Arena)
07.22 — Washington D.C. (Capital Arena One)
07.25 — Rosemont (Allstate Arena)
07.20 — Oakland (Oakland Arena)

August
08.02 — Los Angeles (Kia Forum)

 

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A post shared by 이지금 IU (@dlwlrma)

From ‘Little Sister’ to superstar

IU or Lee Ji-eun is one of the most recognisable names in the South Korean entertainment industry. She debuted as a singer when she was fifteen years old and her albums and singles have received mainstream success. Due to her popularity, she was given the title of Korea’s ‘Little Sister’.

Out of her five studio albums and nine EPs, five have reached number one on the Gaon Album Chart alongside 30 number-one singles. This feat made her the solo artist with one of the most number-one songs in South Korea. Since 2012, IU has been included in the top ten of Forbes Magazine’s Korea Power Celebrity list five times.

In addition to being a force in the K-pop scene, IU also cemented herself as a formidable actress. She starred in the popular teen drama, Dream High in 2011 and has since worked on other big projects like The Producers, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and My Mister. 

Specifically in My Mister, she received critical acclaim for her performance which earned her first Best Actress nomination at the Baeksang Arts Awards. She received her second Best Actress nod for the series, Hotel Del Luna.

All images credit: dlwlrma/Instagram

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong

The post IU Is Coming to Hong Kong For A Two-Day Concert This May appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> ‘Single’s Inferno’ Season 4: Will There Be Another Season of The Hit Dating Show? https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/singles-inferno-season-4-all-about-the-netflix-dating-show/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:00:08 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298783

Millions of reality TV enthusiasts world over tuned in as 12 stunning individuals navigated the challenges of love and relationships. All while living on a deserted island with few essentials at their disposal. The mission? To leave the isle as a couple. And with its third installment being a wild success — more unpredictable and engaging than its previous iterations — speculations about season 4 of Singles Inferno are rife. Here’s all we know about the next edition of the hit Netflix dating show.

Reality TV shows that explore love, marriage, and everything in between have long captured the interests of viewers — with titles like Too Hot to Handle and Indian Matchmaking dominating headlines and social media chatter with each edition. South Korea hopped on this wave with a series situated on a deserted island off Seoul. Here, everyday essentials are stripped to the bare minimum — with 12 contestants having to fend for food and water while mingling with each other. They also participate in contests and challenges to win a chance at leaving the island for a night’s stay in a luxurious hotel with the person they’re most compatible with.

Its most recent iteration — the third of its kind — garnered widespread attention. In fact, Korea Herald noted that it was the most popular season — clocking in over 7 million viewing hours. No surprises that it’s one of the top picks on Netflix This, courtesy of the many format changes that picked up the pace of the series itself and contestants that were truly memorable, for better or worse. And word on the media grapevine is that the 4th season of Singles Inferno is set to be bigger and better. Here’s all about it.

More surprises are expected in season 4 of Singles Inferno

According to Korea Joongang Daily, the fourth season is still under discussion. However, the show’s producers Kim Jae-won and Kim Jung-hyun have stated that there would be plenty of changes made from the third season — which had plenty of switch-ups from its previous iterations. “There are so many dating reality shows out there these days, but I think that ‘Singles Inferno’ has made a mark on the genre, and it could continue for many more seasons if we keep on striving to differentiate it and attempt new themes and tones,” the latter stated.

“It is not confirmed yet, but I think Netflix is thinking positively about producing the fourth season,” Kim Jae-won told Korea Herald. “The main feedback for the third season was that ‘there are no heartwarming scenes, but there is entertainment.’ If there is a next season, I want to make it both heartwarming and enjoyable,” he added. He also hinted at the possibility of a spin-off show with all-star casts from various seasons. “Just imagining Dex and Lee Gwan-hee appearing together (in the same program) is already interesting,” he stated.

The release date for Singles Inferno season 4 is yet to be announced

Although no official announcements have been made with regards to the fourth season, most media sources have estimated that Singles Inferno season 4 will drop sometime in December 2024. This, since every season so far has been filmed in the summer and aired in mid-December.

Announcements about panelists for season 4 are not factual

Although several social media outlets have declared season 3’s confident, forthright, and humorous Yun Ha-jeong as a panelist for the new season of the show — just like the latest edition’s jury member Dex, who was a hit in season 2. However, Sportskeeda notes that no official announcements have been made and the authenticity of this claim remains to be determined.

The 10-part Singles Inferno 3 is currently available to stream on Netflix.

All images: Courtesy Netflix

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Did anyone kiss in Singles Inferno?

There’s very little physical interaction between contestants on the Singles Inferno.

– Will there be season 4 of Singles Inferno?

Season 4 of Singles Inferno is yet to be greenlighted by Netflix.

The post ‘Single’s Inferno’ Season 4: Will There Be Another Season of The Hit Dating Show? appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Millions of reality TV enthusiasts world over tuned in as 12 stunning individuals navigated the challenges of love and relationships. All while living on a deserted island with few essentials at their disposal. The mission? To leave the isle as a couple. And with its third installment being a wild success — more unpredictable and engaging than its previous iterations — speculations about season 4 of Singles Inferno are rife. Here’s all we know about the next edition of the hit Netflix dating show.

Reality TV shows that explore love, marriage, and everything in between have long captured the interests of viewers — with titles like Too Hot to Handle and Indian Matchmaking dominating headlines and social media chatter with each edition. South Korea hopped on this wave with a series situated on a deserted island off Seoul. Here, everyday essentials are stripped to the bare minimum — with 12 contestants having to fend for food and water while mingling with each other. They also participate in contests and challenges to win a chance at leaving the island for a night’s stay in a luxurious hotel with the person they’re most compatible with.

Its most recent iteration — the third of its kind — garnered widespread attention. In fact, Korea Herald noted that it was the most popular season — clocking in over 7 million viewing hours. No surprises that it’s one of the top picks on Netflix This, courtesy of the many format changes that picked up the pace of the series itself and contestants that were truly memorable, for better or worse. And word on the media grapevine is that the 4th season of Singles Inferno is set to be bigger and better. Here’s all about it.

More surprises are expected in season 4 of Singles Inferno

According to Korea Joongang Daily, the fourth season is still under discussion. However, the show’s producers Kim Jae-won and Kim Jung-hyun have stated that there would be plenty of changes made from the third season — which had plenty of switch-ups from its previous iterations. “There are so many dating reality shows out there these days, but I think that ‘Singles Inferno’ has made a mark on the genre, and it could continue for many more seasons if we keep on striving to differentiate it and attempt new themes and tones,” the latter stated.

“It is not confirmed yet, but I think Netflix is thinking positively about producing the fourth season,” Kim Jae-won told Korea Herald. “The main feedback for the third season was that ‘there are no heartwarming scenes, but there is entertainment.’ If there is a next season, I want to make it both heartwarming and enjoyable,” he added. He also hinted at the possibility of a spin-off show with all-star casts from various seasons. “Just imagining Dex and Lee Gwan-hee appearing together (in the same program) is already interesting,” he stated.

The release date for Singles Inferno season 4 is yet to be announced

Although no official announcements have been made with regards to the fourth season, most media sources have estimated that Singles Inferno season 4 will drop sometime in December 2024. This, since every season so far has been filmed in the summer and aired in mid-December.

Announcements about panelists for season 4 are not factual

Although several social media outlets have declared season 3’s confident, forthright, and humorous Yun Ha-jeong as a panelist for the new season of the show — just like the latest edition’s jury member Dex, who was a hit in season 2. However, Sportskeeda notes that no official announcements have been made and the authenticity of this claim remains to be determined.

The 10-part Singles Inferno 3 is currently available to stream on Netflix.

All images: Courtesy Netflix

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Did anyone kiss in Singles Inferno?

There’s very little physical interaction between contestants on the Singles Inferno.

– Will there be season 4 of Singles Inferno?

Season 4 of Singles Inferno is yet to be greenlighted by Netflix.

The post ‘Single’s Inferno’ Season 4: Will There Be Another Season of The Hit Dating Show? appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> From Succession to The Bear, All the Key Winners of the Emmys 2024 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/emmys-2024-winners-succession-the-bear-beef-highlights/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 12:00:48 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298855

The final season of Succession dominated the Emmys on January 15, 2024, making it one of the biggest winners as it scooped six prizes including best drama, at a nostalgic gala honouring television’s past and present that was delayed by four months due to Hollywood strikes.

The HBO show about the back-stabbing dynastic battles of a powerful media family won awards for stars Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook and Matthew Macfadyen, while The Bear topped the comedy awards and Beef led in the limited series section.

“This is a show about family, but it’s also about when… partisan news coverage gets intertwined with divisive right-wing politics,” said Succession creator Jesse Armstrong.

“After four seasons of satire, as I understand it, that’s a problem we have now fixed,” he joked, on the night that Donald Trump won the Iowa Republican caucuses.

2024 emmys winners - succession
Cast and crew from Succession, winners of Outstanding Drama Series, pose in the press room during the 75th Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. (Image: Robyn Beck/ AFP)

Accepting their best actress and actor prizes, both Snook — who was pregnant during the show’s final season — and Culkin paid tribute to their babies, with Culkin joking to his wife, “I want more… you said maybe, if I win!”

Succession, which had already won best drama series twice previously, had entered the night with a whopping 27 nominations, including a record three of the six nominees for best actor. It also won for best writing and directing.

Jennifer Coolidge, the sole returning star for the Sicily-set second season of satire The White Lotus, won for best supporting actress. Coolidge thanked “all the evil gays,” in a nod to her character’s memorable storyline in which she befriended a flamboyant, yacht-owning group of men with sinister intentions.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jennifer Coolidge (@jennifercoolidge)

The Emmys, which are the small screen’s equivalent of the Oscars, typically take place in September. But organisers opted for an unusual January slot this time around for the 2024 Emmys, correctly gambling that the entertainment industry strikes would be over, and that actors — and winners — would be free to attend.

Stars and guests from Harrison Ford to Joan Collins walked the red carpet into the Peacock Theatre at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles for the ceremony.

2024 Emmys: A showcase of vintage comedy

Celebrating its 75th year, the Emmys featured multiple skits paying homage to beloved classic shows on elaborate sets.

Stars like Kelsey Grammar and Ted Danson appeared on a set emulating the beloved famous Boston bar from Cheers, while The Sopranos actors Lorraine Bracco and Michael Imperioli presented an award from the mob drama’s psychiatrist office. Other shows getting nostalgic reunions included Grey’s Anatomy and Ally McBeal.

The organisers’ decision to hark back to television’s golden days came in stark contrast with the gala’s recent struggles, as the Emmys’ audiences have plummeted.

2024 emmys
US actors Lorainne Bracco and Michael Imperioli speak onstage during the 75th Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre. (Image: Valerie Macon/ AFP)

Last year’s telecast was watched by just 5.9 million — lower even than the 2020 “pandEmmys” lockdown edition that was broadcast from an empty theatre — and it was competing Monday with an NFL playoff game and the Iowa vote.

Plus this time, there was the confusion of honouring seasons of shows that aired months before. The delay meant votes were cast back in the summer, for nominated shows that premiered as long as 18 months ago.

Most notably, The Bear — which took viewers behind the scenes of a dysfunctional Chicago restaurant — won six awards on Monday including the top comedy prize.

Stars Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach won for best actor, supporting actress and actor, and the show also won writing and directing prizes.

But the ceremony honoured the show’s intense debut season, which premiered way back in June 2022. At the next Emmys ceremony, taking place this September, the show’s even more acclaimed and ambitious second season is eligible.

Quinta Brunson won for best actress in a comedy for Abbott Elementary.

Beef reigns in the limited series section

2024 emmys winners - beef
The cast of Beef, which was among the key winners at the 2024 Emmys. (Image: Robyn Beck/ AFP)

Netflix’s Beef dominated the limited series categories, for shows that run only a single season, with five prizes including best limited series, writing and directing.

Its stars Ali Wong and Steven Yeun took lead acting prizes, playing road-rage drivers locked in a rapidly escalating feud.

Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story co-star Niecy Nash-Betts won best supporting actress, while Paul Walter Hauser won for best supporting actor for Black Bird, another dark true crime series.

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver won best scripted variety series, and variety series writing.

Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers paid tribute to the late Norman Lear for “changing American culture,’ from a set modelled on one of his many hit shows, All In The Family.

The annual “In Memoriam” section honoured TV stars who died in the past year including beloved Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor Andre Braugher, Angela Lansbury, Richard Roundtree, Harry Belafonte, 25-year-old Euphoria actor Angus Cloud and Friends star Matthew Perry.

All the key winners of the Emmys 2024

HBO’s Succession and FX’s The Bear were undoubtedly the big winners of the 75th Emmy Awards, scooping the honours for best drama and best comedy series respectively, among a haul of six each.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES: Succession

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES: The Bear

OUTSTANDING LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES: Beef

LEAD ACTOR, DRAMA: Kieran Culkin, Succession

LEAD ACTRESS, DRAMA: Sarah Snook, Succession

LEAD ACTOR, COMEDY: Jeremy Allen White, The Bear

LEAD ACTRESS, COMEDY: Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary

LEAD ACTOR, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE: Steven Yeun, Beef

LEAD ACTRESS, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE: Ali Wong, Beef

SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA: Matthew Macfadyen, Succession

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA: Jennifer Coolidge, The White Lotus

SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY: Ayo Edebiri, The Bear

SUPPORTING ACTOR, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE: Paul Walter Hauser, Black Bird

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE: Niecy Nash-Betts, Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

This story was published via AFP Relaxnews

(Main and featured image: Robyn Beck/ AFP)

The post From <i>Succession</i> to <i>The Bear</i>, All the Key Winners of the Emmys 2024 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

The final season of Succession dominated the Emmys on January 15, 2024, making it one of the biggest winners as it scooped six prizes including best drama, at a nostalgic gala honouring television’s past and present that was delayed by four months due to Hollywood strikes.

The HBO show about the back-stabbing dynastic battles of a powerful media family won awards for stars Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook and Matthew Macfadyen, while The Bear topped the comedy awards and Beef led in the limited series section.

“This is a show about family, but it’s also about when… partisan news coverage gets intertwined with divisive right-wing politics,” said Succession creator Jesse Armstrong.

“After four seasons of satire, as I understand it, that’s a problem we have now fixed,” he joked, on the night that Donald Trump won the Iowa Republican caucuses.

2024 emmys winners - succession
Cast and crew from Succession, winners of Outstanding Drama Series, pose in the press room during the 75th Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. (Image: Robyn Beck/ AFP)

Accepting their best actress and actor prizes, both Snook — who was pregnant during the show’s final season — and Culkin paid tribute to their babies, with Culkin joking to his wife, “I want more… you said maybe, if I win!”

Succession, which had already won best drama series twice previously, had entered the night with a whopping 27 nominations, including a record three of the six nominees for best actor. It also won for best writing and directing.

Jennifer Coolidge, the sole returning star for the Sicily-set second season of satire The White Lotus, won for best supporting actress. Coolidge thanked “all the evil gays,” in a nod to her character’s memorable storyline in which she befriended a flamboyant, yacht-owning group of men with sinister intentions.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jennifer Coolidge (@jennifercoolidge)

The Emmys, which are the small screen’s equivalent of the Oscars, typically take place in September. But organisers opted for an unusual January slot this time around for the 2024 Emmys, correctly gambling that the entertainment industry strikes would be over, and that actors — and winners — would be free to attend.

Stars and guests from Harrison Ford to Joan Collins walked the red carpet into the Peacock Theatre at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles for the ceremony.

2024 Emmys: A showcase of vintage comedy

Celebrating its 75th year, the Emmys featured multiple skits paying homage to beloved classic shows on elaborate sets.

Stars like Kelsey Grammar and Ted Danson appeared on a set emulating the beloved famous Boston bar from Cheers, while The Sopranos actors Lorraine Bracco and Michael Imperioli presented an award from the mob drama’s psychiatrist office. Other shows getting nostalgic reunions included Grey’s Anatomy and Ally McBeal.

The organisers’ decision to hark back to television’s golden days came in stark contrast with the gala’s recent struggles, as the Emmys’ audiences have plummeted.

2024 emmys
US actors Lorainne Bracco and Michael Imperioli speak onstage during the 75th Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre. (Image: Valerie Macon/ AFP)

Last year’s telecast was watched by just 5.9 million — lower even than the 2020 “pandEmmys” lockdown edition that was broadcast from an empty theatre — and it was competing Monday with an NFL playoff game and the Iowa vote.

Plus this time, there was the confusion of honouring seasons of shows that aired months before. The delay meant votes were cast back in the summer, for nominated shows that premiered as long as 18 months ago.

Most notably, The Bear — which took viewers behind the scenes of a dysfunctional Chicago restaurant — won six awards on Monday including the top comedy prize.

Stars Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach won for best actor, supporting actress and actor, and the show also won writing and directing prizes.

But the ceremony honoured the show’s intense debut season, which premiered way back in June 2022. At the next Emmys ceremony, taking place this September, the show’s even more acclaimed and ambitious second season is eligible.

Quinta Brunson won for best actress in a comedy for Abbott Elementary.

Beef reigns in the limited series section

2024 emmys winners - beef
The cast of Beef, which was among the key winners at the 2024 Emmys. (Image: Robyn Beck/ AFP)

Netflix’s Beef dominated the limited series categories, for shows that run only a single season, with five prizes including best limited series, writing and directing.

Its stars Ali Wong and Steven Yeun took lead acting prizes, playing road-rage drivers locked in a rapidly escalating feud.

Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story co-star Niecy Nash-Betts won best supporting actress, while Paul Walter Hauser won for best supporting actor for Black Bird, another dark true crime series.

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver won best scripted variety series, and variety series writing.

Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers paid tribute to the late Norman Lear for “changing American culture,’ from a set modelled on one of his many hit shows, All In The Family.

The annual “In Memoriam” section honoured TV stars who died in the past year including beloved Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor Andre Braugher, Angela Lansbury, Richard Roundtree, Harry Belafonte, 25-year-old Euphoria actor Angus Cloud and Friends star Matthew Perry.

All the key winners of the Emmys 2024

HBO’s Succession and FX’s The Bear were undoubtedly the big winners of the 75th Emmy Awards, scooping the honours for best drama and best comedy series respectively, among a haul of six each.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES: Succession

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES: The Bear

OUTSTANDING LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES: Beef

LEAD ACTOR, DRAMA: Kieran Culkin, Succession

LEAD ACTRESS, DRAMA: Sarah Snook, Succession

LEAD ACTOR, COMEDY: Jeremy Allen White, The Bear

LEAD ACTRESS, COMEDY: Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary

LEAD ACTOR, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE: Steven Yeun, Beef

LEAD ACTRESS, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE: Ali Wong, Beef

SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA: Matthew Macfadyen, Succession

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA: Jennifer Coolidge, The White Lotus

SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY: Ayo Edebiri, The Bear

SUPPORTING ACTOR, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE: Paul Walter Hauser, Black Bird

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE: Niecy Nash-Betts, Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

This story was published via AFP Relaxnews

(Main and featured image: Robyn Beck/ AFP)

The post From <i>Succession</i> to <i>The Bear</i>, All the Key Winners of the Emmys 2024 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> 10 Best-Dressed Men We Spotted At The Emmy Awards 2024 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/10-best-dressed-men-at-the-emmy-awards-2024/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 08:51:48 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298788

Although a bit fashionably late, the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards were finally presented on 15 January 2024 after a four-month postponement due to the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strike. 

Hosted by the charismatic former black-ish star, Anthony Anderson, the dazzling event took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

As the night unfolded, television’s finest and best-dressed celebrities walked down the Emmy red carpet to honour the best work from the past year getting recognised. 

The Bear and Succession grabbed the spotlight with six awards each, while Beef beefed up its accolades with five wins. The highlight of the coveted night was Elton John securing an EGOT status as Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium snagged the Outstanding Variety Special (live) Award.

Beyond the triumphs, the true stars of the evening were the men who graced the Emmys red carpet with their fashion sense and sartorial prowess. From timeless tuxedos to avant-garde ensembles, the male celebrities brought their style A-game on. Kieran Culkin radiated quiet luxury, while Pedro Pascal and Jeremy Allen White injected a modern twist into the classic black-tie code.

Here’s a round-up of the 10 best-dressed men who stole the spotlight at the Emmy Awards 2024 with their red-carpet choices.

Rounding up the best-dressed male celebrities at Emmy Awards 2024

Emmy awards 2024 best dressed
Ted Lasso star Stephen Manas (Picture Credits: Twitter/Television Academy)

Get ready to be captivated by these iconic menswear looks that left a lasting imprint on the glitzy affair.

Jeremy Allen White 

First up we have the man of the moment, Jeremy Allen White, who bagged the Best Actor in a Comedy Series award for The Bear. In a pool of men dressed in black, White dared to rock a pristine white Giorgio Armani suit styled with a black bowtie for the special evening. Dishy and dapper, we say!

Colman Domingo 

Picture Credits: Twitter/Television Academy

Colman Domingo has been one of the best-dressed male celebrities throughout the 2024 awards season and sure enough, he didn’t disappoint this time either. The Rustin actor wore a custom Louis Vuitton suit with an elongated jacket and styled it with intricate jewellery pieces – two pearl bracelets, a broach on one lapel, a dainty pearl necklace and a diamond dangling earring.

Pedro Pascal

Emmy awards 2024 best dressed
Picture Credits: Twitter/Television Academy

Gen Z’s Zaddy Pedro Pascal gave a modern spin to black tie dressing for the Emmy Awards 2024. The Last of Us actor donned a neat and natty black sweater, white shirt and trousers kind of look, which went well with the sling that he’s been sporting after suffering an arm injury.

Brett Goldstein

Picture Credits: Twitter/Television Academy

Looking quite ‘clean and mean’ Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein arrived on the red carpet of Emmy Awards 2024 in a Giorgio Armani all-black outfit that featured a suit jacket, button-down shirt, bow tie and tailored pants.

Will Sharpe

Emmy awards 2024 best dressed
Picture Credits: Twitter/Television Academy

Looks like ‘no shirt, no problem’ was the style mantra for The White Lotus actor Will Sharpe at the awards night. Sharpe arrived on the red carpet with wife and actor Sophia Di Martino twinning in black. Although his famous abs weren’t visible through his outfit, he still gave us a hint of skin ditching the traditional dress shirt and tie.

What’s more? The dude painted his nails black, a detail we are so digging. 

Tyler James Williams

One of the best celebrity outfits at the Emmy Awards 2024 was that of Abbott Elementary actor Tyler James Williams, who rocked a flashy Dolce & Gabbana double-breasted suit constructed in an unconventional style. 

Tom Hiddleston

The very handsome Tom Hiddleston smouldered on the red carpet in a fitted grey suit that looked effortlessly chic on his tall-lean frame. He paired the suit with a silver tie, a white button-down shirt and some shiny oxfords.

Reece Feldman 

Reece Feldman donned a rather unconventional look Saint Laurent for the Emmys. His outfit featured an open jacket, matching pants and a long sheer cape. The Not Okay actor rounded off his look with black sunglasses and dress shoes.

Donald Glover

The next best-dressed man we spotted on the Emmy Awards 2024 red carpet was Donald Glover. He looked dashing as hell in a soft black suit from the luxury brand Bode. His outfit was accentuated with metallic embroidery and his chic look was finished with some fine ballet flats. A pretty bold shoe choice!

Kieran Culkin

Last on our list of the Emmy Awards 2024’s best-dressed men we have the Succession star Kieran Culkin, who opted for an outfit that defined quiet luxury for the red carpet; A classy black jacket and pants, paired with the timeless matching tie. He also took home the big Best Actor in a Drama Series award home for his role as Roman Roy in the hit HBO television series.

(Header and feature image courtesy: Twitter/Television Academy)

This story first appeared on Augustman Malaysia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Who was the best-dressed male celebrity at the Emmy Awards 2024?
The Emmy Awards 2024 saw a fleet of men take on the red carpet with their sartorial prowess. Tom Hiddleston, Colman Domingo and Pedro Pascal were some of the best-dressed male celebrities.

The post 10 Best-Dressed Men We Spotted At The Emmy Awards 2024 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Although a bit fashionably late, the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards were finally presented on 15 January 2024 after a four-month postponement due to the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strike. 

Hosted by the charismatic former black-ish star, Anthony Anderson, the dazzling event took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

As the night unfolded, television’s finest and best-dressed celebrities walked down the Emmy red carpet to honour the best work from the past year getting recognised. 

The Bear and Succession grabbed the spotlight with six awards each, while Beef beefed up its accolades with five wins. The highlight of the coveted night was Elton John securing an EGOT status as Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium snagged the Outstanding Variety Special (live) Award.

Beyond the triumphs, the true stars of the evening were the men who graced the Emmys red carpet with their fashion sense and sartorial prowess. From timeless tuxedos to avant-garde ensembles, the male celebrities brought their style A-game on. Kieran Culkin radiated quiet luxury, while Pedro Pascal and Jeremy Allen White injected a modern twist into the classic black-tie code.

Here’s a round-up of the 10 best-dressed men who stole the spotlight at the Emmy Awards 2024 with their red-carpet choices.

Rounding up the best-dressed male celebrities at Emmy Awards 2024

Emmy awards 2024 best dressed
Ted Lasso star Stephen Manas (Picture Credits: Twitter/Television Academy)

Get ready to be captivated by these iconic menswear looks that left a lasting imprint on the glitzy affair.

Jeremy Allen White 

First up we have the man of the moment, Jeremy Allen White, who bagged the Best Actor in a Comedy Series award for The Bear. In a pool of men dressed in black, White dared to rock a pristine white Giorgio Armani suit styled with a black bowtie for the special evening. Dishy and dapper, we say!

Colman Domingo 

Picture Credits: Twitter/Television Academy

Colman Domingo has been one of the best-dressed male celebrities throughout the 2024 awards season and sure enough, he didn’t disappoint this time either. The Rustin actor wore a custom Louis Vuitton suit with an elongated jacket and styled it with intricate jewellery pieces – two pearl bracelets, a broach on one lapel, a dainty pearl necklace and a diamond dangling earring.

Pedro Pascal

Emmy awards 2024 best dressed
Picture Credits: Twitter/Television Academy

Gen Z’s Zaddy Pedro Pascal gave a modern spin to black tie dressing for the Emmy Awards 2024. The Last of Us actor donned a neat and natty black sweater, white shirt and trousers kind of look, which went well with the sling that he’s been sporting after suffering an arm injury.

Brett Goldstein

Picture Credits: Twitter/Television Academy

Looking quite ‘clean and mean’ Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein arrived on the red carpet of Emmy Awards 2024 in a Giorgio Armani all-black outfit that featured a suit jacket, button-down shirt, bow tie and tailored pants.

Will Sharpe

Emmy awards 2024 best dressed
Picture Credits: Twitter/Television Academy

Looks like ‘no shirt, no problem’ was the style mantra for The White Lotus actor Will Sharpe at the awards night. Sharpe arrived on the red carpet with wife and actor Sophia Di Martino twinning in black. Although his famous abs weren’t visible through his outfit, he still gave us a hint of skin ditching the traditional dress shirt and tie.

What’s more? The dude painted his nails black, a detail we are so digging. 

Tyler James Williams

One of the best celebrity outfits at the Emmy Awards 2024 was that of Abbott Elementary actor Tyler James Williams, who rocked a flashy Dolce & Gabbana double-breasted suit constructed in an unconventional style. 

Tom Hiddleston

The very handsome Tom Hiddleston smouldered on the red carpet in a fitted grey suit that looked effortlessly chic on his tall-lean frame. He paired the suit with a silver tie, a white button-down shirt and some shiny oxfords.

Reece Feldman 

Reece Feldman donned a rather unconventional look Saint Laurent for the Emmys. His outfit featured an open jacket, matching pants and a long sheer cape. The Not Okay actor rounded off his look with black sunglasses and dress shoes.

Donald Glover

The next best-dressed man we spotted on the Emmy Awards 2024 red carpet was Donald Glover. He looked dashing as hell in a soft black suit from the luxury brand Bode. His outfit was accentuated with metallic embroidery and his chic look was finished with some fine ballet flats. A pretty bold shoe choice!

Kieran Culkin

Last on our list of the Emmy Awards 2024’s best-dressed men we have the Succession star Kieran Culkin, who opted for an outfit that defined quiet luxury for the red carpet; A classy black jacket and pants, paired with the timeless matching tie. He also took home the big Best Actor in a Drama Series award home for his role as Roman Roy in the hit HBO television series.

(Header and feature image courtesy: Twitter/Television Academy)

This story first appeared on Augustman Malaysia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Who was the best-dressed male celebrity at the Emmy Awards 2024?
The Emmy Awards 2024 saw a fleet of men take on the red carpet with their sartorial prowess. Tom Hiddleston, Colman Domingo and Pedro Pascal were some of the best-dressed male celebrities.

The post 10 Best-Dressed Men We Spotted At The Emmy Awards 2024 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> All The New and Returning Reality TV Shows We’re Excited to Watch in 2024 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/new-and-returning-reality-shows-of-2024/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298654

In the ever-evolving landscape of television, reality shows have become a dominant force. Over the past decade, reality shows have captivated audiences with their unscripted drama, emotional highs, and unexpected twists. As we step into 2024, the genre continues to thrive, offering viewers a diverse array of content to indulge in. Among the most anticipated are returning favourites like Vanderpump Rules, the heartwarming Queer Eye, and the perennial romantic journey of those on Love Island. Join us as we explore the reality TV landscape for the upcoming year, promising an exciting blend of nostalgia and fresh experiences.

We take a look at the new and returning reality shows in 2024

The reality shows that are set to return in 2024

Love Island All-Star

Premiere Date: 15 January 2024
Platform: ITV2 and ITVX

What could be more iconic than Love Island? The epic dating series is set to make a grand return with an All-Stars version, featuring some of its biggest and most memorable stars. Hosted by the charismatic Maya Jama, this season promises a second chance at love as the contestants embark on their romantic journey in picturesque South Africa.

Married at First Sight UK

Return Date: 2024
Platform: E4

The aptly named reality show Married at First Sight UK is set to return to E4 sometime during the summer of 2024. Having gained momentum in 2023 with a more diverse cast and increased episode count, the series continues to be a fan favourite. The success stories, such as Tasha and Paul, add to its appeal, making it a must-watch.

Queer Eye Season 8

reality shows 2024
(Image: Netflix)

Return Date: 24 January 2024
Platform: Netflix

Returning to Netflix, Queer Eye Season 8 takes us to the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Fab 5, known for their expertise in lifestyle and fashion makeovers, are back to touch the lives of individuals seeking positive transformations. However, fans must brace themselves as Bobby Berk bids farewell this season, paving the way for a Las Vegas adventure in the upcoming ninth season.

Love is Blind Season 6

Return Date: 14 February 2024
Platform: Netflix

Love is Blind Season 6 premieres on Netflix this Valentine’s Day. Set in Charlotte, North Carolina, the season introduces a new cast on a quest to find love before setting eyes on one other. Nick and Vanessa Lachey return to co-host, adding their charm to this popular reality dating show. With a Love is Blind Season 7 already in the works, reality TV enthusiasts who love watching people fall in love have much to look forward to.

The Traitors UK

Return Date: 3 January 2024
Platform: BBC iPlayer

Premiering on BBC iPlayer, The Traitors UK combines reality TV with a thrilling murder-mystery theme. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the show brings 22 strangers to a castle, where they collaborate on missions to increase the prize pot. The twist? Some contestants are traitors, aiming to eliminate innocent participants and claim the prize money for themselves. The game unfolds as the “faithfuls” strive to identify the traitors and secure their winnings.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16

Return Date: 5 January 2024
Platform: MTV

Launching on MTV, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 continues the legacy of this iconic drag competition. As drag queens showcase their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, viewers are in for a season of fierce competition, entertaining challenges, and the crowning of the next drag superstar.

Vanderpump Rules Season 11

Return Date: 30 January 2024
Platform: Peacock, Bravo

Scheduled for release on Peacock and Bravo, Vanderpump Rules Season 11 promises a continuation of the Sandoval drama that rocked the previous season. While the cast remains mostly unchanged, notable absences, like Raquel Leviss, add an intriguing element to the unfolding narrative.

The Trust

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: 10 January 2024

In January 2024, Netflix introduced The Trust, a reality TV competition series blending elements of Big Brother and The Traitors. Contestants navigate a cut-throat strategy game where voting each other out becomes essential for increasing their share of the winnings. As a social experiment, The Trust challenges competitors to balance fairness and greed, adding a moral dilemma to the quest for a large prize.

As reality TV enthusiasts gear up for a thrilling 2024, these shows promise to deliver a mix of emotions, surprises, and unforgettable moments. From love-filled islands to cut-throat strategy games, this year’s lineup is set to keep audiences hooked and entertained. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where reality is anything but ordinary.

(Main and featured image: Netflix) 

The post All The New and Returning Reality TV Shows We’re Excited to Watch in 2024 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

In the ever-evolving landscape of television, reality shows have become a dominant force. Over the past decade, reality shows have captivated audiences with their unscripted drama, emotional highs, and unexpected twists. As we step into 2024, the genre continues to thrive, offering viewers a diverse array of content to indulge in. Among the most anticipated are returning favourites like Vanderpump Rules, the heartwarming Queer Eye, and the perennial romantic journey of those on Love Island. Join us as we explore the reality TV landscape for the upcoming year, promising an exciting blend of nostalgia and fresh experiences.

We take a look at the new and returning reality shows in 2024

The reality shows that are set to return in 2024

Love Island All-Star

Premiere Date: 15 January 2024
Platform: ITV2 and ITVX

What could be more iconic than Love Island? The epic dating series is set to make a grand return with an All-Stars version, featuring some of its biggest and most memorable stars. Hosted by the charismatic Maya Jama, this season promises a second chance at love as the contestants embark on their romantic journey in picturesque South Africa.

Married at First Sight UK

Return Date: 2024
Platform: E4

The aptly named reality show Married at First Sight UK is set to return to E4 sometime during the summer of 2024. Having gained momentum in 2023 with a more diverse cast and increased episode count, the series continues to be a fan favourite. The success stories, such as Tasha and Paul, add to its appeal, making it a must-watch.

Queer Eye Season 8

reality shows 2024
(Image: Netflix)

Return Date: 24 January 2024
Platform: Netflix

Returning to Netflix, Queer Eye Season 8 takes us to the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Fab 5, known for their expertise in lifestyle and fashion makeovers, are back to touch the lives of individuals seeking positive transformations. However, fans must brace themselves as Bobby Berk bids farewell this season, paving the way for a Las Vegas adventure in the upcoming ninth season.

Love is Blind Season 6

Return Date: 14 February 2024
Platform: Netflix

Love is Blind Season 6 premieres on Netflix this Valentine’s Day. Set in Charlotte, North Carolina, the season introduces a new cast on a quest to find love before setting eyes on one other. Nick and Vanessa Lachey return to co-host, adding their charm to this popular reality dating show. With a Love is Blind Season 7 already in the works, reality TV enthusiasts who love watching people fall in love have much to look forward to.

The Traitors UK

Return Date: 3 January 2024
Platform: BBC iPlayer

Premiering on BBC iPlayer, The Traitors UK combines reality TV with a thrilling murder-mystery theme. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the show brings 22 strangers to a castle, where they collaborate on missions to increase the prize pot. The twist? Some contestants are traitors, aiming to eliminate innocent participants and claim the prize money for themselves. The game unfolds as the “faithfuls” strive to identify the traitors and secure their winnings.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16

Return Date: 5 January 2024
Platform: MTV

Launching on MTV, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 continues the legacy of this iconic drag competition. As drag queens showcase their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, viewers are in for a season of fierce competition, entertaining challenges, and the crowning of the next drag superstar.

Vanderpump Rules Season 11

Return Date: 30 January 2024
Platform: Peacock, Bravo

Scheduled for release on Peacock and Bravo, Vanderpump Rules Season 11 promises a continuation of the Sandoval drama that rocked the previous season. While the cast remains mostly unchanged, notable absences, like Raquel Leviss, add an intriguing element to the unfolding narrative.

The Trust

Platform: Netflix
Release Date: 10 January 2024

In January 2024, Netflix introduced The Trust, a reality TV competition series blending elements of Big Brother and The Traitors. Contestants navigate a cut-throat strategy game where voting each other out becomes essential for increasing their share of the winnings. As a social experiment, The Trust challenges competitors to balance fairness and greed, adding a moral dilemma to the quest for a large prize.

As reality TV enthusiasts gear up for a thrilling 2024, these shows promise to deliver a mix of emotions, surprises, and unforgettable moments. From love-filled islands to cut-throat strategy games, this year’s lineup is set to keep audiences hooked and entertained. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where reality is anything but ordinary.

(Main and featured image: Netflix) 

The post All The New and Returning Reality TV Shows We’re Excited to Watch in 2024 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> The True Story Behind Boy Swallows Universe on Netflix https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/boy-swallows-universe-true-story-behind-suspense-series-on-netflix/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 03:00:28 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298725

Released on 11 January 2024, Boy Swallows Universe is Netflix’s new seven-part coming-of-age series that depicts the tumultuous episodes in one’s life and how to navigate them. It depicts the journey of Eli Bell (played by Felix Cameron) and is based on journalist Trent Dalton’s semi-autobiographical novel of the same name (released in 2018). Boy Swallows Universe is loosely based on the true story of his life and how to be positive even in the most dire of times.

The series, directed by Bharat Nalluri, Jocelyn Moorhouse and Kim Mordaunt, is positioned as a slash crime thriller by Netflix and, yet, upholds Eli’s undying spirit and thirst for life.

The true story that inspired the Netflix show Boy Swallows Universe

Cast and crew

The limited series features a star-studded cast ensemble that has delivered stunning performances on the screen.

Besides Cameron as the protagonist, the title also has Lee Tiger Halley, Travis Fimmel, Phoebe Tonkin, Bryan Brown and Adam Briggs portraying key characters, along with Emmy nominee Simon Baker and Sophie Wilde.

Andrew Mason and Troy Lum serve as executive producers.

The plot

boy swallows universe true story
Image credit: Netflix

In 1985 Brisbane, Eli is a middle-school student who lives with his mute older brother August ‘Gus’ Bell (Halley), mother Frankie (Tonkin) and stepdad Lyle Orlik (Fimmel) in a working-class neighbourhood.

As a young kid, Eli is full of life. With an undaunting spirit, he tries to make the most of his circumstances. Slim Halliday (Brown), a kind convicted felon, mentors him while another convict, Alex Bermuda (Briggs), gives Eli valuable life lessons as his pen pal.

However, school bullies make his life quite difficult and drive him to cause a nuisance. On the homefront, Eli is determined to find out about Lyle’s heroin addiction. As he begins to probe deep, he finds himself in the criminal underworld of the town. How he traverses through these experiences towards adulthood is what makes the series such a praised watch.

The true stories that inspired the series

The Netflix show is based on a true story and brings to life one of Australia’s most beloved books by author Trent Dalton. It sold nearly a million copies and rattled Australian readers when it was released.

Dalton’s work traces his troubled childhood in Queensland with his drug-addicted mother and a heroin-peddler stepfather with a good mix of fact and fiction.

Speaking to publisher Harper Collins, Dalton reminisces about his writing and research process.

He said, “All I think I’ve done as a journalist over 17 years, if I’m being really honest with myself, is process all the baggage of my life through the stories of thousands of Australians who tell me their deepest darkest secrets in the sacred spaces of their living rooms, and I take these secrets and turn them as respectfully as possible into magazine stories, and these stories help me learn and know and sometimes even heal … Boy Swallow Universe is me taking all my own secrets this time and turning them as respectfully as possible into a novel.”

“This book is for the never believers and the believers and the dreamers. This book is for anyone around the world who has been 13 years old,” he said.

The inspiration behind the characters

Commenting on the bildungsroman journey and the true story of Boy Swallows Universe, Dalton said, “All of me is in here. Everything I’ve ever seen. Everything I’ve ever done. Every girl I ever kissed on a wagged school day, every punch I ever threw, every tooth I ever lost in a Housing Commission street scrap and every flawed, conflicted, sometimes even dangerous Queenslander I’ve ever come across, as the son of two of the most incredible and beautiful and sometimes troubled parents a kid could ever be born to.”

He also speaks about the characters, “The key characters all draw on the people I love most in the world. The most beautiful and complex people I’ve ever known, and I never even had to walk out the door of my house to find them. I just wanted to give the world a story. To turn all these crazy and sad and tragic and beautiful things I’ve seen into a crazy, sad, tragic and beautiful story.”

Dalton’s mother plays a pivotal role in the book as well as the series. “Mum is my hero”, the author told Townsville Bulletin. “She inspired the character Frankie Bell and I don’t have enough words in the book to go on about all the things my mum survived, things that other people would have succumbed to.”

“My mum went away for two years just like Frankie Bell does in the book. Everything that happened in that passage in the book with the kid wanting to see his mum is pretty close to the bone for me,” he added.

The Harper Collins website quotes Dalton saying, “Though to be honest, the book doesn’t say a tenth of what’s she’s been through and, in turn, my admiration for her, for coming out the other side of those things.”

Lyle is modelled on the real-life man his mother loved. “He’s got tattoos and muscles, and I turn to him and I say, ‘I love you, Dad.’ And he turns to me and says, ‘Mate, I’m not your dad, but I love you too.’ That man was genuinely the first man that I ever loved and he was probably in many ways my mum’s true love, the love of her life …,” Dalton told Townsville Bulletin.

Simon Baker (who plays Eli’s father Robert Bell) told Netflix, “[Dalton’s] father was equal parts the most terrifying person he knew and also the most beautiful person he knew.”

“I thought that was a really interesting hook to get into the character of Robert Bell and a good challenge to understand how a person like that can exist.”

Is Slim Halliday based on a real person?

boy swallows universe true story netflix
Boy Swallows Universe S1. (L to R) Felix Cameron as Eli Bell, Phoebe Tonkin as Frances Bell in Boy Swallows Universe S1. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

Of the many characters in Netflix’s Boy Swallows Universe, Slim Halliday is perhaps the most unique one. In fact, Dalton, too, was mentored by a convicted murderer. The author has gone to lengths to talk about his true story in Boy Swallows Universe and how he admired the real-life criminal who took care of him.

Known as the ‘Houdini of Boggo Road’, he was popular for his successful prison escapes. Dalton told Townsville Bulletin that as a five-year-old, there were two men he loved — his stepfather and family friend, Arthur “Slim” Halliday, a convicted murderer and prison escapee.

According to the publication, Dalton recalls sitting on Halliday’s lap, steering a rusted old four-wheel-drive. “He’d let me turn the wheel and honk the horn. I loved the guy. He was the funniest, kindest old bloke.”

Boy Swallows Universe is available to stream on Netflix.

(Hero and feature credit: Netflix)

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore

The post The True Story Behind <i>Boy Swallows Universe</i> on Netflix appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Released on 11 January 2024, Boy Swallows Universe is Netflix’s new seven-part coming-of-age series that depicts the tumultuous episodes in one’s life and how to navigate them. It depicts the journey of Eli Bell (played by Felix Cameron) and is based on journalist Trent Dalton’s semi-autobiographical novel of the same name (released in 2018). Boy Swallows Universe is loosely based on the true story of his life and how to be positive even in the most dire of times.

The series, directed by Bharat Nalluri, Jocelyn Moorhouse and Kim Mordaunt, is positioned as a slash crime thriller by Netflix and, yet, upholds Eli’s undying spirit and thirst for life.

The true story that inspired the Netflix show Boy Swallows Universe

Cast and crew

The limited series features a star-studded cast ensemble that has delivered stunning performances on the screen.

Besides Cameron as the protagonist, the title also has Lee Tiger Halley, Travis Fimmel, Phoebe Tonkin, Bryan Brown and Adam Briggs portraying key characters, along with Emmy nominee Simon Baker and Sophie Wilde.

Andrew Mason and Troy Lum serve as executive producers.

The plot

boy swallows universe true story
Image credit: Netflix

In 1985 Brisbane, Eli is a middle-school student who lives with his mute older brother August ‘Gus’ Bell (Halley), mother Frankie (Tonkin) and stepdad Lyle Orlik (Fimmel) in a working-class neighbourhood.

As a young kid, Eli is full of life. With an undaunting spirit, he tries to make the most of his circumstances. Slim Halliday (Brown), a kind convicted felon, mentors him while another convict, Alex Bermuda (Briggs), gives Eli valuable life lessons as his pen pal.

However, school bullies make his life quite difficult and drive him to cause a nuisance. On the homefront, Eli is determined to find out about Lyle’s heroin addiction. As he begins to probe deep, he finds himself in the criminal underworld of the town. How he traverses through these experiences towards adulthood is what makes the series such a praised watch.

The true stories that inspired the series

The Netflix show is based on a true story and brings to life one of Australia’s most beloved books by author Trent Dalton. It sold nearly a million copies and rattled Australian readers when it was released.

Dalton’s work traces his troubled childhood in Queensland with his drug-addicted mother and a heroin-peddler stepfather with a good mix of fact and fiction.

Speaking to publisher Harper Collins, Dalton reminisces about his writing and research process.

He said, “All I think I’ve done as a journalist over 17 years, if I’m being really honest with myself, is process all the baggage of my life through the stories of thousands of Australians who tell me their deepest darkest secrets in the sacred spaces of their living rooms, and I take these secrets and turn them as respectfully as possible into magazine stories, and these stories help me learn and know and sometimes even heal … Boy Swallow Universe is me taking all my own secrets this time and turning them as respectfully as possible into a novel.”

“This book is for the never believers and the believers and the dreamers. This book is for anyone around the world who has been 13 years old,” he said.

The inspiration behind the characters

Commenting on the bildungsroman journey and the true story of Boy Swallows Universe, Dalton said, “All of me is in here. Everything I’ve ever seen. Everything I’ve ever done. Every girl I ever kissed on a wagged school day, every punch I ever threw, every tooth I ever lost in a Housing Commission street scrap and every flawed, conflicted, sometimes even dangerous Queenslander I’ve ever come across, as the son of two of the most incredible and beautiful and sometimes troubled parents a kid could ever be born to.”

He also speaks about the characters, “The key characters all draw on the people I love most in the world. The most beautiful and complex people I’ve ever known, and I never even had to walk out the door of my house to find them. I just wanted to give the world a story. To turn all these crazy and sad and tragic and beautiful things I’ve seen into a crazy, sad, tragic and beautiful story.”

Dalton’s mother plays a pivotal role in the book as well as the series. “Mum is my hero”, the author told Townsville Bulletin. “She inspired the character Frankie Bell and I don’t have enough words in the book to go on about all the things my mum survived, things that other people would have succumbed to.”

“My mum went away for two years just like Frankie Bell does in the book. Everything that happened in that passage in the book with the kid wanting to see his mum is pretty close to the bone for me,” he added.

The Harper Collins website quotes Dalton saying, “Though to be honest, the book doesn’t say a tenth of what’s she’s been through and, in turn, my admiration for her, for coming out the other side of those things.”

Lyle is modelled on the real-life man his mother loved. “He’s got tattoos and muscles, and I turn to him and I say, ‘I love you, Dad.’ And he turns to me and says, ‘Mate, I’m not your dad, but I love you too.’ That man was genuinely the first man that I ever loved and he was probably in many ways my mum’s true love, the love of her life …,” Dalton told Townsville Bulletin.

Simon Baker (who plays Eli’s father Robert Bell) told Netflix, “[Dalton’s] father was equal parts the most terrifying person he knew and also the most beautiful person he knew.”

“I thought that was a really interesting hook to get into the character of Robert Bell and a good challenge to understand how a person like that can exist.”

Is Slim Halliday based on a real person?

boy swallows universe true story netflix
Boy Swallows Universe S1. (L to R) Felix Cameron as Eli Bell, Phoebe Tonkin as Frances Bell in Boy Swallows Universe S1. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

Of the many characters in Netflix’s Boy Swallows Universe, Slim Halliday is perhaps the most unique one. In fact, Dalton, too, was mentored by a convicted murderer. The author has gone to lengths to talk about his true story in Boy Swallows Universe and how he admired the real-life criminal who took care of him.

Known as the ‘Houdini of Boggo Road’, he was popular for his successful prison escapes. Dalton told Townsville Bulletin that as a five-year-old, there were two men he loved — his stepfather and family friend, Arthur “Slim” Halliday, a convicted murderer and prison escapee.

According to the publication, Dalton recalls sitting on Halliday’s lap, steering a rusted old four-wheel-drive. “He’d let me turn the wheel and honk the horn. I loved the guy. He was the funniest, kindest old bloke.”

Boy Swallows Universe is available to stream on Netflix.

(Hero and feature credit: Netflix)

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore

The post The True Story Behind <i>Boy Swallows Universe</i> on Netflix appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> ‘Berlin’ Season 2: Cast, Plot, Release Date And Everything Else We Know https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/money-heist-berlin-season-2-cast-plot-release-date/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:00:18 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298723

Netflix’s Money Heist spin-off, Berlin has become the next big thing in the OTT landscape. The eight-part prequel series serves as a tantalising backstory to the original Money Heist saga, shining the spotlight on the charismatic Berlin, brought to life by the brilliant Pedro Alonso.

The first season, which started streaming on Netflix in December 2023, has left us clamouring for additional thrills. The rollercoaster of shootouts, tactical heists and the gripping narrative has left fans hungry for more, rooting for Berlin season 2. 

So, is the adrenaline-fueled heist set to continue? Here’s unravelling the latest scoop, from potential plot twists to the release date, surrounding Money Heist: Berlin season 2.

But first, what is ‘Money Heist: Berlin’ about?

Set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris during Berlin’s golden era, the series — a prequel to the hit series Money Heist — delves into the intricate life and crimes of Pedro Alonso’s character. From high-stakes shootouts to meticulously planned robberies, Money Heist: Berlin not only unravels the intricacies of the heists but also delves into Berlin’s pursuit of love, painting a compelling portrait of a complex character.

So, is there going to be a ‘Berlin’ season 2?

Money heist berlin
Picture Credits: Instagram/Netflix

As of now, there’s no official confirmation neither from Netflix nor the creators on whether we’ll be seeing Berlin and his gang return for a second season. However, the streaming platform often gauges public reaction before granting the green light for a sequel. Given the success of the first series, the prospect for Berlin season 2 is promising. 

With the first season announced in 2021 and released in 2023, we might have to exercise patience for another two years to see where the big heist leads us hereon.

What could be the plot of ‘Money Heist: Berlin’ season 2?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in)

Since an official announcement is pending, we can only speculate about potential plotlines for season 2. The finale of the first season hinted at Berlin and Damián planning another daring robbery. The next season might unfold the intricacies of this heist or draw us closer to the timeline of the original Money Heist series.

Berlin’s relationships, particularly with Camille, may face challenges, adding another layer of intricacy and intrigue to the storyline. New characters could disrupt existing relationships, sparking conflicts and drama.

The cast of Netflix’s ‘Berlin’ season 2: Who is returning?

Picture Credits: Instagram/Netflix

Though official confirmation on Berlin season 2 is pending, it’s hard to envision a second season without the core cast including Pedro Alonso as Berlin, Tristán Ulloa as Damián, Michelle Jenner as Keila, Begoña Vargas as Cameron, Joel Sánchez as Bruce, Julio Peña Fernández as Roi and Maria Isabel Rodríguez as Susiand.

However, the fate of Samantha Siqueiros’ character, Camille, remains uncertain, as she rode off into the sunset in search of a new life during the finale of the first season.

Is there a release date for Netflix’s ‘Berlin’ season 2?

berlin season 2
Picture Credits: Instagram/Netflix

The second season of the Netflix show hasn’t officially been announced yet, so fans may have to wait a bit longer before they get to hear about the release date or see the trailer of Money Heist: Berlin season 2. This timing will likely depend on production schedules, the direction of the franchise, and official announcements from the creators or the streamer.

Meanwhile, check out the trailer of ‘Money Heist: Berlin’ season 1 below:

(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Money Heist: Berlin) 

The story first appeared on Augustman Malaysia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Is Berlin season 2 confirmed?
As of now, there’s no official confirmation from Netflix or the creators regarding Berlin season 2. 

– When is Berlin season 2 expected to be released?
The release date hasn’t been officially announced. Fans will have to wait for further information on production schedules and official statements.

– What will be the plot of Berlin season 2?
The potential plotlines for Berlin season 2 could include the unfolding of another daring robbery or delve deeper into the relationships established in season one. 

The post ‘Berlin’ Season 2: Cast, Plot, Release Date And Everything Else We Know appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Netflix’s Money Heist spin-off, Berlin has become the next big thing in the OTT landscape. The eight-part prequel series serves as a tantalising backstory to the original Money Heist saga, shining the spotlight on the charismatic Berlin, brought to life by the brilliant Pedro Alonso.

The first season, which started streaming on Netflix in December 2023, has left us clamouring for additional thrills. The rollercoaster of shootouts, tactical heists and the gripping narrative has left fans hungry for more, rooting for Berlin season 2. 

So, is the adrenaline-fueled heist set to continue? Here’s unravelling the latest scoop, from potential plot twists to the release date, surrounding Money Heist: Berlin season 2.

But first, what is ‘Money Heist: Berlin’ about?

Set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris during Berlin’s golden era, the series — a prequel to the hit series Money Heist — delves into the intricate life and crimes of Pedro Alonso’s character. From high-stakes shootouts to meticulously planned robberies, Money Heist: Berlin not only unravels the intricacies of the heists but also delves into Berlin’s pursuit of love, painting a compelling portrait of a complex character.

So, is there going to be a ‘Berlin’ season 2?

Money heist berlin
Picture Credits: Instagram/Netflix

As of now, there’s no official confirmation neither from Netflix nor the creators on whether we’ll be seeing Berlin and his gang return for a second season. However, the streaming platform often gauges public reaction before granting the green light for a sequel. Given the success of the first series, the prospect for Berlin season 2 is promising. 

With the first season announced in 2021 and released in 2023, we might have to exercise patience for another two years to see where the big heist leads us hereon.

What could be the plot of ‘Money Heist: Berlin’ season 2?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in)

Since an official announcement is pending, we can only speculate about potential plotlines for season 2. The finale of the first season hinted at Berlin and Damián planning another daring robbery. The next season might unfold the intricacies of this heist or draw us closer to the timeline of the original Money Heist series.

Berlin’s relationships, particularly with Camille, may face challenges, adding another layer of intricacy and intrigue to the storyline. New characters could disrupt existing relationships, sparking conflicts and drama.

The cast of Netflix’s ‘Berlin’ season 2: Who is returning?

Picture Credits: Instagram/Netflix

Though official confirmation on Berlin season 2 is pending, it’s hard to envision a second season without the core cast including Pedro Alonso as Berlin, Tristán Ulloa as Damián, Michelle Jenner as Keila, Begoña Vargas as Cameron, Joel Sánchez as Bruce, Julio Peña Fernández as Roi and Maria Isabel Rodríguez as Susiand.

However, the fate of Samantha Siqueiros’ character, Camille, remains uncertain, as she rode off into the sunset in search of a new life during the finale of the first season.

Is there a release date for Netflix’s ‘Berlin’ season 2?

berlin season 2
Picture Credits: Instagram/Netflix

The second season of the Netflix show hasn’t officially been announced yet, so fans may have to wait a bit longer before they get to hear about the release date or see the trailer of Money Heist: Berlin season 2. This timing will likely depend on production schedules, the direction of the franchise, and official announcements from the creators or the streamer.

Meanwhile, check out the trailer of ‘Money Heist: Berlin’ season 1 below:

(Header and feature image courtesy: IMDb/Money Heist: Berlin) 

The story first appeared on Augustman Malaysia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Is Berlin season 2 confirmed?
As of now, there’s no official confirmation from Netflix or the creators regarding Berlin season 2. 

– When is Berlin season 2 expected to be released?
The release date hasn’t been officially announced. Fans will have to wait for further information on production schedules and official statements.

– What will be the plot of Berlin season 2?
The potential plotlines for Berlin season 2 could include the unfolding of another daring robbery or delve deeper into the relationships established in season one. 

The post ‘Berlin’ Season 2: Cast, Plot, Release Date And Everything Else We Know appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Mean Girls 2024 Review: Musical Remake Remains A Smart Look at Teen Turmoil https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/mean-girls-review-musical-remake-2024/ Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:00:17 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298594

Two decades after it first hit cinemas, pop phenom Mean Girls gets a musical reboot, based on the Tony-nominated stage show. The enduring popularity of the 2004 film, which captured the savagery of schooldays with pep and panache, has kept it part of our cultural fabric. But folding some poppy showtunes into the mix is an appealing notion, while a lot has changed in 20 years. Read on for our review of the 2024 Mean Girls movie.

Screenwriter Tina Fey updates her original script (itself based on Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 book Queen Bees and Wannabes) and steps back into the sensible shoes of beleaguered maths teacher Ms Norbury (also returning is her admirer, Principal Duvall, played by Tim Meadows). Angourie Rice takes over from Lindsay Lohan as new kid Cady, who goes from being homeschooled in rural Africa by her anthropologist mother (Jenna Fischer) to being thrown into the jungle of US high school.

mean girls 2024 review
Tina Fey shines in the 2024 Mean Girls musical, which has garnered rave reviews. (Image: Mean Girls)

Fortunately, Cady is taken under the wing of two savvy outsiders, Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), who also act as the film’s narrators, and is simultaneously drawn to a group of ostensibly popular girls: the notorious “Plastics”. Led by Reneé Rapp’s total biatch Regina (the “apex predator” as one song dubs her), with Avantika’s dim-witted Karen and Bebe Wood’s eager-to-please Gretchen making up numbers, the clique are the talk of the corridors.

But acceptance into the fold comes at a price and the trio are not to be trusted. And when Cady falls for Regina’s ex, Aaron (Christopher Briney), things get ugly fast.

Mean Girls 2024 review: Watch or skip?

It can be a bit of a strange experience watching something that is so close to its beloved predecessor, particularly as the film has opted to retain much of the original script. Without a significant rewrite, some of the attempts to bring things up to date – mainly in the form of social media hot takes – can feel a little tacked on.

However, most of Fey’s new gags blend in seamlessly and, with the line delivery occasionally coming across like an odd imitation of what’s gone before, it’s the new jokes rather than the old that stand out.

mean girls 2024 review
The ‘Plastics’ in the musical remake of Mean Girls. (Image: Mean Girls)

Debut narrative feature directors Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr do a decent, at times dynamic job, incorporating the musical numbers impressively with slick, snappy transitions. The kids bursting fairly randomly into song can be fun, and yet – and this is the real sticking point – the tunes themselves (which presumably are the justification for the entire project) don’t exactly pop.

Fey’s husband, Jeff Richmond, is behind the music, with Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde: The Musical) on lyrics, yet what they’ve come up with lacks the same comic snap as Fey’s script, or hooks so catchy that it would hardly matter. And, although the musical numbers bring extra attitude to the party, they can sometimes feel like a belaboured explanation of what we already know.

The original film had a remarkable eye for talent, launching the careers of Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried and Lizzy Caplan (Lohan was a successful child star prior to its release) and this offers up its own clutch of up-and-comers.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mean Girls (@meangirls)

Reprising her role from the stage show, newcomer Rapp has the fierceness and swagger of a professional singer (she released her first album Snow Angel last year) and brings that fire to her musical performances. She distinguishes herself well from McAdams’s portrayal of Regina, but the comedic chops and underlying charm of McAdams are missed.

Rice is a good match for the earnest but easily led Cady, while Cravalho (who voiced Disney’s Moana) and Spivey well and truly steal the show. From the older generation, Jon Hamm is a highlight as inappropriate sex educator Coach Carr.

It might not be perfect but there’s no reason why Generation Z shouldn’t have their own take on this eternally relevant story, and Fey remains a class act. Now with added sass as well as songs, Mean Girls remains a smart, relatable look at teen turmoil.

Enjoyed our review of the 2024 Mean Girls musical reboot? The movie released in the US on 12 January 2024; fingers crossed that it premieres in Malaysia soon.

(All images: Mean Girls)

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

The post <i>Mean Girls</i> 2024 Review: Musical Remake Remains A Smart Look at Teen Turmoil appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Two decades after it first hit cinemas, pop phenom Mean Girls gets a musical reboot, based on the Tony-nominated stage show. The enduring popularity of the 2004 film, which captured the savagery of schooldays with pep and panache, has kept it part of our cultural fabric. But folding some poppy showtunes into the mix is an appealing notion, while a lot has changed in 20 years. Read on for our review of the 2024 Mean Girls movie.

Screenwriter Tina Fey updates her original script (itself based on Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 book Queen Bees and Wannabes) and steps back into the sensible shoes of beleaguered maths teacher Ms Norbury (also returning is her admirer, Principal Duvall, played by Tim Meadows). Angourie Rice takes over from Lindsay Lohan as new kid Cady, who goes from being homeschooled in rural Africa by her anthropologist mother (Jenna Fischer) to being thrown into the jungle of US high school.

mean girls 2024 review
Tina Fey shines in the 2024 Mean Girls musical, which has garnered rave reviews. (Image: Mean Girls)

Fortunately, Cady is taken under the wing of two savvy outsiders, Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), who also act as the film’s narrators, and is simultaneously drawn to a group of ostensibly popular girls: the notorious “Plastics”. Led by Reneé Rapp’s total biatch Regina (the “apex predator” as one song dubs her), with Avantika’s dim-witted Karen and Bebe Wood’s eager-to-please Gretchen making up numbers, the clique are the talk of the corridors.

But acceptance into the fold comes at a price and the trio are not to be trusted. And when Cady falls for Regina’s ex, Aaron (Christopher Briney), things get ugly fast.

Mean Girls 2024 review: Watch or skip?

It can be a bit of a strange experience watching something that is so close to its beloved predecessor, particularly as the film has opted to retain much of the original script. Without a significant rewrite, some of the attempts to bring things up to date – mainly in the form of social media hot takes – can feel a little tacked on.

However, most of Fey’s new gags blend in seamlessly and, with the line delivery occasionally coming across like an odd imitation of what’s gone before, it’s the new jokes rather than the old that stand out.

mean girls 2024 review
The ‘Plastics’ in the musical remake of Mean Girls. (Image: Mean Girls)

Debut narrative feature directors Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr do a decent, at times dynamic job, incorporating the musical numbers impressively with slick, snappy transitions. The kids bursting fairly randomly into song can be fun, and yet – and this is the real sticking point – the tunes themselves (which presumably are the justification for the entire project) don’t exactly pop.

Fey’s husband, Jeff Richmond, is behind the music, with Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde: The Musical) on lyrics, yet what they’ve come up with lacks the same comic snap as Fey’s script, or hooks so catchy that it would hardly matter. And, although the musical numbers bring extra attitude to the party, they can sometimes feel like a belaboured explanation of what we already know.

The original film had a remarkable eye for talent, launching the careers of Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried and Lizzy Caplan (Lohan was a successful child star prior to its release) and this offers up its own clutch of up-and-comers.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mean Girls (@meangirls)

Reprising her role from the stage show, newcomer Rapp has the fierceness and swagger of a professional singer (she released her first album Snow Angel last year) and brings that fire to her musical performances. She distinguishes herself well from McAdams’s portrayal of Regina, but the comedic chops and underlying charm of McAdams are missed.

Rice is a good match for the earnest but easily led Cady, while Cravalho (who voiced Disney’s Moana) and Spivey well and truly steal the show. From the older generation, Jon Hamm is a highlight as inappropriate sex educator Coach Carr.

It might not be perfect but there’s no reason why Generation Z shouldn’t have their own take on this eternally relevant story, and Fey remains a class act. Now with added sass as well as songs, Mean Girls remains a smart, relatable look at teen turmoil.

Enjoyed our review of the 2024 Mean Girls musical reboot? The movie released in the US on 12 January 2024; fingers crossed that it premieres in Malaysia soon.

(All images: Mean Girls)

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

The post <i>Mean Girls</i> 2024 Review: Musical Remake Remains A Smart Look at Teen Turmoil appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> The Bear Soundtrack: Every Song in The Emmy Award-Winning Drama https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/the-bear-soundtrack-every-song-in-the-emmy-award-winning-drama/ Tue, 16 Jan 2024 07:19:58 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298685

Popular FX drama The Bear bagged six awards at the Emmys 2024, including accolades for best comedy series, best comedy actor, and best comedy supporting actor and actress. And deservedly so — The Bear has been lauded for its excellent acting and riveting script, along with a fantastic soundtrack of songs tailored to its pivotal moments.

Starring Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas and Abby Elliott, the show is slated to return this year with a third season.  Its previous season ended on a cliffhanger, with Carmy at a crossroads after making some questionable decisions in the lead up to opening his team’s shiny new restaurant. The past episodes also featured several guest stars such as Bob Odenkirk, Will Poulter and Molly Gordon.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Bear (@thebearfx)

While we eagerly await season 3 of The Bear and celebrate its Emmy victories, we also look back on its past seasons’ killer soundtrack that we simply can’t get enough of. From Counting Crows to Otis Redding, there’s a song to suit every mood and occasion.

Read on for a list of all the songs featured in the soundtrack of The Bear, and check out this particularly memorable highlight from the cast’s award acceptance speech at the Emmys 2024.

All the songs from The Bear soundtrack

The Bear season 2

Episode 1 – Beef

The Show Goes On – Bruce Hornsby & The Range

Handshake Drugs – Wilco

Transcendental Blues – Steve Earle

New Noise – Refused

Episode 2 – Pasta

She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals

Baby, I’m a Big Star Now – Counting Crows

You Are Not Alone – Mavis Staples

Strange Currencies – R.E.M

Episode 3 – Sundae

the bear actors, the bear soundtrack and best songs
Carmy (played by Jeremy Allen White) and Sydney (played by Ayo Edebiri). The two actors won the Emmy awards for best comedy actor and best comedy supporting actress respectively. (Image: The Bear/ FX/ Facebook)

Goodbye Girl – Squeeze

Secret Teardrops – Martin Rev

Twenty Five Miles – Edwin Starr

Future Perfect – The Durutti Column

Make You Happy – Tommy McGee

I Like the Things About Me – Mavis Staples

Episode 4 – Honeydew

Holiday Road – Lindsey Buckingham

I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) [Live] – Otis Redding

Tezeta – Mulatu Astatke

Beneath the Surface – Bob Bradley & Mia Bradley

Welcome – Harmonia & Eno ’76

Episode 5 – Pop

the bear soundtrack best songs
A still from The Bear. (Image: The Bear/ FX/ Facebook)

Bastards of Young – The Replacements

Anytime – Neil Finn

Pretty in Pink – The Psychedelic Furs

Tonight Tonight – Smashing Pumpkins

Before the Next Teardrop Falls – Freddy Fender

Strange Currencies – R.E.M

Can’t Hardly Wait – The Replacements

Episode 6 – Fishes

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams

All Alone on Christmas – Darlene Love

Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight) – Ramones

Got My Mind Set on You – George Harrison

The Little White Duck – Dorothy Olsen

Dominick the Donkey – Lou Monte

I Want You – Lindsey Buckingham

A Marshmallow World – Dean Martin

Something So Wrong – Crowded House

The Things We Did Last Summer – Dean Martin

The Christmas Song – Weezer

Episode 7 – Forks

Glass Concrete & Stone – David Byrne

Diamond Diary – Tangerine Dream

Love Story (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift

Episode 8 – Bolognese

Lay My Love – Brian Eno and John Cale

Stop Your Sobbing – Pretenders

The Crane Wife 3 – The Decemberists

Episode 9 – Omelette

The Day the World Went Away – Nine Inch Nails

Strange Currencies – R.E.M

New Noise – Refused

Come Back (Live) – Pearl Jam

If You Want Blood – AC/DC

Episode 10 – The Bear

Supernova – Liza Phair

Velouria – The Pixies

Vega-Tables – Brian Wilson

Spiders (Kidsmoke) – Wilco

Animal – Pearl Jam

Half a World Away – R.E.M

The Bear season 1

Episode 1 – System

New Noise – Refused

Old Engine Oil – The Budos Band

Don’t Give a Damn – Serengeti

Don’t Blame Steve – Serengeti

Via Chicago – Wilco

‘Bulls on Parade’ for Orchestra – Walt Ribeiro

Animal – Pearl Jam

Episode 2 – Hands

Rocco and His Brothers – Mi Loco Tango

Ajai Finale – Kenny Segal & Serengeti

Black Venom – The Budos Band

Have You Seen Me Lately? – Counting Crows

Saint Dominic’s Preview – Van Morrison

Saints – The Breeders

Episode 3 – Brigade

the bear soundtrack and songs
Jeremy Allen White. (Image: The Bear/ FX/ Instagram)

The Dream is Always the Same – Tangerine Dream

In Too Deep – Genesis

Heat Not Heat – Serengeti

Oh My Heart – REM

Episode 4 – Dogs

One Fine Day – David Byrne & Brian Eno

Help Me, Rhonda – The Beach Boys

Loved By You – KIRBY

Check It Out – John Mellencamp

Episode 5 – Sheridan

Wish I Was – Kim Deal

Da Doo Ron Ron – The Crystals

Sisyphus – Andrew Bird

Impossible Germany – Wilco

Episode 6 – Ceres

Call the Police – LCD Soundsystem

Beat City – The Flowerpot Men

Peace Blossom Boogy – The Babe Rainbow

Aphasia – The Budos Band

Last Train Home – John Mayer

Episode 7 – Review

Chicago – Sufjan Stevens

Spiders (Kidsmoke) – Wilco

Episode 8 – Braciole

Homicide – 999

Sashimi – Serengeti

New Noise – Refused

Let Down – Radiohead


Watch The Bear here

(Main and featured image: The Bear/ Hulu)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Is there a soundtrack from The Bear?

Yes, The Bear has an excellent soundtrack for seasons 1 and 2, filled with songs that tie in nicely with some of its key moments.

– Why are there so many REM songs in The Bear?

In a media interview, executive producer Josh Senior said this is because he and series creator Christopher Storer are fans of REM’s music.

Who created the soundtrack for The Bear?

Josh Senior and Christopher Storer are the creators of The Bear‘s soundtrack.

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

The post <i>The Bear</i> Soundtrack: Every Song in The Emmy Award-Winning Drama appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Popular FX drama The Bear bagged six awards at the Emmys 2024, including accolades for best comedy series, best comedy actor, and best comedy supporting actor and actress. And deservedly so — The Bear has been lauded for its excellent acting and riveting script, along with a fantastic soundtrack of songs tailored to its pivotal moments.

Starring Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas and Abby Elliott, the show is slated to return this year with a third season.  Its previous season ended on a cliffhanger, with Carmy at a crossroads after making some questionable decisions in the lead up to opening his team’s shiny new restaurant. The past episodes also featured several guest stars such as Bob Odenkirk, Will Poulter and Molly Gordon.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Bear (@thebearfx)

While we eagerly await season 3 of The Bear and celebrate its Emmy victories, we also look back on its past seasons’ killer soundtrack that we simply can’t get enough of. From Counting Crows to Otis Redding, there’s a song to suit every mood and occasion.

Read on for a list of all the songs featured in the soundtrack of The Bear, and check out this particularly memorable highlight from the cast’s award acceptance speech at the Emmys 2024.

All the songs from The Bear soundtrack

The Bear season 2

Episode 1 – Beef

The Show Goes On – Bruce Hornsby & The Range

Handshake Drugs – Wilco

Transcendental Blues – Steve Earle

New Noise – Refused

Episode 2 – Pasta

She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals

Baby, I’m a Big Star Now – Counting Crows

You Are Not Alone – Mavis Staples

Strange Currencies – R.E.M

Episode 3 – Sundae

the bear actors, the bear soundtrack and best songs
Carmy (played by Jeremy Allen White) and Sydney (played by Ayo Edebiri). The two actors won the Emmy awards for best comedy actor and best comedy supporting actress respectively. (Image: The Bear/ FX/ Facebook)

Goodbye Girl – Squeeze

Secret Teardrops – Martin Rev

Twenty Five Miles – Edwin Starr

Future Perfect – The Durutti Column

Make You Happy – Tommy McGee

I Like the Things About Me – Mavis Staples

Episode 4 – Honeydew

Holiday Road – Lindsey Buckingham

I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) [Live] – Otis Redding

Tezeta – Mulatu Astatke

Beneath the Surface – Bob Bradley & Mia Bradley

Welcome – Harmonia & Eno ’76

Episode 5 – Pop

the bear soundtrack best songs
A still from The Bear. (Image: The Bear/ FX/ Facebook)

Bastards of Young – The Replacements

Anytime – Neil Finn

Pretty in Pink – The Psychedelic Furs

Tonight Tonight – Smashing Pumpkins

Before the Next Teardrop Falls – Freddy Fender

Strange Currencies – R.E.M

Can’t Hardly Wait – The Replacements

Episode 6 – Fishes

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams

All Alone on Christmas – Darlene Love

Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight) – Ramones

Got My Mind Set on You – George Harrison

The Little White Duck – Dorothy Olsen

Dominick the Donkey – Lou Monte

I Want You – Lindsey Buckingham

A Marshmallow World – Dean Martin

Something So Wrong – Crowded House

The Things We Did Last Summer – Dean Martin

The Christmas Song – Weezer

Episode 7 – Forks

Glass Concrete & Stone – David Byrne

Diamond Diary – Tangerine Dream

Love Story (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift

Episode 8 – Bolognese

Lay My Love – Brian Eno and John Cale

Stop Your Sobbing – Pretenders

The Crane Wife 3 – The Decemberists

Episode 9 – Omelette

The Day the World Went Away – Nine Inch Nails

Strange Currencies – R.E.M

New Noise – Refused

Come Back (Live) – Pearl Jam

If You Want Blood – AC/DC

Episode 10 – The Bear

Supernova – Liza Phair

Velouria – The Pixies

Vega-Tables – Brian Wilson

Spiders (Kidsmoke) – Wilco

Animal – Pearl Jam

Half a World Away – R.E.M

The Bear season 1

Episode 1 – System

New Noise – Refused

Old Engine Oil – The Budos Band

Don’t Give a Damn – Serengeti

Don’t Blame Steve – Serengeti

Via Chicago – Wilco

‘Bulls on Parade’ for Orchestra – Walt Ribeiro

Animal – Pearl Jam

Episode 2 – Hands

Rocco and His Brothers – Mi Loco Tango

Ajai Finale – Kenny Segal & Serengeti

Black Venom – The Budos Band

Have You Seen Me Lately? – Counting Crows

Saint Dominic’s Preview – Van Morrison

Saints – The Breeders

Episode 3 – Brigade

the bear soundtrack and songs
Jeremy Allen White. (Image: The Bear/ FX/ Instagram)

The Dream is Always the Same – Tangerine Dream

In Too Deep – Genesis

Heat Not Heat – Serengeti

Oh My Heart – REM

Episode 4 – Dogs

One Fine Day – David Byrne & Brian Eno

Help Me, Rhonda – The Beach Boys

Loved By You – KIRBY

Check It Out – John Mellencamp

Episode 5 – Sheridan

Wish I Was – Kim Deal

Da Doo Ron Ron – The Crystals

Sisyphus – Andrew Bird

Impossible Germany – Wilco

Episode 6 – Ceres

Call the Police – LCD Soundsystem

Beat City – The Flowerpot Men

Peace Blossom Boogy – The Babe Rainbow

Aphasia – The Budos Band

Last Train Home – John Mayer

Episode 7 – Review

Chicago – Sufjan Stevens

Spiders (Kidsmoke) – Wilco

Episode 8 – Braciole

Homicide – 999

Sashimi – Serengeti

New Noise – Refused

Let Down – Radiohead

Watch The Bear here

(Main and featured image: The Bear/ Hulu)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Is there a soundtrack from The Bear?

Yes, The Bear has an excellent soundtrack for seasons 1 and 2, filled with songs that tie in nicely with some of its key moments.

– Why are there so many REM songs in The Bear?

In a media interview, executive producer Josh Senior said this is because he and series creator Christopher Storer are fans of REM’s music.

Who created the soundtrack for The Bear?

Josh Senior and Christopher Storer are the creators of The Bear‘s soundtrack.

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

The post <i>The Bear</i> Soundtrack: Every Song in The Emmy Award-Winning Drama appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> ‘Top Gun 3’ Announced: Release Date Speculation, Plot, Cast And More News https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/top-gun-3-what-we-know/ Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:00:34 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298440

Top Gun 3, starring Tom Cruise, will soon take off on the big screen in the near future. The third instalment in the Top Gun franchise will reportedly fly around the characters seen in Top Gun: Maverick, the blockbuster that shattered records in 2022.  

American new media company Puck was the first to report on the development, revealing that Top Gun: Maverick co-writer Ehren Kruger is writing the script for the third film.

Cruise, who is 61 years old, continues to be one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, turning big-budget, action-packed movies into some of the highest-grossers at the worldwide box office.

Top Gun is a franchise of Paramount Pictures, with whom Cruise has been collaborating since 2011’s Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.

The news about Top Gun 3 comes just days after Cruise signed a non-exclusive deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to star and produce movies for the studio.

Everything to know about ‘Top Gun 3’

Who will be part of the ‘Top Gun 3’ cast?

Cast of Top Gun Maverick
A still from Top Gun: Maverick showing the cast. (Image credit: Scott Garfield/Scott Garfield – © 2021 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved./IMDb)

Reports suggest that Top Gun 3 will see the return to at least two younger cast members from Top Gun: Maverick alongside Cruise. They are Miles Teller and Glen Powell, who were the principal supporting actors on the second instalment.

There is no word on whether the other main cast members from Maverick, namely Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Ed Harris, Charles Parnell, Monica Barbaro and Lewis Pullman, will be part of the third film.

Among the actors who would most likely not be part of Top Gun 3 is Val Kilmer, who played Admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Maverick. Kilmer was the main supporting actor in 1986’s Top Gun, the first film in the franchise. His character dies in the second instalment. So, unless there is some flashback sequence, there is little possibility of Kilmer reprising his iconic role.

Maverick’s producers Jerry Bruckheimer and David Ellison will also likely back the third instalment.  Joe Kosinski, who directed Maverick, will either helm Top Gun 3 or produce it. Cruise, too, was one of the producers of the second film, which means that there is a possibility of him doing the same for the third.

‘Top Gun 3’ release date

Tom Cruise is reportedly shooting Mission: Impossible 8 for Paramount. The film is the next instalment in the long-running Mission: Impossible franchise and is a direct sequel to Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, which hit the screens in 2023.

Mission: Impossible 8 is expected to release in May 2025. Therefore, according to Puck, shooting for Top Gun 3 won’t start till at least Cruise is done with his work on Mission: Impossible 8.

But that is not all. Cruise is also working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on a film set in outer space.

Doug Liman is directing the untitled film, which reportedly has a budget of around USD 200 million and will come from the stables of Universal Pictures.

In an interview with BBC in 2022, Donna Langley, the head of Universal Pictures, dropped a hint that Cruise might even do a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) to become the first civilian to do so.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Cruise actually performs a spacewalk. He is, after all, renowned for pulling off some of the most insane stunts on his own, including those seen in Maverick and Dead Reckoning Part One.

What to expect in ‘Top Gun 3’?

Nothing about the plot of Top Gun 3 is known. However, like the previous two films, the third instalment will certainly revolve around US Navy fighter pilots who are part of the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor programme, also known as Top Gun.

Maverick showed Tom Cruise’s character, Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, training and leading a group of young pilots on a deadly mission in enemy territory, while also dealing with the ghosts from the past.

Top Gun 3 will likely centre around a new mission.

How big was ‘Top Gun: Maverick’?

Top Gun: Maverick earned USD 1.49 billion at the worldwide box office, becoming the second-highest-grosser in the world in 2022 behind Avatar: The Way of Water.

It is the highest-grossing movie of Tom Cruise’s career. The film received six nominations at the  95th Academy Awards in 2023, including Best Picture. It was eventually awarded the Oscar for Best Sound.

The film came at a crucial time when the theatrical business was still trying to recover from the effects of the pandemic. The phenomenal success of Top Gun: Maverick led Steven Spielberg to publicly thank Tom Cruise for “saving Hollywood.”

Cruise earned USD 100 million from the film, through his salary and shares in ticket sales and home rentals.

Films starring Tom Cruise after ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise and the other actors in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. (Image credit: Christian Black – © 2023 Paramount Pictures./IMDb)

Tom Cruise’s only release since Top Gun: Maverick is Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. The seventh film in the Mission: Impossible franchise, which started in 1996, the film earned over USD 567 million worldwide and was critically lauded.

Though it is the 10th highest-grossing film of 2023, its box office success was hampered by the simultaneous releases of Barbie and Oppenheimer just over a week after its release.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One will be followed by the eighth film. Since the story of the eighth film directly follows the seventh, most of the actors, including Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, and Hayley Atwell, will be seen alongside Cruise in Mission: Impossible 8.

(Hero and Featured images: Paramount Pictures/Paramount Pictures – © 2019 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved./IMDb; Scott Garfield/Scott Garfield – © 2022 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved./IMDb)

This story first appeared on Augustman Malaysia

Frequently Asked Questions:

– Is there going to be a Top Gun 3?

Yes, Top Gun 3 is reportedly in the works with Tom Cruise.

– How much did Tom Cruise make for Top Gun 2?

Tom Cruise earned around USD 100 million for Top Gun 2, as part of his salary and shares in ticket sales and rentals.

– How many Top Gun movies are out?

Two Top Gun movies have been released so far: Top Gun (1986) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022).

The post ‘Top Gun 3’ Announced: Release Date Speculation, Plot, Cast And More News appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Top Gun 3, starring Tom Cruise, will soon take off on the big screen in the near future. The third instalment in the Top Gun franchise will reportedly fly around the characters seen in Top Gun: Maverick, the blockbuster that shattered records in 2022.  

American new media company Puck was the first to report on the development, revealing that Top Gun: Maverick co-writer Ehren Kruger is writing the script for the third film.

Cruise, who is 61 years old, continues to be one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, turning big-budget, action-packed movies into some of the highest-grossers at the worldwide box office.

Top Gun is a franchise of Paramount Pictures, with whom Cruise has been collaborating since 2011’s Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.

The news about Top Gun 3 comes just days after Cruise signed a non-exclusive deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to star and produce movies for the studio.

Everything to know about ‘Top Gun 3’

Who will be part of the ‘Top Gun 3’ cast?

Cast of Top Gun Maverick
A still from Top Gun: Maverick showing the cast. (Image credit: Scott Garfield/Scott Garfield – © 2021 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved./IMDb)

Reports suggest that Top Gun 3 will see the return to at least two younger cast members from Top Gun: Maverick alongside Cruise. They are Miles Teller and Glen Powell, who were the principal supporting actors on the second instalment.

There is no word on whether the other main cast members from Maverick, namely Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Ed Harris, Charles Parnell, Monica Barbaro and Lewis Pullman, will be part of the third film.

Among the actors who would most likely not be part of Top Gun 3 is Val Kilmer, who played Admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Maverick. Kilmer was the main supporting actor in 1986’s Top Gun, the first film in the franchise. His character dies in the second instalment. So, unless there is some flashback sequence, there is little possibility of Kilmer reprising his iconic role.

Maverick’s producers Jerry Bruckheimer and David Ellison will also likely back the third instalment.  Joe Kosinski, who directed Maverick, will either helm Top Gun 3 or produce it. Cruise, too, was one of the producers of the second film, which means that there is a possibility of him doing the same for the third.

‘Top Gun 3’ release date

Tom Cruise is reportedly shooting Mission: Impossible 8 for Paramount. The film is the next instalment in the long-running Mission: Impossible franchise and is a direct sequel to Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, which hit the screens in 2023.

Mission: Impossible 8 is expected to release in May 2025. Therefore, according to Puck, shooting for Top Gun 3 won’t start till at least Cruise is done with his work on Mission: Impossible 8.

But that is not all. Cruise is also working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on a film set in outer space.

Doug Liman is directing the untitled film, which reportedly has a budget of around USD 200 million and will come from the stables of Universal Pictures.

In an interview with BBC in 2022, Donna Langley, the head of Universal Pictures, dropped a hint that Cruise might even do a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) to become the first civilian to do so.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Cruise actually performs a spacewalk. He is, after all, renowned for pulling off some of the most insane stunts on his own, including those seen in Maverick and Dead Reckoning Part One.

What to expect in ‘Top Gun 3’?

Nothing about the plot of Top Gun 3 is known. However, like the previous two films, the third instalment will certainly revolve around US Navy fighter pilots who are part of the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor programme, also known as Top Gun.

Maverick showed Tom Cruise’s character, Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, training and leading a group of young pilots on a deadly mission in enemy territory, while also dealing with the ghosts from the past.

Top Gun 3 will likely centre around a new mission.

How big was ‘Top Gun: Maverick’?

Top Gun: Maverick earned USD 1.49 billion at the worldwide box office, becoming the second-highest-grosser in the world in 2022 behind Avatar: The Way of Water.

It is the highest-grossing movie of Tom Cruise’s career. The film received six nominations at the  95th Academy Awards in 2023, including Best Picture. It was eventually awarded the Oscar for Best Sound.

The film came at a crucial time when the theatrical business was still trying to recover from the effects of the pandemic. The phenomenal success of Top Gun: Maverick led Steven Spielberg to publicly thank Tom Cruise for “saving Hollywood.”

Cruise earned USD 100 million from the film, through his salary and shares in ticket sales and home rentals.

Films starring Tom Cruise after ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise and the other actors in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. (Image credit: Christian Black – © 2023 Paramount Pictures./IMDb)

Tom Cruise’s only release since Top Gun: Maverick is Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. The seventh film in the Mission: Impossible franchise, which started in 1996, the film earned over USD 567 million worldwide and was critically lauded.

Though it is the 10th highest-grossing film of 2023, its box office success was hampered by the simultaneous releases of Barbie and Oppenheimer just over a week after its release.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One will be followed by the eighth film. Since the story of the eighth film directly follows the seventh, most of the actors, including Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, and Hayley Atwell, will be seen alongside Cruise in Mission: Impossible 8.

(Hero and Featured images: Paramount Pictures/Paramount Pictures – © 2019 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved./IMDb; Scott Garfield/Scott Garfield – © 2022 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved./IMDb)

This story first appeared on Augustman Malaysia

Frequently Asked Questions:

– Is there going to be a Top Gun 3?

Yes, Top Gun 3 is reportedly in the works with Tom Cruise.

– How much did Tom Cruise make for Top Gun 2?

Tom Cruise earned around USD 100 million for Top Gun 2, as part of his salary and shares in ticket sales and rentals.

– How many Top Gun movies are out?

Two Top Gun movies have been released so far: Top Gun (1986) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022).

The post ‘Top Gun 3’ Announced: Release Date Speculation, Plot, Cast And More News appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> 10 Movies From Sundance 2024 to Watch Out For https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/sundance-2024-movies-to-watch-out-for/ Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:00:48 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298439 sundance 2024

AI bringing people back to life, Roman Roy with Mark Zuckerberg, and Superman. These are some of the movies premiering in Sundance 2024 that we’re excited about.

The Sundance Film Festival has been celebrating indie films for the past 45 years. Though there are those who would argue the festival has since become too elite to truly be focused on indie projects, it still can’t be denied that it’s the place for projects that would otherwise fade into the background to shine. The festival has grown greatly since it started, but it was only in 2022 that a Sundance film, CODA, won Best Picture at the Oscars.

This year’s lineup once again features a varied and intriguing list of films, from satirical comedies about the role of black people in movies to a documentary about a Japanese journalist fighting to defend the truth. Here are our picks for movies we’re excited about in the Sundace 2024 lineup.

[Hero image: Image credit: Sundance]

The movies premiering at Sundance 2024 that we’re excited about 

A Real Pain

Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg appear in A Real Pain by Jesse Eisenberg, an official selection of the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin
Directed by Jesse Eisenberg

Eisenberg writes, directs, and stars alongside Kieran Culkin in this film about two cousins who have recently lost their grandmother. In an effort to discover their roots and find out where they came from, they take a trip to Poland and join a Holocaust tour, making them examine their family history and the reality of intergenerational trauma. 

A Different Man

A still from A Different Man by Aaron Schimberg, an official selection of the Premieres program at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Directed by Aaron Schimberg
Starring Sebastian Stan

Edward (Stan) is an aspiring actor who thinks his physical appearance is what’s keeping him from his dreams. He undergoes surgery to change his appearance, but it seems to have the opposite intended effect on his career. 

Love Me

Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun appear in Love Me by Sam Zuchero and Andy Zuchero, an official selection of the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute. Photo by Justine Yeung.

Directed by Sam and Andy Zuchero
Starring Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun

The film’s plot is simple and vague: a buoy and a satellite fall in love in a post-apocalyptic world. What does that mean? Are Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun playing personifications of these things? What we do know is it’s a love story with Stewart and Yeun, so we’re in.  

Black Box Diaries

sundance 2024
Image credit: Sundance

Directed by Shiori Ito

This documentary follows journalist Shiori Ito as she seeks to uncover the truth of a sexual assault. In turn, the decades-old laws of Japan are exposed, revealing that victims are at the mercy of these outdated systems. There is, however, an interesting twist to this true story: the victim of the sexual assault was Ito herself.

Eternal You

A still from Eternal You by Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck, an official selection of the World Documentary Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute. Photo by Konrad Waldmann.

Directed by Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck

Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic recently but it’s not just being used for conversations, “art”, and videos. This documentary follows the startups that are using AI to “revive” deceased people, allowing their loved ones to get one more chance to spend some time with them. 

Presence

sundance 2024
A still from Presence by Steven Soderbergh, an official selection of the Premieres Program at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Directed by Steven Soderbergh

Steven Soderbergh’s style is a joy to see on the big screen, so while plot details are scarce for this film, Soderbergh’s name is enough to get us excited. A family moves into a new house in the suburbs, but then they realize they might not be alone.

Freaky Tales

Pedro Pascal appears in Freaky Tales by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck,an official selection of the Premieres program at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden
Starring Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Ji-Young Yoo, and Angus Cloud

Set in Oakland, California in the ‘80s, the movie follows four interconnected stories of underdogs trying to make it and prove their worth in the Bay. The film is described as a “joyful ode to the 80s” and “a stirring anthem to solidarity and Oakland’s egalitarian, countercultural, and multicultural spirit”.

Love Lies Bleeding

sundance 2024
Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian appear in Love Lies Bleeding by Rose Glass, an official selection of the Midnight program at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Directed by Rose Glass
Starring Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian

Gym manager Lou (Stewarts) likes to keep to herself, but when bodybuilder Jackie (O’Brian) comes through town, she falls hard for her. But their love is more than what they bargained for as both of them get involved in Lou’s criminal family. 

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

sundance 2024
A still from Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, an official selection of the Premieres program at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | Photo by Warner Bros / Alamy.

Directed by Ian Bonhôte

Even though there have been two Supermen and one more along the way after him, Christopher Reeve remains the quintessential Man of Steel. But believe it or not, Reeve was an unknown actor before he donned the cape. This documentary traces his beginnings and his eventual casting as one of the most iconic superheroes of our time. 

The American Society of Magical Negroes

sundance 2024
Image credit: Sundance

Directed by Kobi Libii
Starring Justice Smith and David Alan Grier

This satirical comedy sees a young man named Aren (Smith) who gets the chance of a lifetime: being recruited into a secret society of Black people who possess magical powers. Their mission is simple: make white people’s lives easier.

See the entire Sundance 2024 lineup on its website

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

The post 10 Movies From Sundance 2024 to Watch Out For appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> sundance 2024

AI bringing people back to life, Roman Roy with Mark Zuckerberg, and Superman. These are some of the movies premiering in Sundance 2024 that we’re excited about.

The Sundance Film Festival has been celebrating indie films for the past 45 years. Though there are those who would argue the festival has since become too elite to truly be focused on indie projects, it still can’t be denied that it’s the place for projects that would otherwise fade into the background to shine. The festival has grown greatly since it started, but it was only in 2022 that a Sundance film, CODA, won Best Picture at the Oscars.

This year’s lineup once again features a varied and intriguing list of films, from satirical comedies about the role of black people in movies to a documentary about a Japanese journalist fighting to defend the truth. Here are our picks for movies we’re excited about in the Sundace 2024 lineup.

[Hero image: Image credit: Sundance]

The movies premiering at Sundance 2024 that we’re excited about 

A Real Pain

Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg appear in A Real Pain by Jesse Eisenberg, an official selection of the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin
Directed by Jesse Eisenberg

Eisenberg writes, directs, and stars alongside Kieran Culkin in this film about two cousins who have recently lost their grandmother. In an effort to discover their roots and find out where they came from, they take a trip to Poland and join a Holocaust tour, making them examine their family history and the reality of intergenerational trauma. 

A Different Man

A still from A Different Man by Aaron Schimberg, an official selection of the Premieres program at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Directed by Aaron Schimberg
Starring Sebastian Stan

Edward (Stan) is an aspiring actor who thinks his physical appearance is what’s keeping him from his dreams. He undergoes surgery to change his appearance, but it seems to have the opposite intended effect on his career. 

Love Me

Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun appear in Love Me by Sam Zuchero and Andy Zuchero, an official selection of the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute. Photo by Justine Yeung.

Directed by Sam and Andy Zuchero
Starring Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun

The film’s plot is simple and vague: a buoy and a satellite fall in love in a post-apocalyptic world. What does that mean? Are Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun playing personifications of these things? What we do know is it’s a love story with Stewart and Yeun, so we’re in.  

Black Box Diaries

sundance 2024
Image credit: Sundance

Directed by Shiori Ito

This documentary follows journalist Shiori Ito as she seeks to uncover the truth of a sexual assault. In turn, the decades-old laws of Japan are exposed, revealing that victims are at the mercy of these outdated systems. There is, however, an interesting twist to this true story: the victim of the sexual assault was Ito herself.

Eternal You

A still from Eternal You by Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck, an official selection of the World Documentary Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute. Photo by Konrad Waldmann.

Directed by Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck

Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic recently but it’s not just being used for conversations, “art”, and videos. This documentary follows the startups that are using AI to “revive” deceased people, allowing their loved ones to get one more chance to spend some time with them. 

Presence

sundance 2024
A still from Presence by Steven Soderbergh, an official selection of the Premieres Program at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Directed by Steven Soderbergh

Steven Soderbergh’s style is a joy to see on the big screen, so while plot details are scarce for this film, Soderbergh’s name is enough to get us excited. A family moves into a new house in the suburbs, but then they realize they might not be alone.

Freaky Tales

Pedro Pascal appears in Freaky Tales by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck,an official selection of the Premieres program at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden
Starring Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Ji-Young Yoo, and Angus Cloud

Set in Oakland, California in the ‘80s, the movie follows four interconnected stories of underdogs trying to make it and prove their worth in the Bay. The film is described as a “joyful ode to the 80s” and “a stirring anthem to solidarity and Oakland’s egalitarian, countercultural, and multicultural spirit”.

Love Lies Bleeding

sundance 2024
Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian appear in Love Lies Bleeding by Rose Glass, an official selection of the Midnight program at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Directed by Rose Glass
Starring Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian

Gym manager Lou (Stewarts) likes to keep to herself, but when bodybuilder Jackie (O’Brian) comes through town, she falls hard for her. But their love is more than what they bargained for as both of them get involved in Lou’s criminal family. 

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

sundance 2024
A still from Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, an official selection of the Premieres program at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | Photo by Warner Bros / Alamy.

Directed by Ian Bonhôte

Even though there have been two Supermen and one more along the way after him, Christopher Reeve remains the quintessential Man of Steel. But believe it or not, Reeve was an unknown actor before he donned the cape. This documentary traces his beginnings and his eventual casting as one of the most iconic superheroes of our time. 

The American Society of Magical Negroes

sundance 2024
Image credit: Sundance

Directed by Kobi Libii
Starring Justice Smith and David Alan Grier

This satirical comedy sees a young man named Aren (Smith) who gets the chance of a lifetime: being recruited into a secret society of Black people who possess magical powers. Their mission is simple: make white people’s lives easier.

See the entire Sundance 2024 lineup on its website

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

The post 10 Movies From Sundance 2024 to Watch Out For appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Jeremy Allen White on What to Expect in The Bear Season 3 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/jeremy-allen-white-on-what-to-expect-in-the-bear-season-3/ Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:45 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298322

In the wake of The Bear bagging four Golden Globes including the award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, actor Jeremy Allen White has been teasing what to expect from season 3 of the hit comedy-drama.

It was confirmed in November 2023 that Carmy and co would return for a third outing in 2024, but little was known about what would happen in the new episodes, or when season 3 would be released due to the now-settled SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.

The Bear season 3: Jeremy Allen White fills us in

But in an episode of the Just for Variety podcast, White has given a sneak peek into what direction the upcoming chapter will take.

He teased: “I’ll tell you the truth, which is I think they’ve written a couple scripts. I have not read any. I do know in January I’m going to spend a fair amount of time getting together with some chefs. There’ll be a menu set, I believe, that’s going to be for the restaurant in the third season.”

While not giving too much away, White said he would be putting together the menu for the third season and is getting “prepared to do more of that stuff on camera”.

“But now, in the third season, I think we’re going to go back to that functioning kitchen atmosphere that we had in the first,” he explained.

the bear season 3
Jeremy Allen White stars in The Bear. (Image: The Bear/ Facebook)

What happened in season 2 of The Bear?

In season 2 of The Bear, viewers watched as The Original Beef of Chicagoland sandwich joint transformed into a fine dining restaurant, with Carmy, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) and the team racing against the clock to get the new venture up and running.

The second season also included an interesting Christmas flashback episode, giving viewers further insight into Carmy’s backstory, in which screen icon Jamie Lee Curtis starred.

Speaking on the podcast, he said: “She was so excellent, so prepared. She understood Donna in this way prior to ever stepping foot on set. It’s quite a difficult thing to do, even for actors as established as Jamie, to step into a world and very quickly make a choice, flesh out a character and fit into the environment that’s already been established. And she just knew. She just understood.”

Reflecting on the time they spent together filming, White explained that when he and Curtis first met, she held his face before giving him “a big hug” without saying a word.

“And then, she just walked back to her trailer,” he said. “We didn’t exchange any words, and I think it was just her way of connecting with me in a real and caring way before Carmy had to deal with Donna in the way that he had to during that time in that episode.”


Watch The Bear here

(Main and featured images: The Bear/ Facebook)

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

The post Jeremy Allen White on What to Expect in <i>The Bear</i> Season 3 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

In the wake of The Bear bagging four Golden Globes including the award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, actor Jeremy Allen White has been teasing what to expect from season 3 of the hit comedy-drama.

It was confirmed in November 2023 that Carmy and co would return for a third outing in 2024, but little was known about what would happen in the new episodes, or when season 3 would be released due to the now-settled SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.

The Bear season 3: Jeremy Allen White fills us in

But in an episode of the Just for Variety podcast, White has given a sneak peek into what direction the upcoming chapter will take.

He teased: “I’ll tell you the truth, which is I think they’ve written a couple scripts. I have not read any. I do know in January I’m going to spend a fair amount of time getting together with some chefs. There’ll be a menu set, I believe, that’s going to be for the restaurant in the third season.”

While not giving too much away, White said he would be putting together the menu for the third season and is getting “prepared to do more of that stuff on camera”.

“But now, in the third season, I think we’re going to go back to that functioning kitchen atmosphere that we had in the first,” he explained.

the bear season 3
Jeremy Allen White stars in The Bear. (Image: The Bear/ Facebook)

What happened in season 2 of The Bear?

In season 2 of The Bear, viewers watched as The Original Beef of Chicagoland sandwich joint transformed into a fine dining restaurant, with Carmy, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) and the team racing against the clock to get the new venture up and running.

The second season also included an interesting Christmas flashback episode, giving viewers further insight into Carmy’s backstory, in which screen icon Jamie Lee Curtis starred.

Speaking on the podcast, he said: “She was so excellent, so prepared. She understood Donna in this way prior to ever stepping foot on set. It’s quite a difficult thing to do, even for actors as established as Jamie, to step into a world and very quickly make a choice, flesh out a character and fit into the environment that’s already been established. And she just knew. She just understood.”

Reflecting on the time they spent together filming, White explained that when he and Curtis first met, she held his face before giving him “a big hug” without saying a word.

“And then, she just walked back to her trailer,” he said. “We didn’t exchange any words, and I think it was just her way of connecting with me in a real and caring way before Carmy had to deal with Donna in the way that he had to during that time in that episode.”

Watch The Bear here

(Main and featured images: The Bear/ Facebook)

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

The post Jeremy Allen White on What to Expect in <i>The Bear</i> Season 3 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> 10 Most Expensive Extreme Sports That Every Adventure Junkie Will Love https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/most-expensive-extreme-sports-adventure-junkies-will-love/ Sat, 13 Jan 2024 08:00:33 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298333

Thrill chasers, assemble! Today, we’re taking you on a journey through an electrifying realm of adventure, where adrenaline surges and wallets weep. So buckle up and sit tight, as we explore the ten most expensive extreme sports that will keep your heart racing. 

Welcome to a world where it’s no biggie for adrenaline junkies to shell out a small fortune for experiences that push their boundaries. From sky-high thrills to heart-pounding escapades, these extreme sports redefine what it means to take it to the limit. And the price of admission? Let’s just say it’s not for the financially faint-hearted. Ready to check out the playground where the adventures are as pricey as they are pulse-pounding? Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the world of extreme sports like you’ve never known before.

10 Most Expensive Extreme Sports in The World

High-Altitude Mountain Climbing

Price: USD 100,000 onwards

https://youtu.be/99ryMHWuhtM?si=yKA-hMawMY7IY8vR

For those who yearn to touch the skies and stand atop the world’s loftiest peaks, high-altitude mountain climbing offers an extraordinary adventure. While there are numerous breathtaking locations for this extreme sport, the Himalayas in Nepal, particularly the majestic Mount Everest, stand as the pinnacle of high-altitude mountaineering. It is also the most expensive mountain to climb! The daunting Everest Base Camp serves as the gateway to the world’s highest peak, where climbers from around the globe gather to embark on this arduous and exhilarating journey.

However, high-altitude mountain climbing is not for everyone. As you ascend beyond 2,100 metres above sea level, the human body struggles to adapt, and at altitudes exceeding 8,000 metres, a “death zone” is reached, where acclimatisation becomes impossible without supplemental oxygen. To conquer these towering peaks, climbers rely on specialised equipment, oxygen canisters, gear-hauling services, and experienced guides. The costs associated with high-altitude mountaineering can be staggering, with the expenses tallying up to around USD 100,000 or even more. This makes it the most expensive extreme sport one can undertake.

Hot Air Balloon Racing

Price: USD 20,000 onwards

https://youtu.be/WIZXscviHFM?si=dzwiYYK9-F4J8Z0d

For those who yearn to touch the sky and experience adventure from a unique perspective, hot air balloon racing offers a one-of-a-kind journey that combines skill, precision, and the thrill of friendly competition. While hot air balloons may not evoke thoughts of speed, the challenge lies in the meticulous control and manoeuvring required to navigate these graceful giants through the skies. To experience the ultimate in hot air balloon racing, head to one of the most captivating destinations: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Here, the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta transforms the sky into a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes, attracting balloon enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

Hot air balloon racing traces its roots back to the late 18th century when the Montgolfier brothers first demonstrated the principles of flight by launching a hot air balloon in France. Since then, this majestic sport has evolved, and today’s hot air balloons boast advanced technology and design. To embark on this exhilarating adventure, you’ll need to invest in a hot air balloon of your own, with costs starting at around USD 20,000. Additionally, inflating the balloon can set you back another USD 9,000, and to operate and race your balloon, you’ll need to obtain a pilot’s licence, which typically costs around USD 3,000.

Modern Pentathlon

Price: USD 14,000

https://youtu.be/yomqv97XTPs?si=58B5rJSjO5PjqR-G

If you’re in search of the quintessential test of athletic versatility, look no further than the modern pentathlon. Originating from the military training of 19th-century soldiers, this multifaceted sport made its Olympic debut in the 1912 Stockholm Games. While you won’t find a single place that encompasses all the disciplines required for the modern pentathlon, a notable location to experience this demanding challenge is the International Olympic Committee’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The modern pentathlon consists of five distinct and unrelated events: running, shooting, fencing, swimming, and equestrian show jumping. To excel in each of these disciplines, competitors must invest not only their time and dedication but also a considerable sum of money. Training for the pentathlon involves hiring five separate trainers, each specialised in one of the events, and purchasing a diverse range of gear tailored to meet the unique demands of each competition. This comprehensive approach to athleticism doesn’t come cheap, and the total cost of participating in the pentathlon can easily reach USD 14,000 or more. Despite its steep price tag, the modern pentathlon remains a true testament to an athlete’s adaptability and determination, offering a thrilling and rewarding challenge for those willing to take it on. This one’s easily one of the world’s most expensive and extreme sports to look out for!

Scuba Diving Through Underwater Caves

Price: USD 9,000

https://youtu.be/V6XOPYxwCEM?si=qWwt6R0TxtaD4PHE

If you’re seeking an adventure that will take you to the hidden realms beneath the Earth’s surface, scuba diving through underwater caves promises an experience unlike any other. However, it’s not for the faint-hearted. One of the best places on Earth to explore underwater caves is the Riviera Maya in Mexico, where many embark on this thrilling journey. This stunning region is known for its intricate network of underwater caves, offering a mesmerising and challenging terrain for those eager to push the boundaries of scuba diving.

Venturing into underwater caves is a perilous endeavour, primarily due to the risk of decompression sickness, which can lead to severe health issues and even drowning. This is why professional training is an absolute necessity before attempting this unique experience. The specialised gear required for cave diving doesn’t come cheap, with costs starting at a whopping USD 9,000. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Beyond gear, participants must budget for boat rides, plane tickets, and accommodations, making cave diving one of the world’s most expensive extreme sports. Despite the financial commitment, the opportunity to explore the hidden wonders of underwater caves and witness the beauty of these subterranean worlds is a dream come true for adventurers who are willing to invest in an extraordinary experience.

Skysurfing

Price: USD 6,500 (Approx.)

https://youtu.be/1s8jrDC6eFY?si=xeA9nkwF5D-vCG7N

If it excites you to combine the thrill of surfing with the adrenaline rush of skydiving, then skysurfing might be the ultimate pick. Skysurfing involves attaching a smaller board to your feet during a skydive, allowing you to perform exhilarating manoeuvres as you descend. These boards are more compact than traditional surfboards and can typically be removed midair, providing a safety net should any issues arise during your gravity-defying descent.

The story of skysurfing’s inception traces back to 1986 when Dominique Jacquet and Jean-Pascal Oron, two avid skydivers, sought to add a thrilling twist to their jumps. This innovative sport gained substantial notoriety when it was featured in commercials for major brands like Pepsi and AT&T, sparking interest and inspiring a wave of enthusiasts. The cost of skysurfing equipment and a single session typically totals around USD 6,500, reflecting the specialised gear required for this high-flying adventure. If you’re seeking a unique blend of adrenaline and style, skysurfing offers a unique experience that combines the best of two worlds, albeit with a hefty price tag and an emphasis on safety and skill.

Skydiving in Switzerland

Price: USD 5,000 (Approx.)

https://youtu.be/PVSP9ZjjCYU?si=MleDLDEkoER7J_7k

Imagine standing on the edge of an aircraft high above the pristine Swiss Alps, then taking a heart-pounding leap into the open sky, experiencing the exhilaration of freefall before your parachute gently guides you back to Earth. This is the electrifying world of skydiving, an adventure that provides a taste of true human flight. When it comes to experiencing the ultimate adrenaline rush, one of the most renowned and awe-inspiring places for skydiving is Interlaken, Switzerland. Nestled amidst the stunning Swiss Alps, it offers jaw-dropping vistas as the perfect backdrop for the skydiving experience of a lifetime.

The history of skydiving dates back to 1919 when two pioneering individuals, Andre-Jacques Garnerin and Leslie Irvin, made daring descents with the aid of a canvas canopy and a small basket suspended beneath a hot air balloon. Today, skydiving boasts an impressively low fatality rate, making it a thrilling yet relatively safe extreme sport when conducted under proper instruction and favourable weather conditions. While the safety aspect is reassuring, the financial investment in skydiving can be significant. A full set of skydiving equipment, including essentials like a helmet, main canopy, reserve canopy, container, and altimeter, may set you back approximately USD 5,000. The cost of the jump itself varies, ranging from USD 200 to USD 400 depending on the altitude from which you choose to take the leap. This choice also means there are an array of options for thrill-seekers with varying budgets.

Wingsuit Flying

Price: USD 3,000 to USD 5,000 (Approx.)

https://youtu.be/vnel-aTSQJw?si=JvFLPMuOgGwbaFTx

Wingsuit flying, often referred to as “wingsuiting,” allows you to fulfil the dream of soaring through the skies like a bird. This extreme sport was born from the world of skydiving, with its roots tracing back to the 1990s. The idea is simple yet daring: jump out of an aircraft, clad in a specially designed wingsuit, and experience the thrill of freefall while having the ability to steer through the air. For those eager to try this heart-pounding activity, the Swiss Alps offer breathtaking scenery and ideal conditions for wingsuit flights.

Unlike some of the other sports on this list, wingsuit flying is relatively more accessible, with the cost of gear and training amounting to around USD 3,000 to USD 5,000. One of the sport’s most iconic figures is Jeb Corliss, known as the “Birdman,” who has performed jaw-dropping wingsuit stunts including flying through the infamous Tianmen Cave in China, capturing the hearts and imaginations of many. Talk about expensive and extreme sports!

B.A.S.E Jumping

Price: USD 2,000 (Approx.)

https://youtu.be/h5U50ZsFUaY?si=s7rqkMcgWLEoKWwg

Picture yourself on the edge of a towering cliff, a massive antenna, or the precipice of a skyscraper, ready to leap into the void. This is the exhilarating world of B.A.S.E jumping, an extreme sport named after the four categories of fixed objects thrill-seekers can leap from: Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth (usually cliffs). One of the most iconic and breathtaking locations to experience the heart-pounding thrill of B.A.S.E jumping is the formidable Trollveggen in Norway. It was here, in 1984, that Carl Boenish made history with the highest B.A.S.E jump ever recorded, setting the stage for an international obsession with this daring sport. The allure of B.A.S.E jumping has only grown since then, thanks in part to its appearances in adrenaline-pumping action films like Vin Diesel’s xXx and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life.

Yet, as the popularity of B.A.S.E jumping soars, so does the sobering statistic that the fatality rate stands at an alarming one in sixty participants. The inherent risks of this sport have led to restrictions and even outright bans in some areas, underscoring the need for meticulous preparation and safety precautions. To take the plunge into the heart of this extreme adventure, you’ll require specialised equipment, including a unique parachute, protective gear, and a jumpsuit, collectively amounting to an investment of around USD 2,000. As you prepare to defy gravity and leap from Earth’s precipice, remember that B.A.S.E jumping is a sport reserved for the boldest and most fearless thrill-seekers, offering an unparalleled rush of adrenaline amidst some of the world’s most breathtaking natural and urban landscapes.

Mountain Biking

Price: USD 2,000 onwards

https://youtu.be/ctEksNz7tqg?si=GtM05EFzisaU4U4r

When embracing the thrill of mountain biking, the world is your playground, but there’s no denying that some locations offer more exhilarating experiences than others. One such destination is Moab, Utah, often hailed as a mecca for mountain biking enthusiasts. Nestled amid the mesmerising red rock landscapes of Southeastern Utah, Moab boasts an extensive network of world-class trails, including the iconic Slickrock Trail and the challenging Porcupine Rim. The combination of gorgeous scenery and challenging terrains makes Moab a must-visit for anyone looking to take their mountain biking adventure to the next level.

Mountain biking, unlike its road-bound counterpart, offers a diverse range of experiences, from cross country journeys through pristine forests to Super D competitions that test the mettle of even the most seasoned riders. However, what truly sets it apart is the rugged terrains it introduces riders to, featuring tricky descents, uneven land, jumps, and adrenaline-pumping drop-offs. The tricky terrains are also what puts this activity on the list of the world’s most expensive and extreme sports to try! The equipment requirements for mountain biking go beyond just the bike itself, encompassing specialised helmets, shoes, gloves, and more. As you delve into this heart-pounding sport, expect to invest a minimum of USD 2,000 for a decent mountain bike and essential accessories, with a potential for higher costs depending on your preferences and ambitions.

Heli-Skiing

USD 800 and USD 1,500 (Approx.)

https://youtu.be/3x7oxLUbG0o?si=-1-wDsjDbPXaTjHz

Imagine the thrill of being whisked away by a helicopter to untouched, snow-covered mountain peaks, far removed from the well-groomed slopes of conventional ski resorts. Heli-skiing, despite its misleading name, doesn’t involve skiing with a helicopter but rather using the chopper as your ticket to some of the most remote areas in the world. This adrenaline-pumping sport takes skiing to new heights, both literally and figuratively. The helicopter ride not only adds a dash of luxury but also sets the stage for an extraordinary skiing experience. One of the best places on Earth to experience the heart-pounding rush of heli-skiing is the Canadian Rockies. While the cost of the helicopter adventure can be shared with fellow thrill-seekers, be prepared to shell out between USD 800 and USD 1,500, with variations depending on the location and the company providing the ride.

As you glide down untouched slopes and carve your path through pristine powder, the challenges and thrills of heli-skiing become abundantly clear. These remote mountain ranges are a far cry from the groomed runs of traditional ski resorts, offering the promise of untouched snow but also the potential for serious accidents if caution is not exercised. It’s not the helicopter ride itself that’s extreme, but rather the uncharted mountain ranges that follow, where the skiing can be incredibly demanding and even perilous, making it an adventure that’s only for true brave hearts.

If money were no object, which of the world’s most expensive extreme sports would make it to your bucket list?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the world’s most extreme sport?

Wing Walking and Hot Air Balloon racing are among the world’s most extreme sports to try.

What adventure sport is the most popular? 

Paragliding and Mountain Biking are among the most popular adventure sports.

Are extreme sports worth the risk? 

While adventure junkies and thrill seekers are likely to chase these experiences, extreme sports pose a significantly higher risk of severe harm and fatalities compared to traditional sports.

 

The post 10 Most Expensive Extreme Sports That Every Adventure Junkie Will Love appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Thrill chasers, assemble! Today, we’re taking you on a journey through an electrifying realm of adventure, where adrenaline surges and wallets weep. So buckle up and sit tight, as we explore the ten most expensive extreme sports that will keep your heart racing. 

Welcome to a world where it’s no biggie for adrenaline junkies to shell out a small fortune for experiences that push their boundaries. From sky-high thrills to heart-pounding escapades, these extreme sports redefine what it means to take it to the limit. And the price of admission? Let’s just say it’s not for the financially faint-hearted. Ready to check out the playground where the adventures are as pricey as they are pulse-pounding? Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the world of extreme sports like you’ve never known before.

10 Most Expensive Extreme Sports in The World

High-Altitude Mountain Climbing

Price: USD 100,000 onwards

https://youtu.be/99ryMHWuhtM?si=yKA-hMawMY7IY8vR

For those who yearn to touch the skies and stand atop the world’s loftiest peaks, high-altitude mountain climbing offers an extraordinary adventure. While there are numerous breathtaking locations for this extreme sport, the Himalayas in Nepal, particularly the majestic Mount Everest, stand as the pinnacle of high-altitude mountaineering. It is also the most expensive mountain to climb! The daunting Everest Base Camp serves as the gateway to the world’s highest peak, where climbers from around the globe gather to embark on this arduous and exhilarating journey.

However, high-altitude mountain climbing is not for everyone. As you ascend beyond 2,100 metres above sea level, the human body struggles to adapt, and at altitudes exceeding 8,000 metres, a “death zone” is reached, where acclimatisation becomes impossible without supplemental oxygen. To conquer these towering peaks, climbers rely on specialised equipment, oxygen canisters, gear-hauling services, and experienced guides. The costs associated with high-altitude mountaineering can be staggering, with the expenses tallying up to around USD 100,000 or even more. This makes it the most expensive extreme sport one can undertake.

Hot Air Balloon Racing

Price: USD 20,000 onwards

https://youtu.be/WIZXscviHFM?si=dzwiYYK9-F4J8Z0d

For those who yearn to touch the sky and experience adventure from a unique perspective, hot air balloon racing offers a one-of-a-kind journey that combines skill, precision, and the thrill of friendly competition. While hot air balloons may not evoke thoughts of speed, the challenge lies in the meticulous control and manoeuvring required to navigate these graceful giants through the skies. To experience the ultimate in hot air balloon racing, head to one of the most captivating destinations: Albuquerque, New Mexico. Here, the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta transforms the sky into a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes, attracting balloon enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

Hot air balloon racing traces its roots back to the late 18th century when the Montgolfier brothers first demonstrated the principles of flight by launching a hot air balloon in France. Since then, this majestic sport has evolved, and today’s hot air balloons boast advanced technology and design. To embark on this exhilarating adventure, you’ll need to invest in a hot air balloon of your own, with costs starting at around USD 20,000. Additionally, inflating the balloon can set you back another USD 9,000, and to operate and race your balloon, you’ll need to obtain a pilot’s licence, which typically costs around USD 3,000.

Modern Pentathlon

Price: USD 14,000

https://youtu.be/yomqv97XTPs?si=58B5rJSjO5PjqR-G

If you’re in search of the quintessential test of athletic versatility, look no further than the modern pentathlon. Originating from the military training of 19th-century soldiers, this multifaceted sport made its Olympic debut in the 1912 Stockholm Games. While you won’t find a single place that encompasses all the disciplines required for the modern pentathlon, a notable location to experience this demanding challenge is the International Olympic Committee’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The modern pentathlon consists of five distinct and unrelated events: running, shooting, fencing, swimming, and equestrian show jumping. To excel in each of these disciplines, competitors must invest not only their time and dedication but also a considerable sum of money. Training for the pentathlon involves hiring five separate trainers, each specialised in one of the events, and purchasing a diverse range of gear tailored to meet the unique demands of each competition. This comprehensive approach to athleticism doesn’t come cheap, and the total cost of participating in the pentathlon can easily reach USD 14,000 or more. Despite its steep price tag, the modern pentathlon remains a true testament to an athlete’s adaptability and determination, offering a thrilling and rewarding challenge for those willing to take it on. This one’s easily one of the world’s most expensive and extreme sports to look out for!

Scuba Diving Through Underwater Caves

Price: USD 9,000

https://youtu.be/V6XOPYxwCEM?si=qWwt6R0TxtaD4PHE

If you’re seeking an adventure that will take you to the hidden realms beneath the Earth’s surface, scuba diving through underwater caves promises an experience unlike any other. However, it’s not for the faint-hearted. One of the best places on Earth to explore underwater caves is the Riviera Maya in Mexico, where many embark on this thrilling journey. This stunning region is known for its intricate network of underwater caves, offering a mesmerising and challenging terrain for those eager to push the boundaries of scuba diving.

Venturing into underwater caves is a perilous endeavour, primarily due to the risk of decompression sickness, which can lead to severe health issues and even drowning. This is why professional training is an absolute necessity before attempting this unique experience. The specialised gear required for cave diving doesn’t come cheap, with costs starting at a whopping USD 9,000. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Beyond gear, participants must budget for boat rides, plane tickets, and accommodations, making cave diving one of the world’s most expensive extreme sports. Despite the financial commitment, the opportunity to explore the hidden wonders of underwater caves and witness the beauty of these subterranean worlds is a dream come true for adventurers who are willing to invest in an extraordinary experience.

Skysurfing

Price: USD 6,500 (Approx.)

https://youtu.be/1s8jrDC6eFY?si=xeA9nkwF5D-vCG7N

If it excites you to combine the thrill of surfing with the adrenaline rush of skydiving, then skysurfing might be the ultimate pick. Skysurfing involves attaching a smaller board to your feet during a skydive, allowing you to perform exhilarating manoeuvres as you descend. These boards are more compact than traditional surfboards and can typically be removed midair, providing a safety net should any issues arise during your gravity-defying descent.

The story of skysurfing’s inception traces back to 1986 when Dominique Jacquet and Jean-Pascal Oron, two avid skydivers, sought to add a thrilling twist to their jumps. This innovative sport gained substantial notoriety when it was featured in commercials for major brands like Pepsi and AT&T, sparking interest and inspiring a wave of enthusiasts. The cost of skysurfing equipment and a single session typically totals around USD 6,500, reflecting the specialised gear required for this high-flying adventure. If you’re seeking a unique blend of adrenaline and style, skysurfing offers a unique experience that combines the best of two worlds, albeit with a hefty price tag and an emphasis on safety and skill.

Skydiving in Switzerland

Price: USD 5,000 (Approx.)

https://youtu.be/PVSP9ZjjCYU?si=MleDLDEkoER7J_7k

Imagine standing on the edge of an aircraft high above the pristine Swiss Alps, then taking a heart-pounding leap into the open sky, experiencing the exhilaration of freefall before your parachute gently guides you back to Earth. This is the electrifying world of skydiving, an adventure that provides a taste of true human flight. When it comes to experiencing the ultimate adrenaline rush, one of the most renowned and awe-inspiring places for skydiving is Interlaken, Switzerland. Nestled amidst the stunning Swiss Alps, it offers jaw-dropping vistas as the perfect backdrop for the skydiving experience of a lifetime.

The history of skydiving dates back to 1919 when two pioneering individuals, Andre-Jacques Garnerin and Leslie Irvin, made daring descents with the aid of a canvas canopy and a small basket suspended beneath a hot air balloon. Today, skydiving boasts an impressively low fatality rate, making it a thrilling yet relatively safe extreme sport when conducted under proper instruction and favourable weather conditions. While the safety aspect is reassuring, the financial investment in skydiving can be significant. A full set of skydiving equipment, including essentials like a helmet, main canopy, reserve canopy, container, and altimeter, may set you back approximately USD 5,000. The cost of the jump itself varies, ranging from USD 200 to USD 400 depending on the altitude from which you choose to take the leap. This choice also means there are an array of options for thrill-seekers with varying budgets.

Wingsuit Flying

Price: USD 3,000 to USD 5,000 (Approx.)

https://youtu.be/vnel-aTSQJw?si=JvFLPMuOgGwbaFTx

Wingsuit flying, often referred to as “wingsuiting,” allows you to fulfil the dream of soaring through the skies like a bird. This extreme sport was born from the world of skydiving, with its roots tracing back to the 1990s. The idea is simple yet daring: jump out of an aircraft, clad in a specially designed wingsuit, and experience the thrill of freefall while having the ability to steer through the air. For those eager to try this heart-pounding activity, the Swiss Alps offer breathtaking scenery and ideal conditions for wingsuit flights.

Unlike some of the other sports on this list, wingsuit flying is relatively more accessible, with the cost of gear and training amounting to around USD 3,000 to USD 5,000. One of the sport’s most iconic figures is Jeb Corliss, known as the “Birdman,” who has performed jaw-dropping wingsuit stunts including flying through the infamous Tianmen Cave in China, capturing the hearts and imaginations of many. Talk about expensive and extreme sports!

B.A.S.E Jumping

Price: USD 2,000 (Approx.)

https://youtu.be/h5U50ZsFUaY?si=s7rqkMcgWLEoKWwg

Picture yourself on the edge of a towering cliff, a massive antenna, or the precipice of a skyscraper, ready to leap into the void. This is the exhilarating world of B.A.S.E jumping, an extreme sport named after the four categories of fixed objects thrill-seekers can leap from: Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth (usually cliffs). One of the most iconic and breathtaking locations to experience the heart-pounding thrill of B.A.S.E jumping is the formidable Trollveggen in Norway. It was here, in 1984, that Carl Boenish made history with the highest B.A.S.E jump ever recorded, setting the stage for an international obsession with this daring sport. The allure of B.A.S.E jumping has only grown since then, thanks in part to its appearances in adrenaline-pumping action films like Vin Diesel’s xXx and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life.

Yet, as the popularity of B.A.S.E jumping soars, so does the sobering statistic that the fatality rate stands at an alarming one in sixty participants. The inherent risks of this sport have led to restrictions and even outright bans in some areas, underscoring the need for meticulous preparation and safety precautions. To take the plunge into the heart of this extreme adventure, you’ll require specialised equipment, including a unique parachute, protective gear, and a jumpsuit, collectively amounting to an investment of around USD 2,000. As you prepare to defy gravity and leap from Earth’s precipice, remember that B.A.S.E jumping is a sport reserved for the boldest and most fearless thrill-seekers, offering an unparalleled rush of adrenaline amidst some of the world’s most breathtaking natural and urban landscapes.

Mountain Biking

Price: USD 2,000 onwards

https://youtu.be/ctEksNz7tqg?si=GtM05EFzisaU4U4r

When embracing the thrill of mountain biking, the world is your playground, but there’s no denying that some locations offer more exhilarating experiences than others. One such destination is Moab, Utah, often hailed as a mecca for mountain biking enthusiasts. Nestled amid the mesmerising red rock landscapes of Southeastern Utah, Moab boasts an extensive network of world-class trails, including the iconic Slickrock Trail and the challenging Porcupine Rim. The combination of gorgeous scenery and challenging terrains makes Moab a must-visit for anyone looking to take their mountain biking adventure to the next level.

Mountain biking, unlike its road-bound counterpart, offers a diverse range of experiences, from cross country journeys through pristine forests to Super D competitions that test the mettle of even the most seasoned riders. However, what truly sets it apart is the rugged terrains it introduces riders to, featuring tricky descents, uneven land, jumps, and adrenaline-pumping drop-offs. The tricky terrains are also what puts this activity on the list of the world’s most expensive and extreme sports to try! The equipment requirements for mountain biking go beyond just the bike itself, encompassing specialised helmets, shoes, gloves, and more. As you delve into this heart-pounding sport, expect to invest a minimum of USD 2,000 for a decent mountain bike and essential accessories, with a potential for higher costs depending on your preferences and ambitions.

Heli-Skiing

USD 800 and USD 1,500 (Approx.)

https://youtu.be/3x7oxLUbG0o?si=-1-wDsjDbPXaTjHz

Imagine the thrill of being whisked away by a helicopter to untouched, snow-covered mountain peaks, far removed from the well-groomed slopes of conventional ski resorts. Heli-skiing, despite its misleading name, doesn’t involve skiing with a helicopter but rather using the chopper as your ticket to some of the most remote areas in the world. This adrenaline-pumping sport takes skiing to new heights, both literally and figuratively. The helicopter ride not only adds a dash of luxury but also sets the stage for an extraordinary skiing experience. One of the best places on Earth to experience the heart-pounding rush of heli-skiing is the Canadian Rockies. While the cost of the helicopter adventure can be shared with fellow thrill-seekers, be prepared to shell out between USD 800 and USD 1,500, with variations depending on the location and the company providing the ride.

As you glide down untouched slopes and carve your path through pristine powder, the challenges and thrills of heli-skiing become abundantly clear. These remote mountain ranges are a far cry from the groomed runs of traditional ski resorts, offering the promise of untouched snow but also the potential for serious accidents if caution is not exercised. It’s not the helicopter ride itself that’s extreme, but rather the uncharted mountain ranges that follow, where the skiing can be incredibly demanding and even perilous, making it an adventure that’s only for true brave hearts.

If money were no object, which of the world’s most expensive extreme sports would make it to your bucket list?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the world’s most extreme sport?

Wing Walking and Hot Air Balloon racing are among the world’s most extreme sports to try.

What adventure sport is the most popular? 

Paragliding and Mountain Biking are among the most popular adventure sports.

Are extreme sports worth the risk? 

While adventure junkies and thrill seekers are likely to chase these experiences, extreme sports pose a significantly higher risk of severe harm and fatalities compared to traditional sports.

 

The post 10 Most Expensive Extreme Sports That Every Adventure Junkie Will Love appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> 10 Things to Know About North West, Kim and Kanye’s Eldest Daughter https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/things-to-know-about-north-west-kim-kardashian-and-kanye-daughter/ Sat, 13 Jan 2024 03:00:51 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298332

In a world where celebrity offspring often steal the spotlight before they even learn to tie their shoelaces, North West emerges as the pint-sized powerhouse who needs no introduction. At the tender age of 10, this mini-fashionista, born to the dynamic albeit divorced duo of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, has effortlessly captured the hearts of the internet with her undeniable charm, sass, and a unique sense of style. If you’re still an ardent ‘Kimye’ fan, here are some interesting things to know about North West, the former couple’s little diva and one of the most memorable personalities on The Kardashians.

Forget your typical bedtime stories; North West’s childhood tales involve front-row seats at fashion shows and rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty. As the offspring of two mega-influencers, Kim and Kanye, North has been navigating the world of fame since before she could pronounce “paparazzi.”

north west kardashian things to know
Kim Kardashian, North West and Kanye West arrive at The Polo Bar on June 15, 2018 in New York City. (Image: James Devaney/ GC Images)

With a closet that could rival a high-end boutique and a personality that steals the show at family gatherings, this 10-year-old sensation is not just keeping up with the Kardashians – she’s setting the bar for the next generation of trendsetters. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a whirlwind tour of the top 10 things you need to know about North West.

10 things to know about North West

Mini Music Maven: Following Dad’s Footsteps

North West isn’t just any 10-year-old – she’s a budding music sensation with a passion for performing that’s straight from the Kanye West playbook. In an exclusive interview, North spilled the beans, confessing, “I like singing. Performing is my favourite.” The highlight? Her show-stopping vocal debut at the Yeezy show during Paris Fashion Week, where she belted out the unforgettable lyrics, “What are those, these are clothes.” Move over, pop stars; North’s got the mic and a musical legacy to uphold.

Fashion’s Youngest Icon: North’s Couture Chronicles

If there’s one thing North West has inherited from her ultra-stylish parents, it’s an unparalleled sense of fashion. Despite being the offspring of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, North proudly declares herself as her own fashion icon. From strutting her stuff at Paris Fashion Week to donning the Christmas gift she received at the age of six – Michael Jackson’s iconic velvet jacket and “Smooth Criminal” white fedora (featured in the video below) – North is turning heads and setting trends. Forget the runway; this fashionista is paving her own catwalk.

@kimandnorthGoing to my friends Halloween party be like♬ son original – iv’

The Future Mogul: North’s Business Aspirations

At a mere 10 years old, North West is already eyeing the throne of the Kardashian-West empire. In an interview, she revealed her ambitions to follow in her parents’ footsteps as a “business owner.” Move over, boardrooms; North is coming for you. The ultimate goal? Owning not just Kanye’s Yeezy but also Kardashian’s Skims. Watch out, business world – North’s entrepreneurial spirit is on the rise, and she’s just getting started.

Multi-Talented Dreamer: North’s Ambitious Career Wishlist

Ask North about her future, and you’ll get a list that reads like a blockbuster movie script. This 10-year-old dynamo has her sights set on multiple career paths – from being a rapper to shooting hoops as a basketball player. But that’s not all; she plans to channel her artistic prowess into selling her own artwork. Oh, and did we mention the grand finale? North dreams of being a business owner, steering the ship of both Yeezy and Skims. Is there anything this little mogul-in-the-making can’t do?

Picasso in the Making: North’s Artistic Ventures

North West isn’t just conquering the world of music and fashion; she’s also making waves in the art scene. With a keen interest in painting, North’s impressive landscape artworks have graced her mother’s social media. Critics might raise eyebrows, but North remains unfazed, attending art classes and pursuing her creative passions. Watch out, galleries – there’s a Picasso on the rise, and she’s painting her way to greatness.

Fashion Police: North’s Critical Eye on Kim’s Wardrobe Choices

If you thought your family had a keen eye for critiquing your wardrobe, think again. Meet North West, the fashion critic extraordinaire, who doesn’t hold back when it comes to her mom’s style. In a jaw-dropping clip from The Kardashians, North takes on the role of judge and jury as Kim Kardashian gets fitted for her iconic custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture pearl-studded Met Gala look in 2023. In the presence of Schiaparelli’s creative director Daniel Roseberry, North drops the snarky one-liner, “Well, it could be better.”

Check out the clip below for the candid fashion face-off where North West lets rip on the dress’ pearls, gaps, and apparent Hawaiian vibe, leaving Daniel questioning if this is his worst nightmare come to life.

North’s Fashion Roast: From the Dollar Store to Cat Costumes

North West doesn’t just critique her mom’s wardrobe; she’s got opinions on the entire celebrity fashion scene. From deeming Kim’s 2021 Balenciaga Met Gala outfit as “suffocating” to suggesting her 2023 Schiaparelli ensemble looked like it came from the Dollar Store, North isn’t one to mince words.

In a livestream critique session with her cousin Penelope Disick, they dissected the 2023 Met Gala, with North throwing shade at Jared Leto’s cat costume. Her unfiltered commentary was dubbed “refreshing,” proving that North is the fashion critic the industry never knew it needed.

Dyslexia Disclosure: North’s Surprise Tea Spill

In a candid TikTok live session, North West dropped a bombshell – she has dyslexia. The revelation caught mom Kim Kardashian off guard, leading to a mix of surprise and humour.

In a moment of raw honesty, North asked, “Should I drop an album?” Kim, torn between affection and the need for privacy, decided to exit the live session, stating, “North, I’m gonna get off this live right now because you just are really saying way too much.”

This unexpected disclosure sheds light on North’s journey and serves as a reminder that even in the glitzy world of celebrities, genuine moments of openness can bring understanding and empathy to the forefront.

Buzzing Ambitions: North’s Love-Hate Relationship with Mosquitoes

North West harbours an unexpected dream that flits between irony and brilliance. Despite her deep-seated hatred for mosquitoes (and who can blame her?), North has a peculiar ambition – she wants to become one.

In a quirky revelation, she shares, “I want to be a mosquito. Because I’m allergic to them, and I can tell them all to leave me alone.” It’s a paradoxical fantasy, blending humour with a touch of revenge against the pesky insects that have bothered her. But in the whimsical world of North West, even mosquitoes aren’t safe from her unique aspirations.

Paparazzi Woes: North’s Candid Camera Confessions

While the world may be enamoured by North West’s every move, the paparazzi’s lens is not her favourite frame. In a candid revelation about her relationship with fame, North expresses her ambivalence toward the relentless pursuit of the paparazzi. When asked if she likes having her picture taken, she bluntly states, “Yes. Only when I want to, because ehhh, I don’t want to sometimes. But not by the paparazzi.”

This 10-year-old sensation, born into the glare of the spotlight, is carving out her boundaries and making it clear that even the most camera-ready celebrity has moments when they prefer to stay out of the paparazzi’s frame.

In the dazzling world of North West, the 10-year-old sensation has proven to be more than just the offspring of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. From her quirky dreams of commanding mosquitoes to her unfiltered fashion critiques and aspirations of mogulhood, North is carving her path in the spotlight. With every step she takes, North West leaves a trail of fascination, proving that in her world, there are no limits – only dreams as extraordinary as the little girl living them.

(Main images: Kevork Djansezian/ Getty Images and Stefanie Keenan/ Getty Images for Daily Front Row; Featured image: Stefanie Keenan/ Getty Images for Daily Front Row)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What age is North West?
North West is currently 10 years old. She was born on June 15, 2013.

– How much is North West worth as of 2023?
North West’s exact net worth remains unknown, but various publications have pegged it at around USD 375 million.

– How many children does Kanye West have?
Kanye West shares four children with his former wife Kim Kardashian. Their names are North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm.

– How old is Kim Kardashian?
Kim Kardashian is 43 years old, and was born on October 21, 1980.

The post 10 Things to Know About North West, Kim and Kanye’s Eldest Daughter appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

In a world where celebrity offspring often steal the spotlight before they even learn to tie their shoelaces, North West emerges as the pint-sized powerhouse who needs no introduction. At the tender age of 10, this mini-fashionista, born to the dynamic albeit divorced duo of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, has effortlessly captured the hearts of the internet with her undeniable charm, sass, and a unique sense of style. If you’re still an ardent ‘Kimye’ fan, here are some interesting things to know about North West, the former couple’s little diva and one of the most memorable personalities on The Kardashians.

Forget your typical bedtime stories; North West’s childhood tales involve front-row seats at fashion shows and rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty. As the offspring of two mega-influencers, Kim and Kanye, North has been navigating the world of fame since before she could pronounce “paparazzi.”

north west kardashian things to know
Kim Kardashian, North West and Kanye West arrive at The Polo Bar on June 15, 2018 in New York City. (Image: James Devaney/ GC Images)

With a closet that could rival a high-end boutique and a personality that steals the show at family gatherings, this 10-year-old sensation is not just keeping up with the Kardashians – she’s setting the bar for the next generation of trendsetters. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a whirlwind tour of the top 10 things you need to know about North West.

10 things to know about North West

Mini Music Maven: Following Dad’s Footsteps

North West isn’t just any 10-year-old – she’s a budding music sensation with a passion for performing that’s straight from the Kanye West playbook. In an exclusive interview, North spilled the beans, confessing, “I like singing. Performing is my favourite.” The highlight? Her show-stopping vocal debut at the Yeezy show during Paris Fashion Week, where she belted out the unforgettable lyrics, “What are those, these are clothes.” Move over, pop stars; North’s got the mic and a musical legacy to uphold.

Fashion’s Youngest Icon: North’s Couture Chronicles

If there’s one thing North West has inherited from her ultra-stylish parents, it’s an unparalleled sense of fashion. Despite being the offspring of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, North proudly declares herself as her own fashion icon. From strutting her stuff at Paris Fashion Week to donning the Christmas gift she received at the age of six – Michael Jackson’s iconic velvet jacket and “Smooth Criminal” white fedora (featured in the video below) – North is turning heads and setting trends. Forget the runway; this fashionista is paving her own catwalk.

@kimandnorthGoing to my friends Halloween party be like♬ son original – iv’

The Future Mogul: North’s Business Aspirations

At a mere 10 years old, North West is already eyeing the throne of the Kardashian-West empire. In an interview, she revealed her ambitions to follow in her parents’ footsteps as a “business owner.” Move over, boardrooms; North is coming for you. The ultimate goal? Owning not just Kanye’s Yeezy but also Kardashian’s Skims. Watch out, business world – North’s entrepreneurial spirit is on the rise, and she’s just getting started.

Multi-Talented Dreamer: North’s Ambitious Career Wishlist

Ask North about her future, and you’ll get a list that reads like a blockbuster movie script. This 10-year-old dynamo has her sights set on multiple career paths – from being a rapper to shooting hoops as a basketball player. But that’s not all; she plans to channel her artistic prowess into selling her own artwork. Oh, and did we mention the grand finale? North dreams of being a business owner, steering the ship of both Yeezy and Skims. Is there anything this little mogul-in-the-making can’t do?

Picasso in the Making: North’s Artistic Ventures

North West isn’t just conquering the world of music and fashion; she’s also making waves in the art scene. With a keen interest in painting, North’s impressive landscape artworks have graced her mother’s social media. Critics might raise eyebrows, but North remains unfazed, attending art classes and pursuing her creative passions. Watch out, galleries – there’s a Picasso on the rise, and she’s painting her way to greatness.

Fashion Police: North’s Critical Eye on Kim’s Wardrobe Choices

If you thought your family had a keen eye for critiquing your wardrobe, think again. Meet North West, the fashion critic extraordinaire, who doesn’t hold back when it comes to her mom’s style. In a jaw-dropping clip from The Kardashians, North takes on the role of judge and jury as Kim Kardashian gets fitted for her iconic custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture pearl-studded Met Gala look in 2023. In the presence of Schiaparelli’s creative director Daniel Roseberry, North drops the snarky one-liner, “Well, it could be better.”

Check out the clip below for the candid fashion face-off where North West lets rip on the dress’ pearls, gaps, and apparent Hawaiian vibe, leaving Daniel questioning if this is his worst nightmare come to life.

North’s Fashion Roast: From the Dollar Store to Cat Costumes

North West doesn’t just critique her mom’s wardrobe; she’s got opinions on the entire celebrity fashion scene. From deeming Kim’s 2021 Balenciaga Met Gala outfit as “suffocating” to suggesting her 2023 Schiaparelli ensemble looked like it came from the Dollar Store, North isn’t one to mince words.

In a livestream critique session with her cousin Penelope Disick, they dissected the 2023 Met Gala, with North throwing shade at Jared Leto’s cat costume. Her unfiltered commentary was dubbed “refreshing,” proving that North is the fashion critic the industry never knew it needed.

Dyslexia Disclosure: North’s Surprise Tea Spill

In a candid TikTok live session, North West dropped a bombshell – she has dyslexia. The revelation caught mom Kim Kardashian off guard, leading to a mix of surprise and humour.

In a moment of raw honesty, North asked, “Should I drop an album?” Kim, torn between affection and the need for privacy, decided to exit the live session, stating, “North, I’m gonna get off this live right now because you just are really saying way too much.”

This unexpected disclosure sheds light on North’s journey and serves as a reminder that even in the glitzy world of celebrities, genuine moments of openness can bring understanding and empathy to the forefront.

Buzzing Ambitions: North’s Love-Hate Relationship with Mosquitoes

North West harbours an unexpected dream that flits between irony and brilliance. Despite her deep-seated hatred for mosquitoes (and who can blame her?), North has a peculiar ambition – she wants to become one.

In a quirky revelation, she shares, “I want to be a mosquito. Because I’m allergic to them, and I can tell them all to leave me alone.” It’s a paradoxical fantasy, blending humour with a touch of revenge against the pesky insects that have bothered her. But in the whimsical world of North West, even mosquitoes aren’t safe from her unique aspirations.

Paparazzi Woes: North’s Candid Camera Confessions

While the world may be enamoured by North West’s every move, the paparazzi’s lens is not her favourite frame. In a candid revelation about her relationship with fame, North expresses her ambivalence toward the relentless pursuit of the paparazzi. When asked if she likes having her picture taken, she bluntly states, “Yes. Only when I want to, because ehhh, I don’t want to sometimes. But not by the paparazzi.”

This 10-year-old sensation, born into the glare of the spotlight, is carving out her boundaries and making it clear that even the most camera-ready celebrity has moments when they prefer to stay out of the paparazzi’s frame.

In the dazzling world of North West, the 10-year-old sensation has proven to be more than just the offspring of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. From her quirky dreams of commanding mosquitoes to her unfiltered fashion critiques and aspirations of mogulhood, North is carving her path in the spotlight. With every step she takes, North West leaves a trail of fascination, proving that in her world, there are no limits – only dreams as extraordinary as the little girl living them.

(Main images: Kevork Djansezian/ Getty Images and Stefanie Keenan/ Getty Images for Daily Front Row; Featured image: Stefanie Keenan/ Getty Images for Daily Front Row)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What age is North West?
North West is currently 10 years old. She was born on June 15, 2013.

– How much is North West worth as of 2023?
North West’s exact net worth remains unknown, but various publications have pegged it at around USD 375 million.

– How many children does Kanye West have?
Kanye West shares four children with his former wife Kim Kardashian. Their names are North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm.

– How old is Kim Kardashian?
Kim Kardashian is 43 years old, and was born on October 21, 1980.

The post 10 Things to Know About North West, Kim and Kanye’s Eldest Daughter appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Here Are the Cast Members of Love Island: All Stars 2024 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/here-are-the-cast-members-of-love-island-all-stars-2024/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 10:42:39 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298327 Love Island All Stars 2024 cast

We’re mere days away from the premiere of Love Island: All Stars 2024, and what better way to get us ready than with the cast reveal?

As of 8 January 2024, we now have most of the starting line-up confirmed, with the likes of Georgia Harrison, Georgia Steel (whose repeated use of “I’m loyal” sparked multiple memes), Kaz Kamwi and Barbie‘s Chris Taylor all revealed to be making a comeback.

As well as this, we have exes Liberty Poole and Jake Cornish in the line-up, and Kaz Kamwi and Toby Aromolaran, who were originally coupled up on season 7 – which could make for a very dramatic return.

On Monday 15 January, the islanders will arrive at the South African villa, where they’ll be greeted by the show’s host Maya Jama.

They’ll spend the next few weeks coupling up in the sun, while taking part in challenges. Along the way, we’ll see more islanders joining them, with the likes of Maura Higgins and Scott van der Sluis rumoured to be returning.

Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other press, the show’s executive producer Mike Spencer revealed that he’d love to see fan-favourite Maura back on Love Island.

With the starting line-up now confirmed, read on for everything you need to know about the Love Island: All Stars 2024 cast. Scroll to the bottom of the page for islanders who are rumoured to join them later in the show as bombshells.

Love Island: All Stars 2024 confirmed cast

The Love Island: All Stars 2024 confirmed line-up so far is below:

  • Mitchel Taylor
  • Liberty Poole
  • Luis Morrison
  • Demi Jones
  • Jake Cornish
  • Hannah Elizabeth
  • Anton Danyluk
  • Georgia Steel
  • Chris Taylor
  • Kaz Kamwi
  • Toby Aromolaran
  • Georgia Harrison

Mitchel Taylor

love island all stars 2024 cast
Mitchel Taylor (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 27

Season: Love Island UK season 10

Instagram: @mitcheltaylor_

‘Messy Mitch’ has been confirmed for this year’s show, completing the starting line-up.

The 27-year-old engineer from Sheffield caused quite the stir on season 10. He was originally in a couple with Molly Marsh, but she left him for Zachariah Noble. Mitch later went on to play the field with Abi Moores and Ella Barnes. Despite leaving the show with Ella B, the pair later split and he’s thought to still be single, despite reuniting with Abs.

Speaking of why he decided to show up, he said: “I think I went in with my heart on my sleeve the first time and got hurt and this time I am just going in to enjoy myself and if a connection happens, a connection happens. Honestly when I went in for series ten, you saw me and Molly, I went for Molly, I wanted her. And with this one, I am not going to make myself that vulnerable. I am going to play the game.”

Liberty Poole

love island all stars 2024 cast
Liberty Poole. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 24

Season: Love Island UK season 7 and Love Island Games season 1

Instagram: @libertypoolex

Season 7 star Liberty Poole has been confirmed for the Love Island: All Stars 2024 cast. Liberty quit the show in 2021 as she felt the feelings between her and Jake Cornish weren’t mutual.

Asked how she’d feel about seeing an ex on the show, she said: “It’s always going to be awkward isn’t it, it’s always going to be weird seeing someone that you’ve been with getting with someone else.

“I wish my exes nothing but the best. I’m going to be focused on my own journey so if it was to happen I won’t be worrying about them – so I’ll stay focused on my goal, which is to find love.”

Following season 7, Liberty went on to appear on Dancing on Ice and recently took part in Love Island Games.

Luis Morrison

Luis Morrison. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 29

From: London

Season: 1

Instagram: @luismorrison39

Season 1 star Luis Morrison is back for this year’s show.

Morrison left the show in a relationship with Cally Jane and the pair went on to have a child together in October 2021.

Unfortunately, they split 10 weeks after the birth of their daughter Vienna.

Asked why he decided to return to the show, Luis said: “It was the best experience of my life. I found love in the Villa before and who knows if I can find love in there again?”

Demi Jones

Demi Jones. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 25

From: Portsmouth

Season: 6

Instagram: @demijones1

Demi Jones will make her return for Love Island: All Stars this January.

“I am returning to the Love Island Villa because I am ready again to find love. I lost a lot of confidence with my health issues over the last couple of years but I’ve been smashing the gym this year, finding my confidence again and I’ve got it back. So, let’s find a man!” she said

Jake Cornish

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Jake Cornish. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 26

From: Weston-super-Mare

Season: 7

Insatragm: @jakecornish7

Season 7 star Jake Cornish is back for Love Island: All Stars.

During his time on the ITV2 dating show, Jake was coupled up with Liberty Poole. However, Poole decided to quit the show as she felt their relationship wasn’t authentic.

Hannah Elizabeth

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Hannah Elizabeth. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 33

From: Liverpool

Season: 1

Instagram: @hannahelizinsta

Hannah Elizabeth is back on Love Island after appearing on the very first season in 2015.

“I’m returning to the Love Island Villa because I did it eight years ago and [it was] an opportunity I never thought I’d get again. I’m not very good at finding love but I had a ball the first time, so I’m going to have a ball again,” she said.

Viewers will remember Hannah for getting engaged in season 1. During their last week on the show, The Only Way is Essex star Jon got down on knee and popped the question to Hannah. She said yes.

Anton Danyluk

Anton. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 29

From: Lanarkshire

Season: 5

Instagram: @anton_danyluk

Anton Danyluk is one of the stars returning for the all star season this January.

Speaking ahead of his comeback, Anton said: “For me it was a no brainer. I got the call and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and probably the best summer I have ever had in my life. Getting the chance to do it twice is going to be unbelievable.”

Fans of the show will remember Anton for getting emotional over Craig David and the awkward recoupling where he thought Anna was going to choose him…

Georgia Steel

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Georgia Steel. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 25

From: York

Season: Love Island UK season 4 and Love Island Games season 1

Instagram: geesteelx

She’s loyal to Love Island, because Georgia Steel is back for a third season.

“I’m 25, I have a house, a cat, a nice car – I have everything in life but a boyfriend, so why not give it as go,” she said.

Chris Taylor

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Chris Taylor. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 33

From: Leicester

Season: 5

Instagram: @christophertaylorofficial

Chris Taylor has been confirmed for this year’s show.

Chris appeared on season 5 and enjoyed a relationship with Maura Higgins. Most recently, he appeared in the Barbie movie alongside Love Island super-fan and Hollywood star Margot Robbie.

Kaz Kamwi

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Kaz Kamwi. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 29

From: Essex

Season: 7

Instagram: @kazkamwi

Kaz Kamwi is returning as a cast member for the new 2024 season of Love Island: All Stars. Kaz appeared on season 7 and was originally coupled up with Toby, before he left her for Chloe Burrows. Kaz left the show in a relationship with Tyler Cruickshank but, sadly, it didn’t work.

Now, Kaz is looking to find her special someone, saying: “To be totally honest, I actually really want to find love. I had a great time last series but I want to have an even better time.”

Toby Aromolaran

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Toby Aromolaran. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 24

From: Essex

Season: Love Island UK 7 and Love Island Games season 1

Instagram: @tobyaromolaran

Toby Aromolaran was the second contestant to be confirmed for Love Island: All Stars.

Toby took part in season 7 of the UK show and recently appeared on Love Island Games on Peacock.

Asked why he decided to come back for the third time, Toby said: “I’m single and Love Island worked for me the first time. I had a good relationship and fell in love. If I’m single and Love Island is an opportunity for me, how could you turn down the chance to find love again?!”

Georgia Harrison

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Georgia Harrison. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 29

From: Essex

Season: 3

Instagram: @georgialouiseharrison

Season 3 bombshell Georgia was the first contestant confirmed for the All Stars season.

“The last time I went in as a bombshell and I always wondered if I would have found love if I’d gone in a bit earlier. When I heard about Love Island: All Stars, I thought it was meant to be,” she said.

Rumoured Love Island: All Stars 2024 cast members

Ovie Soko

Age: 32

Season: Love Island UK season 5

Instagram: oviesoko

Everyone’s fave islander, Ovie Soko, is rumoured to be making a return.

According to an insider, the basketball player has been signed up along with Michael Griffiths as the “angel” and “devil” of their series.

“Ovie and Michael emerged as the angel and devil of series five and both, for their own reasons, made tremendous TV,” the source said.

“Both remain seriously hot property with the ladies and Ovie especially is an icon among the Love Island fandom. They’ll make amazing signings for All Stars if ITV are able to get their signing across the line.”

Michael Griffiths

Age: 27

Season: Love Island UK season 5

Instagram: mac_griffiths_

Michael Griffiths has been tipped for Love Island All Stars.

Michael originally took part in season 5 back in 2019 and formed a close relationship with Amber Gill. He left her for Joanna Chimonides during Casa Amor, however, and Amber went on to win the show with Greg O’Shea.

Michael, who now works as a transformation coach and presenter, is said to have signed up for the show alongside Ovie.

Maura Higgins

Age: 33

Season: Love Island UK season 5

Instagram: @maurahiggins

Fan-favourite Maura Higgins could be on her way back to the villa.

Ahead of the season, the show’s executive producer Mike Spencer revealed that he’d love to for Maura to come back, saying: “I had breakfast with her the other day. She’s so funny. She’s amazing, so I’d love to see her on it.”

Theo Campbell

Age: 32

Season: Love Island UK season 3

Instagram: theo_campbell91

Theo is said to be returning to the villa for what would be his second stint on the ITV2 dating show. Theo rose to fame on season 3 of Love Island UK back in 2017, and quickly became a fan-favourite for his saying it how it is.

During an episode, which saw Jonny Mitchell dumped from the villa, he hilariously advised Tyla Carr that she could also leave with him instead of crying … awks.

Theo’s cheeky one-liners will be welcomed by fans.

Scott van-der-Sluis 

Age: 22

Season: Love Island UK season 10, Love Island USA season 5, and Love Island Games season 1

Instagram: scottvds17

And the award for the most Love Island appearances goes to… Mr Scott van-der-Sluis!

The footballer is rumoured to be going on Love Island for the fourth time, following his appearances on the UK and US seasons, and Love Island Games.

Love Island: All Stars 2024 premieres on Monday, 15 January and airs on Britain’s ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX.

(Main and featured images: Love Island: All Stars 2024/ ITV)

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

The post Here Are the Cast Members of <i>Love Island: All Stars 2024</i> appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Love Island All Stars 2024 cast

We’re mere days away from the premiere of Love Island: All Stars 2024, and what better way to get us ready than with the cast reveal?

As of 8 January 2024, we now have most of the starting line-up confirmed, with the likes of Georgia Harrison, Georgia Steel (whose repeated use of “I’m loyal” sparked multiple memes), Kaz Kamwi and Barbie‘s Chris Taylor all revealed to be making a comeback.

As well as this, we have exes Liberty Poole and Jake Cornish in the line-up, and Kaz Kamwi and Toby Aromolaran, who were originally coupled up on season 7 – which could make for a very dramatic return.

On Monday 15 January, the islanders will arrive at the South African villa, where they’ll be greeted by the show’s host Maya Jama.

They’ll spend the next few weeks coupling up in the sun, while taking part in challenges. Along the way, we’ll see more islanders joining them, with the likes of Maura Higgins and Scott van der Sluis rumoured to be returning.

Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other press, the show’s executive producer Mike Spencer revealed that he’d love to see fan-favourite Maura back on Love Island.

With the starting line-up now confirmed, read on for everything you need to know about the Love Island: All Stars 2024 cast. Scroll to the bottom of the page for islanders who are rumoured to join them later in the show as bombshells.

Love Island: All Stars 2024 confirmed cast

The Love Island: All Stars 2024 confirmed line-up so far is below:

  • Mitchel Taylor
  • Liberty Poole
  • Luis Morrison
  • Demi Jones
  • Jake Cornish
  • Hannah Elizabeth
  • Anton Danyluk
  • Georgia Steel
  • Chris Taylor
  • Kaz Kamwi
  • Toby Aromolaran
  • Georgia Harrison

Mitchel Taylor

love island all stars 2024 cast
Mitchel Taylor (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 27

Season: Love Island UK season 10

Instagram: @mitcheltaylor_

‘Messy Mitch’ has been confirmed for this year’s show, completing the starting line-up.

The 27-year-old engineer from Sheffield caused quite the stir on season 10. He was originally in a couple with Molly Marsh, but she left him for Zachariah Noble. Mitch later went on to play the field with Abi Moores and Ella Barnes. Despite leaving the show with Ella B, the pair later split and he’s thought to still be single, despite reuniting with Abs.

Speaking of why he decided to show up, he said: “I think I went in with my heart on my sleeve the first time and got hurt and this time I am just going in to enjoy myself and if a connection happens, a connection happens. Honestly when I went in for series ten, you saw me and Molly, I went for Molly, I wanted her. And with this one, I am not going to make myself that vulnerable. I am going to play the game.”

Liberty Poole

love island all stars 2024 cast
Liberty Poole. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 24

Season: Love Island UK season 7 and Love Island Games season 1

Instagram: @libertypoolex

Season 7 star Liberty Poole has been confirmed for the Love Island: All Stars 2024 cast. Liberty quit the show in 2021 as she felt the feelings between her and Jake Cornish weren’t mutual.

Asked how she’d feel about seeing an ex on the show, she said: “It’s always going to be awkward isn’t it, it’s always going to be weird seeing someone that you’ve been with getting with someone else.

“I wish my exes nothing but the best. I’m going to be focused on my own journey so if it was to happen I won’t be worrying about them – so I’ll stay focused on my goal, which is to find love.”

Following season 7, Liberty went on to appear on Dancing on Ice and recently took part in Love Island Games.

Luis Morrison

Luis Morrison. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 29

From: London

Season: 1

Instagram: @luismorrison39

Season 1 star Luis Morrison is back for this year’s show.

Morrison left the show in a relationship with Cally Jane and the pair went on to have a child together in October 2021.

Unfortunately, they split 10 weeks after the birth of their daughter Vienna.

Asked why he decided to return to the show, Luis said: “It was the best experience of my life. I found love in the Villa before and who knows if I can find love in there again?”

Demi Jones

Demi Jones. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 25

From: Portsmouth

Season: 6

Instagram: @demijones1

Demi Jones will make her return for Love Island: All Stars this January.

“I am returning to the Love Island Villa because I am ready again to find love. I lost a lot of confidence with my health issues over the last couple of years but I’ve been smashing the gym this year, finding my confidence again and I’ve got it back. So, let’s find a man!” she said

Jake Cornish

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Jake Cornish. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 26

From: Weston-super-Mare

Season: 7

Insatragm: @jakecornish7

Season 7 star Jake Cornish is back for Love Island: All Stars.

During his time on the ITV2 dating show, Jake was coupled up with Liberty Poole. However, Poole decided to quit the show as she felt their relationship wasn’t authentic.

Hannah Elizabeth

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Hannah Elizabeth. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 33

From: Liverpool

Season: 1

Instagram: @hannahelizinsta

Hannah Elizabeth is back on Love Island after appearing on the very first season in 2015.

“I’m returning to the Love Island Villa because I did it eight years ago and [it was] an opportunity I never thought I’d get again. I’m not very good at finding love but I had a ball the first time, so I’m going to have a ball again,” she said.

Viewers will remember Hannah for getting engaged in season 1. During their last week on the show, The Only Way is Essex star Jon got down on knee and popped the question to Hannah. She said yes.

Anton Danyluk

Anton. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 29

From: Lanarkshire

Season: 5

Instagram: @anton_danyluk

Anton Danyluk is one of the stars returning for the all star season this January.

Speaking ahead of his comeback, Anton said: “For me it was a no brainer. I got the call and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and probably the best summer I have ever had in my life. Getting the chance to do it twice is going to be unbelievable.”

Fans of the show will remember Anton for getting emotional over Craig David and the awkward recoupling where he thought Anna was going to choose him…

Georgia Steel

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Georgia Steel. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 25

From: York

Season: Love Island UK season 4 and Love Island Games season 1

Instagram: geesteelx

She’s loyal to Love Island, because Georgia Steel is back for a third season.

“I’m 25, I have a house, a cat, a nice car – I have everything in life but a boyfriend, so why not give it as go,” she said.

Chris Taylor

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Chris Taylor. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 33

From: Leicester

Season: 5

Instagram: @christophertaylorofficial

Chris Taylor has been confirmed for this year’s show.

Chris appeared on season 5 and enjoyed a relationship with Maura Higgins. Most recently, he appeared in the Barbie movie alongside Love Island super-fan and Hollywood star Margot Robbie.

Kaz Kamwi

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Kaz Kamwi. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 29

From: Essex

Season: 7

Instagram: @kazkamwi

Kaz Kamwi is returning as a cast member for the new 2024 season of Love Island: All Stars. Kaz appeared on season 7 and was originally coupled up with Toby, before he left her for Chloe Burrows. Kaz left the show in a relationship with Tyler Cruickshank but, sadly, it didn’t work.

Now, Kaz is looking to find her special someone, saying: “To be totally honest, I actually really want to find love. I had a great time last series but I want to have an even better time.”

Toby Aromolaran

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Toby Aromolaran. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 24

From: Essex

Season: Love Island UK 7 and Love Island Games season 1

Instagram: @tobyaromolaran

Toby Aromolaran was the second contestant to be confirmed for Love Island: All Stars.

Toby took part in season 7 of the UK show and recently appeared on Love Island Games on Peacock.

Asked why he decided to come back for the third time, Toby said: “I’m single and Love Island worked for me the first time. I had a good relationship and fell in love. If I’m single and Love Island is an opportunity for me, how could you turn down the chance to find love again?!”

Georgia Harrison

Love Island All Stars 2024 cast
Georgia Harrison. (Image: Love Island/ Facebook)

Age: 29

From: Essex

Season: 3

Instagram: @georgialouiseharrison

Season 3 bombshell Georgia was the first contestant confirmed for the All Stars season.

“The last time I went in as a bombshell and I always wondered if I would have found love if I’d gone in a bit earlier. When I heard about Love Island: All Stars, I thought it was meant to be,” she said.

Rumoured Love Island: All Stars 2024 cast members

Ovie Soko

Age: 32

Season: Love Island UK season 5

Instagram: oviesoko

Everyone’s fave islander, Ovie Soko, is rumoured to be making a return.

According to an insider, the basketball player has been signed up along with Michael Griffiths as the “angel” and “devil” of their series.

“Ovie and Michael emerged as the angel and devil of series five and both, for their own reasons, made tremendous TV,” the source said.

“Both remain seriously hot property with the ladies and Ovie especially is an icon among the Love Island fandom. They’ll make amazing signings for All Stars if ITV are able to get their signing across the line.”

Michael Griffiths

Age: 27

Season: Love Island UK season 5

Instagram: mac_griffiths_

Michael Griffiths has been tipped for Love Island All Stars.

Michael originally took part in season 5 back in 2019 and formed a close relationship with Amber Gill. He left her for Joanna Chimonides during Casa Amor, however, and Amber went on to win the show with Greg O’Shea.

Michael, who now works as a transformation coach and presenter, is said to have signed up for the show alongside Ovie.

Maura Higgins

Age: 33

Season: Love Island UK season 5

Instagram: @maurahiggins

Fan-favourite Maura Higgins could be on her way back to the villa.

Ahead of the season, the show’s executive producer Mike Spencer revealed that he’d love to for Maura to come back, saying: “I had breakfast with her the other day. She’s so funny. She’s amazing, so I’d love to see her on it.”

Theo Campbell

Age: 32

Season: Love Island UK season 3

Instagram: theo_campbell91

Theo is said to be returning to the villa for what would be his second stint on the ITV2 dating show. Theo rose to fame on season 3 of Love Island UK back in 2017, and quickly became a fan-favourite for his saying it how it is.

During an episode, which saw Jonny Mitchell dumped from the villa, he hilariously advised Tyla Carr that she could also leave with him instead of crying … awks.

Theo’s cheeky one-liners will be welcomed by fans.

Scott van-der-Sluis 

Age: 22

Season: Love Island UK season 10, Love Island USA season 5, and Love Island Games season 1

Instagram: scottvds17

And the award for the most Love Island appearances goes to… Mr Scott van-der-Sluis!

The footballer is rumoured to be going on Love Island for the fourth time, following his appearances on the UK and US seasons, and Love Island Games.

Love Island: All Stars 2024 premieres on Monday, 15 January and airs on Britain’s ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX.

(Main and featured images: Love Island: All Stars 2024/ ITV)

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

The post Here Are the Cast Members of <i>Love Island: All Stars 2024</i> appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Asian Film Awards 2024: Check Out the Full List of Nominees https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/asian-film-awards-2024-nominations-winners-full-list/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 10:20:26 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298372

The nominations for the Asian Film Awards 2024 are here. The annual awards ceremony recognises and celebrates excellence in Asian cinema. It also promotes and recognises Asian films and their talent and helps boost the Asian film industry through year-round initiatives. Organisers announced the nominations at The Langham with the theme of “Together, we tell story”.

For the 17th edition, there are four Youth Ambassadors for the first time. The four superstars Liu Kuan-Ting (Taiwan), Mario Maurer (Thailand), Miyazawa Hio (Japan), and Will Or (Hong Kong) expressed their gratitude for being selected as ambassadors via a recorded video message. Keep reading to find out who earned a nomination at the Asian Film Awards!

‘Evil Does Not Exist’ and ‘12.12: The Day’ lead with six nominations

The AFA17 Jury President, director Kiyoshi Kurosawa and jury members chose nominees in 16 categories including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress and Actor, Best Screenplay, and more. This year, Evil Does Not Exist and 12.12: The Day received the most nods with six nominations each followed by Snow Leopard and Paradise with four nods each. Evil Does Not Exist also got nominations in four technical categories.

In the acting categories, Hong Kong actor Tony Leung gained a nomination for Best Actor again. Yakusho Koji who won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival also received a nomination. After winning Best New Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Award, Go Min-si was also recognised for her performance in the Best Supporting Actress category.

However, notable names such as the late composer Sakamoto Ryuichi and late actor Lee Sun-kyun did not receive posthumous nominations for Monster and Sleep respectively. Also missing are notable films such as Cobweb in the Best Costume category and Bhutan’s The Monk and the Gun which made it to the Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature Film. The nominations have always been dominated by films from Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan. But this year, films from Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, and many others also made the cut.

The winners will be announced on March 10 at the Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District. See the full Asian Film Awards nomination list below.

Full list of Asian Film Awards 2024 nominees

Best Film

  • 12.12: The Day
  • Evil Does Not Exist
  • Paradise
  • Perfect Days
  • Snow Leopard

Best Director

  • Kim Sung-soo — 12.12: The Day
  • Gu Xiaogang — Dwelling by the West Lake
  • Hamaguchi Ryusuke — Evil Does Not Exist
  • Kore-eda Hirokazu — Monster
  • Prasanna Vithanage — Paradise

Best Actor

  • Hwang Jung-min — 12.12: The Day
  • Wu Kang-Ren — Abang Adik
  • Shen Teng — Full River Red
  • Yakusho Koji — Perfect Days
  • Tong Leung Chiu Wai — The Goldfinger

Best Actress

  • Jiang Qinqin — Dwelling by the West Lake
  • Jung Yu-mi — Sleep
  • Zhou Dongyu — The Breaking Ice
  • Audrey Lin — Trouble Girl
  • Rinko Kikuchi — YOKO

Best Supporting Actor

  • Park Hoon — 12.12: The Day
  • Jack Tan — Abang Adik
  • Nakamura Shido — Kubi
  • Park Jung-min — Smugglers
  • Sean Wong — Time Still Turns the Pages

Best Supporting Actress

  • Hamabe Minami — Godzilla Minus One
  • Rachel Leung — In Broad Daylight
  • Tsutsui Mariko — Last Shadow at First Light
  • Go Min-si — Smugglers
  • Wan Fang — Snow in Midsummer

Best New Director

  • Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir — City of Wind
  • Pham Thien An — Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell
  • Dominic Sangma — Rapture
  • Amanda Nell Eu — Tiger Stripes
  • Nick Cheuk — Time Still Turns the Pages

Best Newcomer

  • Tergel Bold-Erdene — City of Wind
  • Awat Ratanapintha — Doi Boy
  • Yoyo Tse — Fly Me to the Moon
  • Wang Yibo — Hidden Blade
  • Shirata Mihaya — Last Shadow at First Light

Best Screenplay

  • Hamaguchi Ryusuke — Evil Does Not Exist
  • Sakamoto Yuji — Monster
  • Prasanna Vithanage, Anushka Senanayake — Paradise
  • Jason Yu — Sleep
  • Pema Tseden — Snow Leopard

Best Editing

  • Kim Sang-bum — 12.12: The Day
  • Hamaguchi Ryusuke, Yamazaki Azusa — Evil Does Not Exist
  • Matthieu Laclau — Only the River Flows
  • A. Sreekar Prasad — Paradise
  • Nick Cheuk, Keith Chan Hiu Chun — Time Still Turns the Pages

Best Cinematography

  • Lee Mo-gae — 12.12: The Day
  • Kitagawa Yoshio — Evil Does Not Exist
  • Chengma Zhiyuan — Only the River Flows
  • Azamat Dulatov — Qas
  • Matthias Delvaux — Snow Leopard

Best Original Music

  • Umebayashi Shigeru — Dwelling by the West Lake
  • Ishibashi Eiko — Evil Does Not Exist
  • Akmaral Mergen — Qas
  • Anon Ch Momin — Rapture
  • Lee Dong-june — Road to Boston

Best Costume Design

  • Tim Yip — Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms
  • Kurosawa Kazuko — Kubi
  • Yoon Jung-hee — Smugglers
  • Elaine Ng — Snow in Midsummer
  • Man Lim Chung — The Goldfinger

Best Production Design

  • Cho Hwa-sung — Concrete Utopia
  • Mitsumatsu Keiko — Monster
  • Zhang Menglun — Only the River Flows
  • Daktse Drundrup — Snow Leopard
  • Eric Lam — The Goldfinger

Best Visual Effects

  • Eun Jae-hyun — Concrete Utopia
  • Douglas Hans Smith — Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms
  • Yamazaki Takashi, Shibuya Kiyoko, Takahashi Masaki, Nojima Tatsuji — Godzilla Minus One
  • Jin Jong-hyun — The Moon
  • Allen Wei, Ahdee Chiu, Ding Yanlai, Eric Xu — The Wandering Earth II

Best Sound

  • Kim Hyun-sang — Concrete Utopia
  • Yang Jiang, Zhao Nan — Creation of the Gods I: King of Storms
  • Inoue Natsuko — Godzilla Minus One
  • Vuong Gia Bao, Xander Toh — Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell
  • Tu Duu-Chih, Wu Shu-Yao — Snow in Midsummer

The post Asian Film Awards 2024: Check Out the Full List of Nominees appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

The nominations for the Asian Film Awards 2024 are here. The annual awards ceremony recognises and celebrates excellence in Asian cinema. It also promotes and recognises Asian films and their talent and helps boost the Asian film industry through year-round initiatives. Organisers announced the nominations at The Langham with the theme of “Together, we tell story”.

For the 17th edition, there are four Youth Ambassadors for the first time. The four superstars Liu Kuan-Ting (Taiwan), Mario Maurer (Thailand), Miyazawa Hio (Japan), and Will Or (Hong Kong) expressed their gratitude for being selected as ambassadors via a recorded video message. Keep reading to find out who earned a nomination at the Asian Film Awards!

‘Evil Does Not Exist’ and ‘12.12: The Day’ lead with six nominations

The AFA17 Jury President, director Kiyoshi Kurosawa and jury members chose nominees in 16 categories including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress and Actor, Best Screenplay, and more. This year, Evil Does Not Exist and 12.12: The Day received the most nods with six nominations each followed by Snow Leopard and Paradise with four nods each. Evil Does Not Exist also got nominations in four technical categories.

In the acting categories, Hong Kong actor Tony Leung gained a nomination for Best Actor again. Yakusho Koji who won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival also received a nomination. After winning Best New Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Award, Go Min-si was also recognised for her performance in the Best Supporting Actress category.

However, notable names such as the late composer Sakamoto Ryuichi and late actor Lee Sun-kyun did not receive posthumous nominations for Monster and Sleep respectively. Also missing are notable films such as Cobweb in the Best Costume category and Bhutan’s The Monk and the Gun which made it to the Oscars shortlist for Best International Feature Film. The nominations have always been dominated by films from Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan. But this year, films from Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, and many others also made the cut.

The winners will be announced on March 10 at the Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District. See the full Asian Film Awards nomination list below.

Full list of Asian Film Awards 2024 nominees

Best Film

  • 12.12: The Day
  • Evil Does Not Exist
  • Paradise
  • Perfect Days
  • Snow Leopard

Best Director

  • Kim Sung-soo — 12.12: The Day
  • Gu Xiaogang — Dwelling by the West Lake
  • Hamaguchi Ryusuke — Evil Does Not Exist
  • Kore-eda Hirokazu — Monster
  • Prasanna Vithanage — Paradise

Best Actor

  • Hwang Jung-min — 12.12: The Day
  • Wu Kang-Ren — Abang Adik
  • Shen Teng — Full River Red
  • Yakusho Koji — Perfect Days
  • Tong Leung Chiu Wai — The Goldfinger

Best Actress

  • Jiang Qinqin — Dwelling by the West Lake
  • Jung Yu-mi — Sleep
  • Zhou Dongyu — The Breaking Ice
  • Audrey Lin — Trouble Girl
  • Rinko Kikuchi — YOKO

Best Supporting Actor

  • Park Hoon — 12.12: The Day
  • Jack Tan — Abang Adik
  • Nakamura Shido — Kubi
  • Park Jung-min — Smugglers
  • Sean Wong — Time Still Turns the Pages

Best Supporting Actress

  • Hamabe Minami — Godzilla Minus One
  • Rachel Leung — In Broad Daylight
  • Tsutsui Mariko — Last Shadow at First Light
  • Go Min-si — Smugglers
  • Wan Fang — Snow in Midsummer

Best New Director

  • Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir — City of Wind
  • Pham Thien An — Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell
  • Dominic Sangma — Rapture
  • Amanda Nell Eu — Tiger Stripes
  • Nick Cheuk — Time Still Turns the Pages

Best Newcomer

  • Tergel Bold-Erdene — City of Wind
  • Awat Ratanapintha — Doi Boy
  • Yoyo Tse — Fly Me to the Moon
  • Wang Yibo — Hidden Blade
  • Shirata Mihaya — Last Shadow at First Light

Best Screenplay

  • Hamaguchi Ryusuke — Evil Does Not Exist
  • Sakamoto Yuji — Monster
  • Prasanna Vithanage, Anushka Senanayake — Paradise
  • Jason Yu — Sleep
  • Pema Tseden — Snow Leopard

Best Editing

  • Kim Sang-bum — 12.12: The Day
  • Hamaguchi Ryusuke, Yamazaki Azusa — Evil Does Not Exist
  • Matthieu Laclau — Only the River Flows
  • A. Sreekar Prasad — Paradise
  • Nick Cheuk, Keith Chan Hiu Chun — Time Still Turns the Pages

Best Cinematography

  • Lee Mo-gae — 12.12: The Day
  • Kitagawa Yoshio — Evil Does Not Exist
  • Chengma Zhiyuan — Only the River Flows
  • Azamat Dulatov — Qas
  • Matthias Delvaux — Snow Leopard

Best Original Music

  • Umebayashi Shigeru — Dwelling by the West Lake
  • Ishibashi Eiko — Evil Does Not Exist
  • Akmaral Mergen — Qas
  • Anon Ch Momin — Rapture
  • Lee Dong-june — Road to Boston

Best Costume Design

  • Tim Yip — Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms
  • Kurosawa Kazuko — Kubi
  • Yoon Jung-hee — Smugglers
  • Elaine Ng — Snow in Midsummer
  • Man Lim Chung — The Goldfinger

Best Production Design

  • Cho Hwa-sung — Concrete Utopia
  • Mitsumatsu Keiko — Monster
  • Zhang Menglun — Only the River Flows
  • Daktse Drundrup — Snow Leopard
  • Eric Lam — The Goldfinger

Best Visual Effects

  • Eun Jae-hyun — Concrete Utopia
  • Douglas Hans Smith — Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms
  • Yamazaki Takashi, Shibuya Kiyoko, Takahashi Masaki, Nojima Tatsuji — Godzilla Minus One
  • Jin Jong-hyun — The Moon
  • Allen Wei, Ahdee Chiu, Ding Yanlai, Eric Xu — The Wandering Earth II

Best Sound

  • Kim Hyun-sang — Concrete Utopia
  • Yang Jiang, Zhao Nan — Creation of the Gods I: King of Storms
  • Inoue Natsuko — Godzilla Minus One
  • Vuong Gia Bao, Xander Toh — Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell
  • Tu Duu-Chih, Wu Shu-Yao — Snow in Midsummer

The post Asian Film Awards 2024: Check Out the Full List of Nominees appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> The Red Couch From Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein Ad Is up for Grabs — for Free https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/jeremy-allen-white-calvin-klein-ad-red-couch-on-facebook-marketplace-for-free/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 07:28:11 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=298319 Jeremy Allen White Calvin Klein ad shoot

Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein ad from January 2024 had us all hooked to the steamy images of him reclining on a red corduroy sofa, bathed in sunlight on a terrace. While chef Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto of The Bear (2022) had us exclaiming “Yes Chef!” in response to these photos, one lucky fan of the series will have the chance to own the iconic sofa.

Yes, you read that right. The red sofa featured in the ad shoot is available for free on the Facebook Marketplace.

Details about Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein ad shoot and the listed sofa on Facebook

The Calvin Klein ad

Ahead of winning the Best Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy at the 81st Golden Globes, White collaborated with the renowned underwear brand for their Spring 2024 campaign. Directed by Mert Alas, the ad film depicts the actor strolling down a bustling New York City street, ascending apartment stairs to the terrace. Stripping down to his white Calvin Klein briefs, he reached the rooftop and settled onto the iconic red corduroy sofa, with the glittering NYC skyline as the perfect backdrop.

The red sofa on Facebook Marketplace

The red sofa is currently listed for free on Facebook Marketplace, originating from New York. The post enthusiastically declares, “Guess what? I’ve got the hottest seat in town – the legendary red corduroy couch that a famous celebrity chef (in not-so-many clothes) sat on in the commercial everyone’s talking about. Long story short, my husband (who works for an agency that works with Facebook) asked me, “Why don’t you list it on Facebook Marketplace?” So here it is! We know there are lots of fans out there who’d love to get their hands on it. Must be willing to pick up in New York.”

Providing additional details, the post describes the condition as used-fair and the type as vintage. If you are eager to secure the hottest seat in town, grab this opportunity before it’s gone.

In other news, The Bear has been renewed for season 3, set to release in 2024.

(Main and featured image: Jeremy Allen White/ @jeremyallenwhitefinally/ Instagram)

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur

The post The Red Couch From Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein Ad Is up for Grabs — for Free appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Jeremy Allen White Calvin Klein ad shoot

Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein ad from January 2024 had us all hooked to the steamy images of him reclining on a red corduroy sofa, bathed in sunlight on a terrace. While chef Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto of The Bear (2022) had us exclaiming “Yes Chef!” in response to these photos, one lucky fan of the series will have the chance to own the iconic sofa.

Yes, you read that right. The red sofa featured in the ad shoot is available for free on the Facebook Marketplace.

Details about Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein ad shoot and the listed sofa on Facebook

The Calvin Klein ad

Ahead of winning the Best Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy at the 81st Golden Globes, White collaborated with the renowned underwear brand for their Spring 2024 campaign. Directed by Mert Alas, the ad film depicts the actor strolling down a bustling New York City street, ascending apartment stairs to the terrace. Stripping down to his white Calvin Klein briefs, he reached the rooftop and settled onto the iconic red corduroy sofa, with the glittering NYC skyline as the perfect backdrop.

The red sofa on Facebook Marketplace

The red sofa is currently listed for free on Facebook Marketplace, originating from New York. The post enthusiastically declares, “Guess what? I’ve got the hottest seat in town – the legendary red corduroy couch that a famous celebrity chef (in not-so-many clothes) sat on in the commercial everyone’s talking about. Long story short, my husband (who works for an agency that works with Facebook) asked me, “Why don’t you list it on Facebook Marketplace?” So here it is! We know there are lots of fans out there who’d love to get their hands on it. Must be willing to pick up in New York.”

Providing additional details, the post describes the condition as used-fair and the type as vintage. If you are eager to secure the hottest seat in town, grab this opportunity before it’s gone.

In other news, The Bear has been renewed for season 3, set to release in 2024.

(Main and featured image: Jeremy Allen White/ @jeremyallenwhitefinally/ Instagram)

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur

The post The Red Couch From Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein Ad Is up for Grabs — for Free appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> The Biggest Music Festivals on Our Radar in 2024 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/music-festivals-across-the-globe-that-are-on-our-radar-in-2024/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 12:00:22 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297809

Kicking off 2024, we’ve listed some of the best music festivals worldwide that assure you a great time.

Music is a movement like none other, one that can sway a thousand people through sheer melody or make them groove to just a single beat. Though the peace of getting lost in the world of music through a cosy pair of headphones sounds like an enticing offer, music festivals come with a whole different set of offerings. These experiential festivals are a magical show of lights and sounds, with sights you’ve never seen before and the company of friends and like-minded individuals to experience it with; evoking emotions that no one who likes music could even half-heartedly dislike.

music festivals
Skrillex, Fred Again and Four Tet’s set at Coachella 2023

As the world has once again found its bearings in the outdoors post the lockdown, music festivals are back in business. With the surge in popularity in the music world through 2023, it’s safe to say we can expect big things come 2024. This reimagined era of music festivals brings in droves of festival goers, ready to let loose and groove to their favourite artists. From the sun-kissed deserts of California to the vibrant cityscapes of Dubai, music enthusiasts worldwide flock to a varied range of venues, to experience a whole different world of music and redefine their concert experience. Without further ado, we list down some of the biggest music festivals in the world that are on our radar for 2024.

The most anticipated music festivals in the world in 2024

Coachella

music festivals

Kicking off the list has to be the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, one of the perennial favourites that attracts music aficionados and A-list celebrities alike from all over the world. With its eclectic lineup and bohemian atmosphere, the festival in the middle of the Colorado Dessert is a festival-goer’s dream come true. From vibrant fashion to exciting music; Coachella promises an unforgettable weekend of musical exploration under the Californian sun for all.

Destination: California, USA

Dates: 12 Apr – 21 Apr, 2024

Tomorrowland

music festivals

Tomorrowland is exactly as its name sounds, a land of tomorrow. The futuristic world of Tomorrowland whisks visitors away into a fantasy realm of lights and EDM. Known for its mesmerizing stage designs and top-tier electronic acts, Tomorrowland transforms the picturesque town of Boom, Belgium, into a mecca for electronic dance music enthusiasts. The mind-bending audiovisual spectacle at Tomorrowland is truly a sight to witness at least once in your lifetime, and the reason why the world-famous festival is one of the most sought-after experiences.

Destination: Boom, Belgium

Dates: 19 Jul – 28 Jul, 2024

Lollapalooza

music festivals

One of the longest-running in the United States as well as one of the largest music festivals in the world, Lollapalooza is a globetrotting extravaganza that is now making waves across various locations worldwide. From Chicago to Berlin, music lovers are in for a diverse lineup that transcends genres. The 30-year endeavour is sure to be a blast for all music fans with its wide variety of musical offerings and genres.

Destination: Chicago, USA

Dates: 01 Aug – 04 Aug, 2024

Untold Music Festival Dubai

music festivals

Dubai emerges as a musical oasis to visit as it hosts one of the largest electronic music extravaganzas, the Untold Dubai Festival, at the renowned Expo City Dubai. Known for it’s Romanian edition the Untold Festival now promises an unparalleled fusion of global sounds in the heart of the Middle East with headliners like Bebe Rexa, G-easy, Major Lazer, Ellie Goulding and many more. This February, from the 15th  to the 18th watch the city’s skyline transform into a spectacle of sound and light as a breathtaking backdrop to the music festival.  Redefine the boundaries of music festivals with this destination-centric spectacle.

Destination: Dubai, UAE

Dates: 15 Feb -18 Feb, 2024

Magnetic Fields Festival

music festivals

India’s contemporary music and art festival, the Magnetic Fields Festival beckons music and culture enthusiasts to the mystical landscapes of Rajasthan. With the backdrop of a 16th-century Rajasthani palace and a semi-arid dessert, the three-day festival is a 24/7 immersive spectacle of lights and sounds. With a focus on cutting-edge electronic music and immersive art installations, the festival offers a sensory adventure like no other, drawing in crowds from all over the world.

Destination: Rajasthan, India

Dates: TBA

Electric Forest

music festivals

The Electric Forest Festival is a unique experience that calls out to all nature lovers. The festival combines the love for music and nature into an enchanting world of vibrant lights and mystical vibes located in the middle of a forest. A truly immersive experience Electric Forest, nestled in the heart of green Michigan, promises a unique blend of electronic and indie sounds in the creatively themed environment.

Destination: Michigan, USA

Dates: 20 Jun – 23 Jun, 2024

Rolling Loud

music festivals

Known as the world’s largest hip-hop festival, Rolling Loud is a fan’s hip-hop haven. Synonymous with chart-topping acts and for bringing some of the hip-hop world’s biggest names to the stage. Its magnetic energy and star-studded lineup make it a must-attend for hip-hop enthusiasts all over the globe to come head bang at the ultimate space for the contemporary rap scene.

Destination: Miami, USA

Dates: 15 Mar – 17 Mar, 2024

Fuji Rock Festival

A concept that brings together Japan’s rich history and heritage with its love for music. Nestled against the backdrop of Japan’s scenic mountains, the Fuji Rock Festival is a harmonious blend of nature and music. The unique cultural experience of Fuji Rock features a lineup of more than 200 international and local artists held in Naeba Ski Resort in a 3-day affair that is also counted as Japan’s biggest outdoor music event, drawing in almost 100,000 festival goers.

Destination: Niigata , Japan

Dates: 26 Jul – 28 Jul, 2024

Ultra Music Festival

The annual electronic dance music festival held in Miami is known to boast of premium DJ lineups and top-notch production.  The Ultra Music Festival is an international sensation that spans EDM fans across the globe. From Miami to Ibiza, Ultra promises a euphoric experience with its world-renowned DJs and stunning production.

Destination: Miami , USA

Dates: 22 Mar – 24 Mar, 2024

Rockville

Metal Heads and Rock enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an event of ultimate mayhem. A rock head’s dream, Rockville is a music festival that breathes and bleeds rock. An unapologetically loud celebration of all things rock and metal with a lineup that goes to show for it. Featuring some of the biggest names in the world of rock and metal, from legendary bands to rising stars. Foo Fighters, Slipknot, Breaking Benjamin, Motley Crew, Judas Priest, Falling in Reverse and more headliners, you name it because all the big names are coming to rock at Rockville.  A guaranteed headbanger of a festival.

Destination: Florida, USA

Dates: 09 May – 12 May, 2024

Burning Man

Closing the list is the avant-garde Burning Man, an annual pilgrimage that the proclaimed burners take to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert for a weeklong futuristic experience that goes beyond music.  The immersive world of Burning Man takes one into a Mad Max-esque dystopian utopia set in the desert, sparked with fire and metal. With an emphasis on community, art, and self-expression, the festival transcends the traditional music festival paradigm for a once-in-a-lifetime sensory journey.

Destination: Nevada, USA

Dates: 25 Aug – 02 September, 2024

Hero image: Courtesy Tomorrowland; Feature image: Courtesy Coachella

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

The post The Biggest Music Festivals on Our Radar in 2024 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Kicking off 2024, we’ve listed some of the best music festivals worldwide that assure you a great time.

Music is a movement like none other, one that can sway a thousand people through sheer melody or make them groove to just a single beat. Though the peace of getting lost in the world of music through a cosy pair of headphones sounds like an enticing offer, music festivals come with a whole different set of offerings. These experiential festivals are a magical show of lights and sounds, with sights you’ve never seen before and the company of friends and like-minded individuals to experience it with; evoking emotions that no one who likes music could even half-heartedly dislike.

music festivals
Skrillex, Fred Again and Four Tet’s set at Coachella 2023

As the world has once again found its bearings in the outdoors post the lockdown, music festivals are back in business. With the surge in popularity in the music world through 2023, it’s safe to say we can expect big things come 2024. This reimagined era of music festivals brings in droves of festival goers, ready to let loose and groove to their favourite artists. From the sun-kissed deserts of California to the vibrant cityscapes of Dubai, music enthusiasts worldwide flock to a varied range of venues, to experience a whole different world of music and redefine their concert experience. Without further ado, we list down some of the biggest music festivals in the world that are on our radar for 2024.

The most anticipated music festivals in the world in 2024

Coachella

music festivals

Kicking off the list has to be the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, one of the perennial favourites that attracts music aficionados and A-list celebrities alike from all over the world. With its eclectic lineup and bohemian atmosphere, the festival in the middle of the Colorado Dessert is a festival-goer’s dream come true. From vibrant fashion to exciting music; Coachella promises an unforgettable weekend of musical exploration under the Californian sun for all.

Destination: California, USA

Dates: 12 Apr – 21 Apr, 2024

Tomorrowland

music festivals

Tomorrowland is exactly as its name sounds, a land of tomorrow. The futuristic world of Tomorrowland whisks visitors away into a fantasy realm of lights and EDM. Known for its mesmerizing stage designs and top-tier electronic acts, Tomorrowland transforms the picturesque town of Boom, Belgium, into a mecca for electronic dance music enthusiasts. The mind-bending audiovisual spectacle at Tomorrowland is truly a sight to witness at least once in your lifetime, and the reason why the world-famous festival is one of the most sought-after experiences.

Destination: Boom, Belgium

Dates: 19 Jul – 28 Jul, 2024

Lollapalooza

music festivals

One of the longest-running in the United States as well as one of the largest music festivals in the world, Lollapalooza is a globetrotting extravaganza that is now making waves across various locations worldwide. From Chicago to Berlin, music lovers are in for a diverse lineup that transcends genres. The 30-year endeavour is sure to be a blast for all music fans with its wide variety of musical offerings and genres.

Destination: Chicago, USA

Dates: 01 Aug – 04 Aug, 2024

Untold Music Festival Dubai

music festivals

Dubai emerges as a musical oasis to visit as it hosts one of the largest electronic music extravaganzas, the Untold Dubai Festival, at the renowned Expo City Dubai. Known for it’s Romanian edition the Untold Festival now promises an unparalleled fusion of global sounds in the heart of the Middle East with headliners like Bebe Rexa, G-easy, Major Lazer, Ellie Goulding and many more. This February, from the 15th  to the 18th watch the city’s skyline transform into a spectacle of sound and light as a breathtaking backdrop to the music festival.  Redefine the boundaries of music festivals with this destination-centric spectacle.

Destination: Dubai, UAE

Dates: 15 Feb -18 Feb, 2024

Magnetic Fields Festival

music festivals

India’s contemporary music and art festival, the Magnetic Fields Festival beckons music and culture enthusiasts to the mystical landscapes of Rajasthan. With the backdrop of a 16th-century Rajasthani palace and a semi-arid dessert, the three-day festival is a 24/7 immersive spectacle of lights and sounds. With a focus on cutting-edge electronic music and immersive art installations, the festival offers a sensory adventure like no other, drawing in crowds from all over the world.

Destination: Rajasthan, India

Dates: TBA

Electric Forest

music festivals

The Electric Forest Festival is a unique experience that calls out to all nature lovers. The festival combines the love for music and nature into an enchanting world of vibrant lights and mystical vibes located in the middle of a forest. A truly immersive experience Electric Forest, nestled in the heart of green Michigan, promises a unique blend of electronic and indie sounds in the creatively themed environment.

Destination: Michigan, USA

Dates: 20 Jun – 23 Jun, 2024

Rolling Loud

music festivals

Known as the world’s largest hip-hop festival, Rolling Loud is a fan’s hip-hop haven. Synonymous with chart-topping acts and for bringing some of the hip-hop world’s biggest names to the stage. Its magnetic energy and star-studded lineup make it a must-attend for hip-hop enthusiasts all over the globe to come head bang at the ultimate space for the contemporary rap scene.

Destination: Miami, USA

Dates: 15 Mar – 17 Mar, 2024

Fuji Rock Festival

A concept that brings together Japan’s rich history and heritage with its love for music. Nestled against the backdrop of Japan’s scenic mountains, the Fuji Rock Festival is a harmonious blend of nature and music. The unique cultural experience of Fuji Rock features a lineup of more than 200 international and local artists held in Naeba Ski Resort in a 3-day affair that is also counted as Japan’s biggest outdoor music event, drawing in almost 100,000 festival goers.

Destination: Niigata , Japan

Dates: 26 Jul – 28 Jul, 2024

Ultra Music Festival

The annual electronic dance music festival held in Miami is known to boast of premium DJ lineups and top-notch production.  The Ultra Music Festival is an international sensation that spans EDM fans across the globe. From Miami to Ibiza, Ultra promises a euphoric experience with its world-renowned DJs and stunning production.

Destination: Miami , USA

Dates: 22 Mar – 24 Mar, 2024

Rockville

Metal Heads and Rock enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an event of ultimate mayhem. A rock head’s dream, Rockville is a music festival that breathes and bleeds rock. An unapologetically loud celebration of all things rock and metal with a lineup that goes to show for it. Featuring some of the biggest names in the world of rock and metal, from legendary bands to rising stars. Foo Fighters, Slipknot, Breaking Benjamin, Motley Crew, Judas Priest, Falling in Reverse and more headliners, you name it because all the big names are coming to rock at Rockville.  A guaranteed headbanger of a festival.

Destination: Florida, USA

Dates: 09 May – 12 May, 2024

Burning Man

Closing the list is the avant-garde Burning Man, an annual pilgrimage that the proclaimed burners take to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert for a weeklong futuristic experience that goes beyond music.  The immersive world of Burning Man takes one into a Mad Max-esque dystopian utopia set in the desert, sparked with fire and metal. With an emphasis on community, art, and self-expression, the festival transcends the traditional music festival paradigm for a once-in-a-lifetime sensory journey.

Destination: Nevada, USA

Dates: 25 Aug – 02 September, 2024

Hero image: Courtesy Tomorrowland; Feature image: Courtesy Coachella

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

The post The Biggest Music Festivals on Our Radar in 2024 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Can You Play PS3 Games on PS5? How to Access Classic Titles https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/can-you-play-ps3-games-on-ps5-how-to-access-classic-titles/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:00:40 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297810

One of the great bonuses of buying a new console is when platform holders add the ability to play classic games, such as having the option to play PS3 games on the PS5.

Not everyone has access to these retro titles, so the more places they’re available, the better.

While the PS5 is known for its backwards compatibility with PS4 titles — by simply inserting the disc or purchasing the game digitally — the ability to play PS3 games is slightly more complex.

For one, backwards compatibility is done via streaming, rather than the physical games themselves.

Thankfully, it’s worth the effort to gain access to a tremendous library of classic PS3 games, with entries in popular franchises like Castlevania, Ratchet & Clank, Ninja Gaiden, Star Wars, Dynasty Warriors, Resident Evil, LEGO, Sam & Max, Motorstorm, Devil May Cry, Fallout and many, many more.

In fact, there are more than 300 PS3 games available, as of January 2024.

Taking this all into consideration, we’ve laid out the details of how to play PS3 games on PS5, as well as listing out every single title that is currently available.

Can you play PS3 games on PS5?

PS3 console and controller in front of a blue background

While the PS5 cannot play PS3 discs directly, a selection of PS3 games can be played digitally.

This works via a PS Plus Premium subscription, which costs £13.49 per month, £39.99 per quarter or £119.99 per year.

Once an internet connection is established, numerous PS3 games can then be streamed to the PS5 console.

How to play PS3 games on PS5

PS Plus Tiers against a grey background

To play PS3 games on PS5, you need to first sign up for a PS Plus Premium subscription before following the below steps:

  • Head to the PS Plus app on the navigation bar
  • Scroll to the Classics Catalogue
  • Search for the PS3 game you want to play

There’s no specific PS3 filter on the PS5 console, so it’s best to just scroll through the selection of PlayStation games until you find the one you want. That’s at least good for providing some inspiration as to what to play next.

Alternatively, you can find the list on the official PlayStation website.

From our experience, a decent internet speed is required to enjoy streaming to its fullest. It’s fine for single-player experiences, but can be restrictive in anything multiplayer or fast-paced.

This was taken from the average download speed as of March 2023 (via Ofcom) of 69.4 Mbps in the UK. If you want the best streaming experience, we’d recommend investing in higher speeds.

Which PS3 games are on PS5?

Beyond Two Souls character standing looking dishevelled, with a man lying in the background

The following list is compiled of all the PS3 games available on PS5 via a PS Plus Premium subscription. As of January 2024, there are 352 games in total. See below for the complete list:

  • Afrika
  • Air Conflicts: Secret Wars
  • Air Conflicts: Vietnam
  • Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed
  • Alien Rage
  • Alien Spidy
  • All Zombies Must Die!
  • Alone in the Dark: Inferno
  • Anarchy: Rush Hour
  • Anna – Extended Edition
  • Anomaly Warzone Earth
  • Aqua Panic!
  • Ar nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star
  • Arcana Heart 3
  • Arcana Heart 3 Love Max!!!!!
  • Armageddon Riders
  • Asura’s Wrath
  • Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk
  • Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky
  • Atelier Meruru – The Alchemist of Arland 3
  • Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland
  • Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea
  • Baja: Edge of Control HD
  • Bang Bang Racing
  • Batman: Arkham Origins
  • Battle Fantasia
  • Battle of Tiles EX
  • Battle Princess of Arcadias
  • Bellator: MMA Onslaught
  • Bentley’s Hackpack
  • Beyond: Two Souls
  • Big Sky Infinity
  • Biohazard: The Darkside Chronicles
  • Bionic Commando Rearmed
  • Bionic Commando Rearmed 2
  • BIT.TRIP Presents… Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien
  • Black Knight Sword
  • Bladestorm: Nightmare
  • Bladestorm: The Hundred Years’ War
  • BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
  • BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend
  • Blood Knights
  • BloodRayne: Betrayal
  • Bolt
  • Brink
  • Bubsy: The Woolies Strike Back
  • Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition
  • Burn Zombie Burn!
  • Capcom Arcade Cabinet : All-In-One-Pack
  • Carmageddon: Max Damage
  • Cars Mater-National Championship
  • Cars Race-O-Rama
  • Castlevania: Harmony of Despair
  • Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate
  • Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2
  • Cel Damage HD
  • Champion Jockey: G1 Jockey and Gallop Racer
  • Chime Super Deluxe
  • Class of Heroes 2G
  • Comet Crash: Bionic Bundle
  • Crash Commando
  • Critter Crunch
  • Crossing Thesis of Gods and Destiny Awakening
  • Crysis Remastered
  • Cuboid
  • Cuboid Ultimate Bundle
  • Danger Zone
  • Dangerous Golf
  • Dark Mist
  • Dark Void
  • Darkstalkers Resurrection
  • Death Track: Resurrection
  • Deception IV: Blood Ties
  • Deception IV: The Nightmare Princess
  • Devil May Cry 4
  • Devil May Cry HD Collection
  • Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice
  • Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten
  • Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness
  • Dishonored
  • Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two
  • Disney Universe
  • Disney·Pixar Brave
  • Disney·Pixar Cars 2: The Video Game
  • Disney·Pixar Toy Story Mania!
  • Double Dragon Neon
  • Dragon Fin Soup
  • Duke Nukem Forever
  • Dynasty Warriors 6
  • Dynasty Warriors 7
  • Dynasty Warriors 7 Empires
  • Dynasty Warriors 7: Xtreme Legends
  • Dynasty Warriors 8
  • Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends
  • Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce
  • Earth Defense Force 2025 (SIEJ: Earth Defense Forces 4)
  • Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon
  • Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard
  • Eat Them!
  • Echochrome: Prelude
  • Elefunk
  • Enemy Front
  • Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
  • Escape Dead Island
  • Ethan: Meteor Hunter
  • Eufloria
  • FEAR First Encounter Assualt Recon
  • Faery: Legends of Avalon
  • Fallout 3
  • Fallout: New Vegas
  • Final Exam
  • Final Fight: Double Impact
  • Frogger Returns
  • Fuel Overdose
  • Genji: Days of the Blade
  • G-Force
  • Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime
  • Go! Sports Ski
  • God of War HD
  • God of War II HD
  • God of War: Ascension
  • Greg Hastings Paintball 2
  • Guilty Gear Xrd – Revelator
  • Hakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi
  • Hamilton’s Great Adventure
  • Hamsterball
  • Heavenly Sword
  • Heavy Fire: Afghanistan
  • Heavy Fire: Shattered Spear
  • High Stakes on the Vegas Strip: Poker Edition
  • Hoard
  • Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds
  • Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
  • Hunted: The Demon’s Forge
  • Hustle Kings
  • ibb & obb
  • ICO Classics HD
  • inFAMOUS
  • inFAMOUS 2
  • inFAMOUS Festival of Blood
  • Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition
  • Interpol: The Trail of Dr. Chaos
  • Invizimals: The Lost Kingdom
  • Jetpack Joyride Deluxe
  • Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With An Engine
  • Joe Danger 2: The Movie
  • Judge Dee – The City God Case
  • JumpJet Rex
  • Karateka
  • Knytt Underground
  • KoeiTecmo the Best Majantaikai Ⅳ
  • Kung Fu Rabbit
  • Last Rebellion
  • Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West
  • Legasista
  • LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
  • LEGO Batman: The Videogame
  • LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
  • LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues
  • LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game
  • LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
  • LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
  • Leo’s Fortune
  • Linger in Shadows
  • Limbo
  • LocoRoco Cocoreccho!
  • Lost Planet
  • Lost Planet 2
  • Lost Planet 3
  • Machinarium
  • Magic Orbz
  • Magus
  • Majo to Hyakkihei
  • Mamorukun Curse!
  • Mars: War Logs
  • Matt Hazard: Blood Bath and Beyond
  • Mega Man 9
  • Mega Man 10
  • Meikyu touro Legasista
  • Metal Slug 3
  • Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck’s Revenge
  • MotorStorm Apocalypse
  • MotorStorm RC Complete Edition
  • MX vs ATV Reflex
  • MX vs ATV: Alive
  • MX VS ATV: Untamed
  • Narco Terror
  • Ninja Gaiden 3
  • Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge
  • Ninja Gaiden Sigma
  • Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
  • Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influence
  • Not Harem Heaven, It Is Yanndere Hell
  • Numblast
  • OKABU
  • Papo & Yo
  • Paradox of Gods and Destiny Revolution
  • Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One
  • Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode Two
  • Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension
  • Pid
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
  • PixelJunk Eden Encore
  • PixelJunk Monsters
  • PixelJunk Monsters Encore
  • PixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap
  • Piyotama
  • Planet Minigolf
  • Planets Under Attack
  • Pool Nation
  • Port Royale 3 Pirates & Merchants Gold Edition
  • Prismatic Solid
  • Proteus
  • Puppeteer
  • Pure Farming 2018
  • Puzzle Agent
  • Quantum Theory
  • Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic
  • Rage
  • Ragnarok Odyssey ACE
  • Raiden IV: OverKill
  • Raiden V: Director’s Cut
  • Rain
  • Ratatouille
  • Ratchet & Clank
  • Ratchet & Clank 2: Going Commando
  • Ratchet & Clank: A Crack In Time
  • Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
  • Ratchet & Clank: Deadlocked
  • Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault
  • Ratchet & Clank: Nexus
  • Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
  • Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty
  • Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
  • Realms Of Ancient War
  • Record of Agarest War
  • Record of Agarest War 2
  • Record of Agarest War Zero
  • Red Dead Redemption
  • Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare
  • Red Faction: Battlegrounds
  • Red Faction: Guerilla Re-MARS-tered
  • Red Johnson’s Chronicles
  • Red Johnson’s Chronicles – One Against All
  • Resident Evil 4
  • Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition (Alternative Edition)
  • Resident Evil 6
  • Resident Evil Code: Veronica X
  • Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City
  • Resident Evil Revelations
  • Resident Evil Revelations 2
  • Resident Evil Revelations 2 – Complete Edition
  • Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
  • Resistance 3
  • Retro City Rampage DX
  • Retro/Grade
  • Ricochet HD
  • Rocket Knight
  • Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken
  • Rogue Warrior
  • Rotastic
  • R-Type Dimensions
  • Rune Factory Oceans
  • Sacred Citadel
  • Saints Row 2
  • Sam & Max BTS: Episode 1 – Ice Station Santa
  • Sam & Max BTS: Episode 2 – Moai Better Blues
  • Sam & Max BTS: Episode 3 – Night of the Raving Dead
  • Sam & Max BTS: Episode 4 – Chariots of the Dogs
  • Sam & Max BTS: Episode 5 – What’s New Beelzebub?
  • Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 1: The Penal Zone
  • Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 2 The Tomb of Sammun-Mak
  • Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 3 They Stole Max’s Brain
  • Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 4: Beyond Alley of Dolls
  • Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 5: The City That Dares Not Sleep
  • Samurai Warriors 2 Empires HD Version
  • Samurai Warriors 3 Empires
  • Samurai Warriors 4
  • Savage Moon
  • Shatter
  • Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution
  • Siren: Blood Curse
  • Skullgirls Encore
  • Sky Fighter
  • Skydive: Proximity Flight
  • SkyDrift
  • Slender: The Arrival
  • Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time
  • Smash Cars
  • Snakeball
  • Sniper Elite V2
  • Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype
  • Soldner-X: Himmelssturmer
  • Space Ace
  • Split/Second: Velocity
  • Star Wars The Force Unleashed II
  • Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Ultimate Sith Edition
  • StarDrone
  • Starwhal
  • Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition
  • Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner
  • Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 2: Strong Badia The Free
  • Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 3: Baddest of the Bands
  • Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 4: Dangeresque 3: THe Criminal Projective
  • Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People  – Episode 5: 8-Bit is Enough
  • Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
  • Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
  • Syberia
  • Tales from Space: About a Blob
  • Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack
  • The Awakened Fate Ultimatum
  • The Darkness
  • The Darkness II
  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
  • The Guided Fate Paradox
  • The King of Fighters XIII
  • The Last Guy
  • The Last Tinker: City of Colors
  • The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition
  • The UnderGarden
  • Thunder Wolves
  • Tokyo Jungle
  • Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters
  • Toro to MorMori
  • Toy Home
  • Trash Panic
  • Trinity: Souls of Zill O’ll
  • Tron: Evolution
  • Truck Racer
  • Urban Trial Freestyle
  • Velocibox
  • VelocityUltra
  • Vessel
  • Voodoo Chronicles: The First Sign
  • Wakeboarding HD
  • Warlords
  • Warriors Orochi 3
  • Warriors: Legends of Troy
  • Way of the Samurai 3 Plus
  • Way of the Samurai 4
  • When Vikings Attack!
  • Whispering Willows
  • White Knight Chronicles
  • White Knight Chronicles II
  • Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls
  • XBlaze Code: Embryo
  • XCOM: Enemy Within
  • Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z
  • Z/X
  • Zack Zero
  • Zen Pinball 2
  • Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov’s Revenge

Remember, only these specific games can be played on PS5, with PS3 discs incompatible with the next-gen console. This list is also updated regularly, so check out the official PlayStation website for further information.

(Main and featured image: Remy Gieling/Unsplash)

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

The post Can You Play PS3 Games on PS5? How to Access Classic Titles appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

One of the great bonuses of buying a new console is when platform holders add the ability to play classic games, such as having the option to play PS3 games on the PS5.

Not everyone has access to these retro titles, so the more places they’re available, the better.

While the PS5 is known for its backwards compatibility with PS4 titles — by simply inserting the disc or purchasing the game digitally — the ability to play PS3 games is slightly more complex.

For one, backwards compatibility is done via streaming, rather than the physical games themselves.

Thankfully, it’s worth the effort to gain access to a tremendous library of classic PS3 games, with entries in popular franchises like Castlevania, Ratchet & Clank, Ninja Gaiden, Star Wars, Dynasty Warriors, Resident Evil, LEGO, Sam & Max, Motorstorm, Devil May Cry, Fallout and many, many more.

In fact, there are more than 300 PS3 games available, as of January 2024.

Taking this all into consideration, we’ve laid out the details of how to play PS3 games on PS5, as well as listing out every single title that is currently available.

Can you play PS3 games on PS5?

PS3 console and controller in front of a blue background

While the PS5 cannot play PS3 discs directly, a selection of PS3 games can be played digitally.

This works via a PS Plus Premium subscription, which costs £13.49 per month, £39.99 per quarter or £119.99 per year.

Once an internet connection is established, numerous PS3 games can then be streamed to the PS5 console.

How to play PS3 games on PS5

PS Plus Tiers against a grey background

To play PS3 games on PS5, you need to first sign up for a PS Plus Premium subscription before following the below steps:

  • Head to the PS Plus app on the navigation bar
  • Scroll to the Classics Catalogue
  • Search for the PS3 game you want to play

There’s no specific PS3 filter on the PS5 console, so it’s best to just scroll through the selection of PlayStation games until you find the one you want. That’s at least good for providing some inspiration as to what to play next.

Alternatively, you can find the list on the official PlayStation website.

From our experience, a decent internet speed is required to enjoy streaming to its fullest. It’s fine for single-player experiences, but can be restrictive in anything multiplayer or fast-paced.

This was taken from the average download speed as of March 2023 (via Ofcom) of 69.4 Mbps in the UK. If you want the best streaming experience, we’d recommend investing in higher speeds.

Which PS3 games are on PS5?

Beyond Two Souls character standing looking dishevelled, with a man lying in the background

The following list is compiled of all the PS3 games available on PS5 via a PS Plus Premium subscription. As of January 2024, there are 352 games in total. See below for the complete list:

  • Afrika
  • Air Conflicts: Secret Wars
  • Air Conflicts: Vietnam
  • Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed
  • Alien Rage
  • Alien Spidy
  • All Zombies Must Die!
  • Alone in the Dark: Inferno
  • Anarchy: Rush Hour
  • Anna – Extended Edition
  • Anomaly Warzone Earth
  • Aqua Panic!
  • Ar nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star
  • Arcana Heart 3
  • Arcana Heart 3 Love Max!!!!!
  • Armageddon Riders
  • Asura’s Wrath
  • Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk
  • Atelier Escha & Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky
  • Atelier Meruru – The Alchemist of Arland 3
  • Atelier Rorona Plus: The Alchemist of Arland
  • Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea
  • Baja: Edge of Control HD
  • Bang Bang Racing
  • Batman: Arkham Origins
  • Battle Fantasia
  • Battle of Tiles EX
  • Battle Princess of Arcadias
  • Bellator: MMA Onslaught
  • Bentley’s Hackpack
  • Beyond: Two Souls
  • Big Sky Infinity
  • Biohazard: The Darkside Chronicles
  • Bionic Commando Rearmed
  • Bionic Commando Rearmed 2
  • BIT.TRIP Presents… Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien
  • Black Knight Sword
  • Bladestorm: Nightmare
  • Bladestorm: The Hundred Years’ War
  • BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
  • BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend
  • Blood Knights
  • BloodRayne: Betrayal
  • Bolt
  • Brink
  • Bubsy: The Woolies Strike Back
  • Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition
  • Burn Zombie Burn!
  • Capcom Arcade Cabinet : All-In-One-Pack
  • Carmageddon: Max Damage
  • Cars Mater-National Championship
  • Cars Race-O-Rama
  • Castlevania: Harmony of Despair
  • Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate
  • Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2
  • Cel Damage HD
  • Champion Jockey: G1 Jockey and Gallop Racer
  • Chime Super Deluxe
  • Class of Heroes 2G
  • Comet Crash: Bionic Bundle
  • Crash Commando
  • Critter Crunch
  • Crossing Thesis of Gods and Destiny Awakening
  • Crysis Remastered
  • Cuboid
  • Cuboid Ultimate Bundle
  • Danger Zone
  • Dangerous Golf
  • Dark Mist
  • Dark Void
  • Darkstalkers Resurrection
  • Death Track: Resurrection
  • Deception IV: Blood Ties
  • Deception IV: The Nightmare Princess
  • Devil May Cry 4
  • Devil May Cry HD Collection
  • Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice
  • Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten
  • Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness
  • Dishonored
  • Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two
  • Disney Universe
  • Disney·Pixar Brave
  • Disney·Pixar Cars 2: The Video Game
  • Disney·Pixar Toy Story Mania!
  • Double Dragon Neon
  • Dragon Fin Soup
  • Duke Nukem Forever
  • Dynasty Warriors 6
  • Dynasty Warriors 7
  • Dynasty Warriors 7 Empires
  • Dynasty Warriors 7: Xtreme Legends
  • Dynasty Warriors 8
  • Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends
  • Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce
  • Earth Defense Force 2025 (SIEJ: Earth Defense Forces 4)
  • Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon
  • Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard
  • Eat Them!
  • Echochrome: Prelude
  • Elefunk
  • Enemy Front
  • Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
  • Escape Dead Island
  • Ethan: Meteor Hunter
  • Eufloria
  • FEAR First Encounter Assualt Recon
  • Faery: Legends of Avalon
  • Fallout 3
  • Fallout: New Vegas
  • Final Exam
  • Final Fight: Double Impact
  • Frogger Returns
  • Fuel Overdose
  • Genji: Days of the Blade
  • G-Force
  • Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime
  • Go! Sports Ski
  • God of War HD
  • God of War II HD
  • God of War: Ascension
  • Greg Hastings Paintball 2
  • Guilty Gear Xrd – Revelator
  • Hakuoki: Stories of the Shinsengumi
  • Hamilton’s Great Adventure
  • Hamsterball
  • Heavenly Sword
  • Heavy Fire: Afghanistan
  • Heavy Fire: Shattered Spear
  • High Stakes on the Vegas Strip: Poker Edition
  • Hoard
  • Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds
  • Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
  • Hunted: The Demon’s Forge
  • Hustle Kings
  • ibb & obb
  • ICO Classics HD
  • inFAMOUS
  • inFAMOUS 2
  • inFAMOUS Festival of Blood
  • Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition
  • Interpol: The Trail of Dr. Chaos
  • Invizimals: The Lost Kingdom
  • Jetpack Joyride Deluxe
  • Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With An Engine
  • Joe Danger 2: The Movie
  • Judge Dee – The City God Case
  • JumpJet Rex
  • Karateka
  • Knytt Underground
  • KoeiTecmo the Best Majantaikai Ⅳ
  • Kung Fu Rabbit
  • Last Rebellion
  • Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West
  • Legasista
  • LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
  • LEGO Batman: The Videogame
  • LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
  • LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues
  • LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game
  • LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars
  • LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
  • Leo’s Fortune
  • Linger in Shadows
  • Limbo
  • LocoRoco Cocoreccho!
  • Lost Planet
  • Lost Planet 2
  • Lost Planet 3
  • Machinarium
  • Magic Orbz
  • Magus
  • Majo to Hyakkihei
  • Mamorukun Curse!
  • Mars: War Logs
  • Matt Hazard: Blood Bath and Beyond
  • Mega Man 9
  • Mega Man 10
  • Meikyu touro Legasista
  • Metal Slug 3
  • Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck’s Revenge
  • MotorStorm Apocalypse
  • MotorStorm RC Complete Edition
  • MX vs ATV Reflex
  • MX vs ATV: Alive
  • MX VS ATV: Untamed
  • Narco Terror
  • Ninja Gaiden 3
  • Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge
  • Ninja Gaiden Sigma
  • Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
  • Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influence
  • Not Harem Heaven, It Is Yanndere Hell
  • Numblast
  • OKABU
  • Papo & Yo
  • Paradox of Gods and Destiny Revolution
  • Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One
  • Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode Two
  • Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension
  • Pid
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
  • PixelJunk Eden Encore
  • PixelJunk Monsters
  • PixelJunk Monsters Encore
  • PixelJunk Racers 2nd Lap
  • Piyotama
  • Planet Minigolf
  • Planets Under Attack
  • Pool Nation
  • Port Royale 3 Pirates & Merchants Gold Edition
  • Prismatic Solid
  • Proteus
  • Puppeteer
  • Pure Farming 2018
  • Puzzle Agent
  • Quantum Theory
  • Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic
  • Rage
  • Ragnarok Odyssey ACE
  • Raiden IV: OverKill
  • Raiden V: Director’s Cut
  • Rain
  • Ratatouille
  • Ratchet & Clank
  • Ratchet & Clank 2: Going Commando
  • Ratchet & Clank: A Crack In Time
  • Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
  • Ratchet & Clank: Deadlocked
  • Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault
  • Ratchet & Clank: Nexus
  • Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
  • Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty
  • Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
  • Realms Of Ancient War
  • Record of Agarest War
  • Record of Agarest War 2
  • Record of Agarest War Zero
  • Red Dead Redemption
  • Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare
  • Red Faction: Battlegrounds
  • Red Faction: Guerilla Re-MARS-tered
  • Red Johnson’s Chronicles
  • Red Johnson’s Chronicles – One Against All
  • Resident Evil 4
  • Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition (Alternative Edition)
  • Resident Evil 6
  • Resident Evil Code: Veronica X
  • Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City
  • Resident Evil Revelations
  • Resident Evil Revelations 2
  • Resident Evil Revelations 2 – Complete Edition
  • Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
  • Resistance 3
  • Retro City Rampage DX
  • Retro/Grade
  • Ricochet HD
  • Rocket Knight
  • Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken
  • Rogue Warrior
  • Rotastic
  • R-Type Dimensions
  • Rune Factory Oceans
  • Sacred Citadel
  • Saints Row 2
  • Sam & Max BTS: Episode 1 – Ice Station Santa
  • Sam & Max BTS: Episode 2 – Moai Better Blues
  • Sam & Max BTS: Episode 3 – Night of the Raving Dead
  • Sam & Max BTS: Episode 4 – Chariots of the Dogs
  • Sam & Max BTS: Episode 5 – What’s New Beelzebub?
  • Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 1: The Penal Zone
  • Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 2 The Tomb of Sammun-Mak
  • Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 3 They Stole Max’s Brain
  • Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 4: Beyond Alley of Dolls
  • Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 5: The City That Dares Not Sleep
  • Samurai Warriors 2 Empires HD Version
  • Samurai Warriors 3 Empires
  • Samurai Warriors 4
  • Savage Moon
  • Shatter
  • Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution
  • Siren: Blood Curse
  • Skullgirls Encore
  • Sky Fighter
  • Skydive: Proximity Flight
  • SkyDrift
  • Slender: The Arrival
  • Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time
  • Smash Cars
  • Snakeball
  • Sniper Elite V2
  • Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype
  • Soldner-X: Himmelssturmer
  • Space Ace
  • Split/Second: Velocity
  • Star Wars The Force Unleashed II
  • Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Ultimate Sith Edition
  • StarDrone
  • Starwhal
  • Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition
  • Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner
  • Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 2: Strong Badia The Free
  • Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 3: Baddest of the Bands
  • Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People – Episode 4: Dangeresque 3: THe Criminal Projective
  • Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People  – Episode 5: 8-Bit is Enough
  • Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
  • Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
  • Syberia
  • Tales from Space: About a Blob
  • Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack
  • The Awakened Fate Ultimatum
  • The Darkness
  • The Darkness II
  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
  • The Guided Fate Paradox
  • The King of Fighters XIII
  • The Last Guy
  • The Last Tinker: City of Colors
  • The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition
  • The UnderGarden
  • Thunder Wolves
  • Tokyo Jungle
  • Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters
  • Toro to MorMori
  • Toy Home
  • Trash Panic
  • Trinity: Souls of Zill O’ll
  • Tron: Evolution
  • Truck Racer
  • Urban Trial Freestyle
  • Velocibox
  • VelocityUltra
  • Vessel
  • Voodoo Chronicles: The First Sign
  • Wakeboarding HD
  • Warlords
  • Warriors Orochi 3
  • Warriors: Legends of Troy
  • Way of the Samurai 3 Plus
  • Way of the Samurai 4
  • When Vikings Attack!
  • Whispering Willows
  • White Knight Chronicles
  • White Knight Chronicles II
  • Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls
  • XBlaze Code: Embryo
  • XCOM: Enemy Within
  • Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z
  • Z/X
  • Zack Zero
  • Zen Pinball 2
  • Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov’s Revenge

Remember, only these specific games can be played on PS5, with PS3 discs incompatible with the next-gen console. This list is also updated regularly, so check out the official PlayStation website for further information.

(Main and featured image: Remy Gieling/Unsplash)

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

The post Can You Play PS3 Games on PS5? How to Access Classic Titles appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Who is Bianca Censori? 8 Things You Must Know About Kanye West’s ‘Wife’ https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/who-is-bianca-censori-things-to-know-about-kanye-west-wife/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 03:15:16 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=284871 Bianca Censori, Kanye West's wife

Bianca Censori, who is believed to be the new wife of Kanye West, officially known as Ye, has been making headlines across the globe for several months now. The most recent is Ye showering praises on her in a birthday post on 7 January 2024.

Ye was previously married to reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian, who is, entirely of her own accord, a billionaire by net worth and one of the richest self-made women in the US. With Ye, Kardashian has four children. The couple divorced in November 2022.

On 13 January 2023, TMZ reported that Ye had married Censori. Citing sources, the American tabloid said they had “some sort of wedding ceremony — though we’re told it doesn’t appear they’ve filed a marriage certificate to make it legal.”

In his 2024 birthday post, Ye called her “the most beautiful super bad fun iconic muse inspirational talented artist masters degree in architecture 140 IQ loving by my side everyday when half the world turned their backs on me.”

He also said that she is the “most amazing step mom to our children.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ye (@kanyewest)

Controversy around Bianca Censori’s fashion choices

Although Bianca Censori is known for her sartorial fashion choices, she is known for stirring controversies with how she appears.

One of the major ones happened in late 2023 when she wore sheer bodysuits in Italy. While leaving her hotel in Florence with Ye, Censori was also dressed in a nude outfit, holding a purple pillow close to her chest and even went shopping with Ye.

Her outfits reportedly didn’t go down well with the locals. One particular incident caused enough furore in Venice. The couple were photographed touring the Venetian canals in a boat. It is not clear what exactly happened on the boat, but reports suggest that locals were furious with their actions — photographs of which went viral.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by WHOOPSEE (@whoopsee.it)

Following the incident, Venetian Turismo Motoscafi, the company which owns the boat, banned Kanye West and his new wife for life.

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, the company said the couple will “no longer be welcome” on any of their boats anywhere. The company added that their staff were “completely unaware” of what was happening between the two on the boat.

“The driver had to keep a lookout for traffic and did not see these obscenities,” the company said, adding, “If this had happened, he would have immediately disembarked and reported the transgressors to those in authority.”

Whatever the reason, Censori — as has always been the case with Ye — is certainly everywhere in the news, leading to interest in who she is.

Things to know about Bianca Censori, the new wife of Kanye West

Censori is an Australian

Bianca Censori was born and raised in Melbourne. Reports say that she grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Ivanhoe, which is described as an affluent area.

While some reports say Censori has two sisters — Angelina Censori and Alyssia Censori — others suggest that Alyssia may be a relative and not her sister.

The exact age of Bianca Censori is unclear. The Sun, however, reported in July 2023 that she is 28 years old and says that she was born on 5 January 1995. Though, Ye’s Instagram post in praise of her indicates she was born on 7 January. In either case, she has turned 29 years old if the year of her birth is accurate.

Bianca Censori has work experience in design

She studied at Carey Baptist Grammar School in the city and then attended the University of Melbourne for her Bachelor in Architecture (BArch) from 2013 to 2017. She also completed her Master in Architecture (MArch) from the same university in 2020.

Her LinkedIn profile says that she worked as a design consultant at Kelektiv in South Yarra from February 2016 to July 2017.

Immediately after leaving Kelektiv, she became a student architect at DP Toscano Architects based in Collingwood, where she remained for three years till June 2020.

Her profile says that she has been working as an architectural designer at Ye’s Yeezy brand since November 2020.

She once owned an accessories label

From 2013 to 2017, when she was still an undergraduate student, Censori ran an accessories label named Nylons Jewellery.

“I try (to) keep my studies and Nylons fairly separate. I’m always thinking of both and am always inspired by both, but I separate them so they can grow separately,” she said in an interview with i-D in 2016.

She participated in Melbourne Design Week

Her design credentials are pretty well known. Censori was one of the participants at the Melbourne Design Week held from 17 to 27 March 2022. She was part of the group exhibition named Vital Pleasures.

In a short profile about her, the Melbourne Design Week acknowledged her work as an architectural designer for Ye in Los Angeles.

“Her work engages with philosophical, aesthetic, and cultural references: these tropes generate contextual frameworks in which she designs buildings and objects,” the profile reads.

Her family was happy about the ‘wedding’

After the news of her supposed marriage to Ye broke, Censori’s sister Angelina told the Herald Sun, “It’s very exciting news for both my sister and the family but we choose to have some privacy for the time being.”

Alyssia said that the family was “super happy for them both.”

People close to Ye and Censori had also expressed happiness at the ‘wedding.’

“Things couldn’t be better for Kanye and Bianca and they’re doing amazing,” an insider told Us Weekly in 2022. “Kanye feels like he finally met someone who truly gets him and loves him for the person he is.”

“Bianca complements Kanye on so many levels and he loves that they can work and collaborate together on projects,” the source added. “He appreciates and respects her opinions, even if they don’t always agree. She really keeps him grounded and he’s feeling better than ever.”

But her friends say Ye has isolated herself

Even though her family expressed happiness, her friends have said that it is “hard to tell” how she’s feeling “because she’s been isolated from them.”

Speaking to Us Weekly, a source said in September 2023 that if Censori is “happy, then they’re happy for her.”

“Bianca’s friends are becoming concerned because their friendship with her hasn’t been the same in quite some time,” the source added. “Bianca has always been a strong, independent woman who has her own voice, but they haven’t seen that lately because they don’t speak or see each other as often as they had before she started seeing Kanye.”

Ye may have written the song ‘Censori Overload’ about Bianca

Ye released “Censori Overload” on 7 December 2022. It was shared via Ye’s Instagram account and samples Donny Hathaway’s 1973 song “Someday We’ll All Be Free.”

At the time, his relationship with Bianca Censori was not known. As such, media reports about the song from when it was released could not make the connection.

It was after the news of his ‘marriage’ to Bianca Censori came to light the following month that the media started speculating that the song is a nod to his new wife’s last name.

The song has since been deleted.

Bianca Censori has no social media presence

Censori has an active Instagram account with the handle @biancasensori. The bio on her profile reads: “Head of Architecture at YEEZY, Los Angeles, CA.”

As of 11 September 2023, she has over 20.5K followers. The only accounts she is following are the official Instagram accounts of the Yeezy brand and the community named YEEZY MAFIA. But there are no posts on her page, even though the account continues to be tagged by Instagram users.

(Hero and Featured images: Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How old is Bianca Censori?

Some reports suggest that Bianca Censori is around 28 years old.

– What is Bianca Censori best known for?

Bianca Censori became famous worldwide when it was revealed that she is the new wife of Kanye West.

– Is Bianca Censori a real architect?

It is not clear if Bianca Censori is professionally an architect, though she holds degrees in architecture and has participated in design exhibitions.

– What is Bianca Censori’s nationality?

Bianca Censori is believed to be an Australian.

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India

The post Who is Bianca Censori? 8 Things You Must Know About Kanye West’s ‘Wife’ appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Bianca Censori, Kanye West's wife

Bianca Censori, who is believed to be the new wife of Kanye West, officially known as Ye, has been making headlines across the globe for several months now. The most recent is Ye showering praises on her in a birthday post on 7 January 2024.

Ye was previously married to reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian, who is, entirely of her own accord, a billionaire by net worth and one of the richest self-made women in the US. With Ye, Kardashian has four children. The couple divorced in November 2022.

On 13 January 2023, TMZ reported that Ye had married Censori. Citing sources, the American tabloid said they had “some sort of wedding ceremony — though we’re told it doesn’t appear they’ve filed a marriage certificate to make it legal.”

In his 2024 birthday post, Ye called her “the most beautiful super bad fun iconic muse inspirational talented artist masters degree in architecture 140 IQ loving by my side everyday when half the world turned their backs on me.”

He also said that she is the “most amazing step mom to our children.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ye (@kanyewest)

Controversy around Bianca Censori’s fashion choices

Although Bianca Censori is known for her sartorial fashion choices, she is known for stirring controversies with how she appears.

One of the major ones happened in late 2023 when she wore sheer bodysuits in Italy. While leaving her hotel in Florence with Ye, Censori was also dressed in a nude outfit, holding a purple pillow close to her chest and even went shopping with Ye.

Her outfits reportedly didn’t go down well with the locals. One particular incident caused enough furore in Venice. The couple were photographed touring the Venetian canals in a boat. It is not clear what exactly happened on the boat, but reports suggest that locals were furious with their actions — photographs of which went viral.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by WHOOPSEE (@whoopsee.it)

Following the incident, Venetian Turismo Motoscafi, the company which owns the boat, banned Kanye West and his new wife for life.

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, the company said the couple will “no longer be welcome” on any of their boats anywhere. The company added that their staff were “completely unaware” of what was happening between the two on the boat.

“The driver had to keep a lookout for traffic and did not see these obscenities,” the company said, adding, “If this had happened, he would have immediately disembarked and reported the transgressors to those in authority.”

Whatever the reason, Censori — as has always been the case with Ye — is certainly everywhere in the news, leading to interest in who she is.

Things to know about Bianca Censori, the new wife of Kanye West

Censori is an Australian

Bianca Censori was born and raised in Melbourne. Reports say that she grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Ivanhoe, which is described as an affluent area.

While some reports say Censori has two sisters — Angelina Censori and Alyssia Censori — others suggest that Alyssia may be a relative and not her sister.

The exact age of Bianca Censori is unclear. The Sun, however, reported in July 2023 that she is 28 years old and says that she was born on 5 January 1995. Though, Ye’s Instagram post in praise of her indicates she was born on 7 January. In either case, she has turned 29 years old if the year of her birth is accurate.

Bianca Censori has work experience in design

She studied at Carey Baptist Grammar School in the city and then attended the University of Melbourne for her Bachelor in Architecture (BArch) from 2013 to 2017. She also completed her Master in Architecture (MArch) from the same university in 2020.

Her LinkedIn profile says that she worked as a design consultant at Kelektiv in South Yarra from February 2016 to July 2017.

Immediately after leaving Kelektiv, she became a student architect at DP Toscano Architects based in Collingwood, where she remained for three years till June 2020.

Her profile says that she has been working as an architectural designer at Ye’s Yeezy brand since November 2020.

She once owned an accessories label

From 2013 to 2017, when she was still an undergraduate student, Censori ran an accessories label named Nylons Jewellery.

“I try (to) keep my studies and Nylons fairly separate. I’m always thinking of both and am always inspired by both, but I separate them so they can grow separately,” she said in an interview with i-D in 2016.

She participated in Melbourne Design Week

Her design credentials are pretty well known. Censori was one of the participants at the Melbourne Design Week held from 17 to 27 March 2022. She was part of the group exhibition named Vital Pleasures.

In a short profile about her, the Melbourne Design Week acknowledged her work as an architectural designer for Ye in Los Angeles.

“Her work engages with philosophical, aesthetic, and cultural references: these tropes generate contextual frameworks in which she designs buildings and objects,” the profile reads.

Her family was happy about the ‘wedding’

After the news of her supposed marriage to Ye broke, Censori’s sister Angelina told the Herald Sun, “It’s very exciting news for both my sister and the family but we choose to have some privacy for the time being.”

Alyssia said that the family was “super happy for them both.”

People close to Ye and Censori had also expressed happiness at the ‘wedding.’

“Things couldn’t be better for Kanye and Bianca and they’re doing amazing,” an insider told Us Weekly in 2022. “Kanye feels like he finally met someone who truly gets him and loves him for the person he is.”

“Bianca complements Kanye on so many levels and he loves that they can work and collaborate together on projects,” the source added. “He appreciates and respects her opinions, even if they don’t always agree. She really keeps him grounded and he’s feeling better than ever.”

But her friends say Ye has isolated herself

Even though her family expressed happiness, her friends have said that it is “hard to tell” how she’s feeling “because she’s been isolated from them.”

Speaking to Us Weekly, a source said in September 2023 that if Censori is “happy, then they’re happy for her.”

“Bianca’s friends are becoming concerned because their friendship with her hasn’t been the same in quite some time,” the source added. “Bianca has always been a strong, independent woman who has her own voice, but they haven’t seen that lately because they don’t speak or see each other as often as they had before she started seeing Kanye.”

Ye may have written the song ‘Censori Overload’ about Bianca

Ye released “Censori Overload” on 7 December 2022. It was shared via Ye’s Instagram account and samples Donny Hathaway’s 1973 song “Someday We’ll All Be Free.”

At the time, his relationship with Bianca Censori was not known. As such, media reports about the song from when it was released could not make the connection.

It was after the news of his ‘marriage’ to Bianca Censori came to light the following month that the media started speculating that the song is a nod to his new wife’s last name.

The song has since been deleted.

Bianca Censori has no social media presence

Censori has an active Instagram account with the handle @biancasensori. The bio on her profile reads: “Head of Architecture at YEEZY, Los Angeles, CA.”

As of 11 September 2023, she has over 20.5K followers. The only accounts she is following are the official Instagram accounts of the Yeezy brand and the community named YEEZY MAFIA. But there are no posts on her page, even though the account continues to be tagged by Instagram users.

(Hero and Featured images: Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How old is Bianca Censori?

Some reports suggest that Bianca Censori is around 28 years old.

– What is Bianca Censori best known for?

Bianca Censori became famous worldwide when it was revealed that she is the new wife of Kanye West.

– Is Bianca Censori a real architect?

It is not clear if Bianca Censori is professionally an architect, though she holds degrees in architecture and has participated in design exhibitions.

– What is Bianca Censori’s nationality?

Bianca Censori is believed to be an Australian.

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India

The post Who is Bianca Censori? 8 Things You Must Know About Kanye West’s ‘Wife’ appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Coachella 2024: Lana Del Rey And Tyler, The Creator Rumoured To Headline The Music Festival https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/coachella-2024-dates-tickets-artist-lineup-lana-del-rey-tyler-the-creator/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 13:25:48 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297771

Over the years, the Coachella music festival has mastered the art of building anticipation by often delaying the annual lineup release, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the big announcement. Traditionally, 2 January has been the historical date for the lineup reveal every year. However, that wasn’t the case this year as attendees await the official lineup.

Every music enthusiast knows that the iconic music festival holds a prestigious status among festivals globally, drawing music enthusiasts and influencers, showcasing a lineup featuring top names from hip-hop, pop and EDM genres.

In 2023, the headliners Blackpink, Frank Ocean and Bad Bunny, attracted a slew of celebrity guests including Justin and Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Jaden Smith, Evan Mock, Lil Nas X and TikTokers like Emma Chamberlain and Charli D’Amelio.

So if you are curious to know everything about Coachella 2024, here are the rumoured headliners, the dates, ticket pricing and the event location.

Coachella 2024 headliners and artist lineup: Lana Del Rey, Tyler, the Creator and more

Coachella 2024
Image credit: Instagram/Lana Del Rey

According to HITS Daily Double, Lana Del Rey and Tyler, the Creator are in talks to headline Coachella 2024 on the weekends of April 12-14 and April 19-21 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. There’s also speculation that Doja Cat might be the third headliner, but it is not officially confirmed yet. It has also been hinted that Peso Pluma is in consideration as another artist in the mix for Coachella 2024.

The publication also highlighted that this year’s lineup boasts the most diverse undercard yet, featuring a wide range of genres and global representation. It has also been reported that Dua Lipa chose not to participate due to timing conflicts, while Shakira’s team sought a headlining slot that the festival ultimately didn’t confirm.

Additionally, there are ongoing speculations about additional headliner contenders such as The Rolling Stones, Olivia Rodrigo and Travis Scott for the festival.

It is a remarkable moment for both Lana Del Rey and Tyler, the Creator as they are expected to headline Coachella for the first time. Del Rey debuted at Coachella in 2014 and was scheduled to return in 2020, which unfortunately got cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, Tyler, the Creator has a history with the music festival, having performed as part of Odd Future in 2011 and later as a solo artist in 2015 and 2018.

When and where is Coachella 2024 taking place?

Coachella 2024
Image credit: Instagram/Coachella

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2024 is set to span over two weekends in April, kicking off from 12 April to 14 April and continuing with the second weekend on 19 April to 21 April. The music festival is held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, which is approximately a three-hour drive from Los Angeles and just about an hour away from Palm Springs.

Coachella 2024 ticket pricing and where to buy them

As of January 2024, Coachella tickets have been completely sold out for some time. Nonetheless, you can join the waitlists for both weekends through the music festival’s official website. Additionally, tickets are still up for grabs on Stubhub.

General admission tickets, which originally ranged from USD 499 to USD 599 plus booking fees, are currently being resold on StubHub for USD 471 to USD 485. VIP tickets, although sold out initially and priced between USD 1069 and USD 1269, are also available through the waitlist.

(Hero and feature image credit: Courtesy Instagram/Tyler, the Creator and Lana Del Rey)

This story first appeared on Augustman Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What are the dates for Coachella 2024?
The music festival will take place over two weekends in April, from 12 April to 14 April and continuing with the second weekend on 19 April to 21 April.

– Who is rumoured to headline at Coachella 2024?
Lana Del Rey and Tyler, the Creator are rumoured to headline Coachella 2024.

– What is the venue for Coachella 2024?
Coachella 2024 will be held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.

The post Coachella 2024: Lana Del Rey And Tyler, The Creator Rumoured To Headline The Music Festival appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Over the years, the Coachella music festival has mastered the art of building anticipation by often delaying the annual lineup release, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the big announcement. Traditionally, 2 January has been the historical date for the lineup reveal every year. However, that wasn’t the case this year as attendees await the official lineup.

Every music enthusiast knows that the iconic music festival holds a prestigious status among festivals globally, drawing music enthusiasts and influencers, showcasing a lineup featuring top names from hip-hop, pop and EDM genres.

In 2023, the headliners Blackpink, Frank Ocean and Bad Bunny, attracted a slew of celebrity guests including Justin and Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Jaden Smith, Evan Mock, Lil Nas X and TikTokers like Emma Chamberlain and Charli D’Amelio.

So if you are curious to know everything about Coachella 2024, here are the rumoured headliners, the dates, ticket pricing and the event location.

Coachella 2024 headliners and artist lineup: Lana Del Rey, Tyler, the Creator and more

Coachella 2024
Image credit: Instagram/Lana Del Rey

According to HITS Daily Double, Lana Del Rey and Tyler, the Creator are in talks to headline Coachella 2024 on the weekends of April 12-14 and April 19-21 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. There’s also speculation that Doja Cat might be the third headliner, but it is not officially confirmed yet. It has also been hinted that Peso Pluma is in consideration as another artist in the mix for Coachella 2024.

The publication also highlighted that this year’s lineup boasts the most diverse undercard yet, featuring a wide range of genres and global representation. It has also been reported that Dua Lipa chose not to participate due to timing conflicts, while Shakira’s team sought a headlining slot that the festival ultimately didn’t confirm.

Additionally, there are ongoing speculations about additional headliner contenders such as The Rolling Stones, Olivia Rodrigo and Travis Scott for the festival.

It is a remarkable moment for both Lana Del Rey and Tyler, the Creator as they are expected to headline Coachella for the first time. Del Rey debuted at Coachella in 2014 and was scheduled to return in 2020, which unfortunately got cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, Tyler, the Creator has a history with the music festival, having performed as part of Odd Future in 2011 and later as a solo artist in 2015 and 2018.

When and where is Coachella 2024 taking place?

Coachella 2024
Image credit: Instagram/Coachella

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2024 is set to span over two weekends in April, kicking off from 12 April to 14 April and continuing with the second weekend on 19 April to 21 April. The music festival is held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, which is approximately a three-hour drive from Los Angeles and just about an hour away from Palm Springs.

Coachella 2024 ticket pricing and where to buy them

As of January 2024, Coachella tickets have been completely sold out for some time. Nonetheless, you can join the waitlists for both weekends through the music festival’s official website. Additionally, tickets are still up for grabs on Stubhub.

General admission tickets, which originally ranged from USD 499 to USD 599 plus booking fees, are currently being resold on StubHub for USD 471 to USD 485. VIP tickets, although sold out initially and priced between USD 1069 and USD 1269, are also available through the waitlist.

(Hero and feature image credit: Courtesy Instagram/Tyler, the Creator and Lana Del Rey)

This story first appeared on Augustman Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What are the dates for Coachella 2024?
The music festival will take place over two weekends in April, from 12 April to 14 April and continuing with the second weekend on 19 April to 21 April.

– Who is rumoured to headline at Coachella 2024?
Lana Del Rey and Tyler, the Creator are rumoured to headline Coachella 2024.

– What is the venue for Coachella 2024?
Coachella 2024 will be held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.

The post Coachella 2024: Lana Del Rey And Tyler, The Creator Rumoured To Headline The Music Festival appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Everything We Know About The ‘Venom 3’ Cast, Plot, Release Date And More https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/venom-3-cast-plot-details-release-date-trailer/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 12:00:48 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297649

Venom fans, rejoice! The alien symbiote is preparing to return to the screens in the Fall/Winter of 2024. The third instalment in the Sony Spider-Man Universe continues the journey of Eddie Brock and his alter-ego, marking what’s anticipated to be the last chapter of this highly successful movie series.

However, the journey to the final spin-off movie has not been easy as they faced multiple challenges — one of them being none other than SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023, delaying the release. While the official title of the sequel to 2021’s Venom: Let There Be Carnage is under wraps, numerous details about Tom Hardy’s third outing as Eddie Brock have surfaced.

Curious to know what the third instalment will be about? Fret not, we have got you covered! Here is a detailed overview of Venom 3 impressive ensemble cast, release date and a sneak peek into the storyline.

The potential plot of ‘Venom 3’

Venom 3 Cast
Image credit: IMDb

Venom 3 is the sixth film in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, acting as a sequel to Venom and Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Kelly Marcel is responsible for writing, co-producing and directing the superhero film, which is based on a story she crafted alongside Tom Hardy.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Venom: Let There Be Carnage director Andy Serkis spoke about the potential meet-up between Venom and Spider-Man in the next film: “I know everyone is desperate for Venom to meet Spider-Man. I know that. But I think there’s real mileage in some of the other supervillains that reside in Ravencroft. There’s such fertile ground to be uncovered there. That would be the sandbox I’d be interested in playing in. Who’s lurking in there that could break out?”

Meet the ‘Venom 3’ cast

Venom 3 Cast
Image credit: IMDb

Hardy will reprise his role as Eddie Brock, aka Venom. For the uninitiated, he is an investigative journalist who becomes bonded with an alien symbiote, granting him superhuman abilities and triggering a powerful, aggressive alter-ego.

Additionally, Ted Lasso star Juno Temple and Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness fame Chiwetel Ejiofor have joined the cast in undisclosed roles, with Temple’s character being described as a key protagonist within the series. On the other hand, there have been multiple rumours about Andrew Garfield making his entry as Spider-Man. So, it seems like we have to wait for the official announcement.

According to insider Daniel Richtman, Ejiofor will play the role of the comic book antagonist Orwell Taylor. He is the head of a faction named The Jury. This group’s primary purpose is to eliminate Venom, with each member equipped with formidable armoured suits and technology inspired by Tony Stark’s designs.

The ‘Venom 3’ release date and trailer

Venom 3 is slated to hit the theatre screens on 8 November 2024. It was originally set to release on 12 July 2024 but was pushed for a winter release.

(Hero and feature image credit: Courtesy IMDb/Venom)

The story first appeared on Augustman Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– When is Venom 3 releasing?
The movie will be released on 8 November 2024.

– Who is the villain in Venom 3?
According to rumours, Chiwetel Ejiofor will play the role of villain Orwell Taylor.

– Will Andrew Garfield be a part of Venom 3?
As of January 2024, it isn’t confirmed whether Andrew Garfield is a part of Venom 3.

– What will be the plot of Venom 3?
Venom 3 will continue the story of the iconic titular character after Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

– Is Venom a part of the MCU?
Venom is a part of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe.

The post Everything We Know About The ‘Venom 3’ Cast, Plot, Release Date And More appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Venom fans, rejoice! The alien symbiote is preparing to return to the screens in the Fall/Winter of 2024. The third instalment in the Sony Spider-Man Universe continues the journey of Eddie Brock and his alter-ego, marking what’s anticipated to be the last chapter of this highly successful movie series.

However, the journey to the final spin-off movie has not been easy as they faced multiple challenges — one of them being none other than SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023, delaying the release. While the official title of the sequel to 2021’s Venom: Let There Be Carnage is under wraps, numerous details about Tom Hardy’s third outing as Eddie Brock have surfaced.

Curious to know what the third instalment will be about? Fret not, we have got you covered! Here is a detailed overview of Venom 3 impressive ensemble cast, release date and a sneak peek into the storyline.

The potential plot of ‘Venom 3’

Venom 3 Cast
Image credit: IMDb

Venom 3 is the sixth film in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, acting as a sequel to Venom and Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Kelly Marcel is responsible for writing, co-producing and directing the superhero film, which is based on a story she crafted alongside Tom Hardy.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Venom: Let There Be Carnage director Andy Serkis spoke about the potential meet-up between Venom and Spider-Man in the next film: “I know everyone is desperate for Venom to meet Spider-Man. I know that. But I think there’s real mileage in some of the other supervillains that reside in Ravencroft. There’s such fertile ground to be uncovered there. That would be the sandbox I’d be interested in playing in. Who’s lurking in there that could break out?”

Meet the ‘Venom 3’ cast

Venom 3 Cast
Image credit: IMDb

Hardy will reprise his role as Eddie Brock, aka Venom. For the uninitiated, he is an investigative journalist who becomes bonded with an alien symbiote, granting him superhuman abilities and triggering a powerful, aggressive alter-ego.

Additionally, Ted Lasso star Juno Temple and Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness fame Chiwetel Ejiofor have joined the cast in undisclosed roles, with Temple’s character being described as a key protagonist within the series. On the other hand, there have been multiple rumours about Andrew Garfield making his entry as Spider-Man. So, it seems like we have to wait for the official announcement.

According to insider Daniel Richtman, Ejiofor will play the role of the comic book antagonist Orwell Taylor. He is the head of a faction named The Jury. This group’s primary purpose is to eliminate Venom, with each member equipped with formidable armoured suits and technology inspired by Tony Stark’s designs.

The ‘Venom 3’ release date and trailer

Venom 3 is slated to hit the theatre screens on 8 November 2024. It was originally set to release on 12 July 2024 but was pushed for a winter release.

(Hero and feature image credit: Courtesy IMDb/Venom)

The story first appeared on Augustman Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– When is Venom 3 releasing?
The movie will be released on 8 November 2024.

– Who is the villain in Venom 3?
According to rumours, Chiwetel Ejiofor will play the role of villain Orwell Taylor.

– Will Andrew Garfield be a part of Venom 3?
As of January 2024, it isn’t confirmed whether Andrew Garfield is a part of Venom 3.

– What will be the plot of Venom 3?
Venom 3 will continue the story of the iconic titular character after Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

– Is Venom a part of the MCU?
Venom is a part of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe.

The post Everything We Know About The ‘Venom 3’ Cast, Plot, Release Date And More appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> From Barbie to Oppenheimer: Where to Watch The Golden Globe Award-Winning Titles https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/golden-globe-winner-movies-where-to-watch/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 11:05:21 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297773 81st golden globe awards 2024 winners list

2023 concluded on a high note entertainment-wise. From blockbuster movies to shows that became cult classics, the audience got to watch some really amazing content last year. Obviously, with a slate of such great 2023 releases, the award ceremonies were something people were looking forward to. The pathway finally initiated with the 81st Golden Globe Awards 2024 and you will be happy to know that the list of movies declared as a winner includes many noteworthy titles.

The 81st Golden Globes 2024 awards were handed out to the winners on Sunday night (7 January). The list of winners for the Golden Globes 2024 included Oppenheimer, Barbie, Poor Things and Anatomy of a Fall among other movies and shows that won multiple awards. Now, this calls for a reason to celebrate cinema and what’s better than watching the 81st Golden Globes winners on OTT platforms, right? Here’s how you can do that.

81st Golden Globes 2024 Awards: Complete list of winners and where to watch the movies & shows

Jo Koy hosted the 81st Golden Globes awards ceremony, which aired live on CBS from the Beverly Hilton and streamed on Paramount+. Barbie and Succession led the nominations for the 2024 Golden Globes awards with nominations under nine categories. Here is the list of winners:

Oppenheimer

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, Kenneth Branagh
Release date: 21 July 2023
Awards won: Best Film – Drama, Best Original Score, Best Actor – drama for Cillian Murphy, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr.

Synopsis: Based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the film revolves around the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American theoretical physicist known as the “father of the atomic bomb”. The film explores his role in the Manhattan Project, the World War II task force that developed the first nuclear weapon. This is one of the best Golden Globe winner movies for you to stream right away.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Killers of the Flower Moon

Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Tantoo Cardinal, John Lithgow and Brendan Fraser.
Release date: 20 October 2023
Awards won: Best Actress for Lily Gladstone

Synopsis: Based on the 2017 non-fiction book of the same name by David Grann, the story is set in 1920s Oklahoma. The film focuses on a string of killings of Osage members after oil was discovered on the tribal land and how the relations in the Osage Nation were affected due to this tumultuous situation. The movie garnered a lot of love from the fans post its theatrical release.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Barbie

Directed by: Greta Gerwig
Cast: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Michael Cera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell.
Release date: 21 July 2023
Awards won: Cinematic and box office achievement, Best original song

Synopsis: Set in a fictional world called Barbieland, the story follows Barbie and Ken as they go on a journey of self-discovery following an existential crisis. Barbie realises that the real world is different from what she thought it was and Ken realises how powerful it is to be a man, creating problems in their fantasy world. Do not miss watching one of the most entertaining Golden Globe winner movies on OTT.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Succession

Created by: Jesse Armstrong
Cast: Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Matthew Macfadyen, Nicholas Braun, Alan Ruck, Hiam Abbass, Peter Friedman, Natalie Gold, Rob Yang, Dagmara Domińczyk, Arian Moayed, J. Smith-Cameron, Justine Lupe, David Rasche, Fisher Stevens, Alexander Skarsgård
Release date: 3 June 2018 – 28 May 2023
Awards won: Best TV Series – drama, Best Actress in a TV Series – drama for Sarah Snook, Best Actor in a TV Series – drama for Kieran Culkin, Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series for Matthew Macfadyen

Synopsis: The series circles around the Roy family, who are the owners of a global media and entertainment conglomerate named Waystar RoyCo. The story follows the family as they fight for control of the company amidst apprehension about the health of the family’s patriarch. The show made a lot of noise in 2023.

Where to watch: HBO Max

The Bear

Created by: Christopher Store
Cast: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson
Release date: 23 June 2022 – present
Awards won: Best TV series – musical or comedy, Best Actress in a TV series – musical or comedy for Ayo Edebiri, Best Actor in a TV series – musical or comedy for Jeremy Allen White

Synopsis: The series follows a a young, award-winning chef named Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto who returns to his hometown of Chicago after quitting his job. The story follows him and his team as they try to manage the chaotic kitchen at his deceased brother’s sandwich shop. The series has become a cult classic amongst fans.

Where to watch: Disney+

Beef

Directed by: Lee Sung Jin
Cast: Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino, David Choe, Patti Yasutake
Release date: 6 April 2023
Awards won: Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or TV Movie, Best Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or TV Movie for Steven Yeun, Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or TV Movie for Ali Wong

Synopsis: The series revolves around two strangers named Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong). The two strangers get involved in a road rage incident that eventually escalates into a prolonged rivalry. You should surely add this series to your binge list.

Where to watch: Netflix

The Holdovers

Directed by: Alexander Payne
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
Release date: 27 October 2023
Awards won: Best actor – musical or comedy for Paul Giamatti

Synopsis: Set in the backdrop of the 1970s, the film revolves around a bad-tempered history teacher who works at a New England boarding school. The story follows him on an adventure when he is forced to chaperone a bunch of students on a Christmas break with no place to go. Sounds like a fun watch, right?

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Anatomy of a Fall

Directed by: Justine Triet
Cast: Sandra Hüller, Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado Graner, Antoine Reinartz, Samuel Theis, Jehnny Beth, Saadia Bentaieb, Camille Rutherford, Anne Rotger, Sophie Fillières
Release date: 23 August 2023
Awards won: Best non-English language film, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress for Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Synopsis: This French courtroom drama thriller narrates the story of bisexual novelist Sandra Voyter (Sandra Hüller) who tries to prove her innocence in her husband’s death with the help of her friend and lawyer Vincent Renzi. Watch this movie for its suspense-packed story.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Ricky Gervais Armageddon

Directed by: John L. Spencer
Cast: Ricky Gervais
Release date: 25 December 2023
Awards won: Best performance in stand-up comedy on TV

Synopsis: In this taboo-busting comedy special, Ricky Gervais shares his controversial takes on political correctness, family weddings, funerals, artificial intelligence and oversensitivity as he talks about the end of humanity. Share some laughs by watching this comedy special that just won a Golden Globe award.

Where to watch: Netflix

The Crown

Created by: Peter Morgan
Cast: Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Dominic West, Olivia Williams, Elizabeth Debicki, Claudia Harrison, Marcia Warren, Bertie Carvel
Release date: 4 November 2016 – 14 December 2023
Awards won: Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series for Elizabeth Debicki

Synopsis: The Crown is a fictional dramatisation of Queen Elizabeth II‘s political rule and how several events in her personal life shaped her reign. The series narrates the incidents from her wedding in 1947 to the early 21st century. You do not want to miss watching this show.

Where to watch: Netflix

The  story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is the Golden Globe Awards?
The Golden Globe Awards are accolades given for excellence in both American and international film and television.

– Is the Golden Globes the same as the Oscars?
No, the awards season begins with the Golden Globes and culminates each year with the Academy Awards/Oscars.

– What is the meaning of the Golden Globe Award?
Golden Globe Awards were established by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in an attempt to have a ceremony to honour film achievements similar to the Academy Awards.

Hero & Feature Image: Courtesy IMDb

The post From Barbie to Oppenheimer: Where to Watch The Golden Globe Award-Winning Titles appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> 81st golden globe awards 2024 winners list

2023 concluded on a high note entertainment-wise. From blockbuster movies to shows that became cult classics, the audience got to watch some really amazing content last year. Obviously, with a slate of such great 2023 releases, the award ceremonies were something people were looking forward to. The pathway finally initiated with the 81st Golden Globe Awards 2024 and you will be happy to know that the list of movies declared as a winner includes many noteworthy titles.

The 81st Golden Globes 2024 awards were handed out to the winners on Sunday night (7 January). The list of winners for the Golden Globes 2024 included Oppenheimer, Barbie, Poor Things and Anatomy of a Fall among other movies and shows that won multiple awards. Now, this calls for a reason to celebrate cinema and what’s better than watching the 81st Golden Globes winners on OTT platforms, right? Here’s how you can do that.

81st Golden Globes 2024 Awards: Complete list of winners and where to watch the movies & shows

Jo Koy hosted the 81st Golden Globes awards ceremony, which aired live on CBS from the Beverly Hilton and streamed on Paramount+. Barbie and Succession led the nominations for the 2024 Golden Globes awards with nominations under nine categories. Here is the list of winners:

Oppenheimer

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, Kenneth Branagh
Release date: 21 July 2023
Awards won: Best Film – Drama, Best Original Score, Best Actor – drama for Cillian Murphy, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr.

Synopsis: Based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the film revolves around the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American theoretical physicist known as the “father of the atomic bomb”. The film explores his role in the Manhattan Project, the World War II task force that developed the first nuclear weapon. This is one of the best Golden Globe winner movies for you to stream right away.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Killers of the Flower Moon

Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Tantoo Cardinal, John Lithgow and Brendan Fraser.
Release date: 20 October 2023
Awards won: Best Actress for Lily Gladstone

Synopsis: Based on the 2017 non-fiction book of the same name by David Grann, the story is set in 1920s Oklahoma. The film focuses on a string of killings of Osage members after oil was discovered on the tribal land and how the relations in the Osage Nation were affected due to this tumultuous situation. The movie garnered a lot of love from the fans post its theatrical release.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Barbie

Directed by: Greta Gerwig
Cast: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Michael Cera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell.
Release date: 21 July 2023
Awards won: Cinematic and box office achievement, Best original song

Synopsis: Set in a fictional world called Barbieland, the story follows Barbie and Ken as they go on a journey of self-discovery following an existential crisis. Barbie realises that the real world is different from what she thought it was and Ken realises how powerful it is to be a man, creating problems in their fantasy world. Do not miss watching one of the most entertaining Golden Globe winner movies on OTT.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Succession

Created by: Jesse Armstrong
Cast: Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Matthew Macfadyen, Nicholas Braun, Alan Ruck, Hiam Abbass, Peter Friedman, Natalie Gold, Rob Yang, Dagmara Domińczyk, Arian Moayed, J. Smith-Cameron, Justine Lupe, David Rasche, Fisher Stevens, Alexander Skarsgård
Release date: 3 June 2018 – 28 May 2023
Awards won: Best TV Series – drama, Best Actress in a TV Series – drama for Sarah Snook, Best Actor in a TV Series – drama for Kieran Culkin, Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series for Matthew Macfadyen

Synopsis: The series circles around the Roy family, who are the owners of a global media and entertainment conglomerate named Waystar RoyCo. The story follows the family as they fight for control of the company amidst apprehension about the health of the family’s patriarch. The show made a lot of noise in 2023.

Where to watch: HBO Max

The Bear

Created by: Christopher Store
Cast: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson
Release date: 23 June 2022 – present
Awards won: Best TV series – musical or comedy, Best Actress in a TV series – musical or comedy for Ayo Edebiri, Best Actor in a TV series – musical or comedy for Jeremy Allen White

Synopsis: The series follows a a young, award-winning chef named Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto who returns to his hometown of Chicago after quitting his job. The story follows him and his team as they try to manage the chaotic kitchen at his deceased brother’s sandwich shop. The series has become a cult classic amongst fans.

Where to watch: Disney+

Beef

Directed by: Lee Sung Jin
Cast: Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino, David Choe, Patti Yasutake
Release date: 6 April 2023
Awards won: Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or TV Movie, Best Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or TV Movie for Steven Yeun, Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or TV Movie for Ali Wong

Synopsis: The series revolves around two strangers named Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong). The two strangers get involved in a road rage incident that eventually escalates into a prolonged rivalry. You should surely add this series to your binge list.

Where to watch: Netflix

The Holdovers

Directed by: Alexander Payne
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
Release date: 27 October 2023
Awards won: Best actor – musical or comedy for Paul Giamatti

Synopsis: Set in the backdrop of the 1970s, the film revolves around a bad-tempered history teacher who works at a New England boarding school. The story follows him on an adventure when he is forced to chaperone a bunch of students on a Christmas break with no place to go. Sounds like a fun watch, right?

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Anatomy of a Fall

Directed by: Justine Triet
Cast: Sandra Hüller, Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado Graner, Antoine Reinartz, Samuel Theis, Jehnny Beth, Saadia Bentaieb, Camille Rutherford, Anne Rotger, Sophie Fillières
Release date: 23 August 2023
Awards won: Best non-English language film, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress for Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Synopsis: This French courtroom drama thriller narrates the story of bisexual novelist Sandra Voyter (Sandra Hüller) who tries to prove her innocence in her husband’s death with the help of her friend and lawyer Vincent Renzi. Watch this movie for its suspense-packed story.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Ricky Gervais Armageddon

Directed by: John L. Spencer
Cast: Ricky Gervais
Release date: 25 December 2023
Awards won: Best performance in stand-up comedy on TV

Synopsis: In this taboo-busting comedy special, Ricky Gervais shares his controversial takes on political correctness, family weddings, funerals, artificial intelligence and oversensitivity as he talks about the end of humanity. Share some laughs by watching this comedy special that just won a Golden Globe award.

Where to watch: Netflix

The Crown

Created by: Peter Morgan
Cast: Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Dominic West, Olivia Williams, Elizabeth Debicki, Claudia Harrison, Marcia Warren, Bertie Carvel
Release date: 4 November 2016 – 14 December 2023
Awards won: Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series for Elizabeth Debicki

Synopsis: The Crown is a fictional dramatisation of Queen Elizabeth II‘s political rule and how several events in her personal life shaped her reign. The series narrates the incidents from her wedding in 1947 to the early 21st century. You do not want to miss watching this show.

Where to watch: Netflix

The  story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is the Golden Globe Awards?
The Golden Globe Awards are accolades given for excellence in both American and international film and television.

– Is the Golden Globes the same as the Oscars?
No, the awards season begins with the Golden Globes and culminates each year with the Academy Awards/Oscars.

– What is the meaning of the Golden Globe Award?
Golden Globe Awards were established by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in an attempt to have a ceremony to honour film achievements similar to the Academy Awards.

Hero & Feature Image: Courtesy IMDb

The post From Barbie to Oppenheimer: Where to Watch The Golden Globe Award-Winning Titles appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> The 10 Most Popular Emojis This Year https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/the-most-popular-emojis-this-year-2023/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 08:00:35 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297647 most popular emojis 2023

Have you been using the laughing emoji a lot this year? You’re not one of the only ones. Analysis and social intelligence tool Meltwater has unveiled a list of the 10 most popular emojis in 2023.

Emojis, or emoticons, are an everyday feature of our private and public messages. And it seems that laughing emoticons were the most popular this year. Find out which emojis were the most used on social networks in 2023.

The 10 most popular emojis this year

A picture is worth a thousand words. And in 2023, emojis confirm it. Of the 3,782 Unicode-compliant emoticons as of September 2023, Meltwater, an analysis and social intelligence tool, has unveiled the 10 most-used emojis this year on 12 platforms, including Instagram and Twitter, between January 1 and November 30, 2023. The results show that humour seems to have been the strongest driving force for emoji use. At the top of the list is the “face with tears of joy,” or 😂, with 254 million mentions on social networks, often the most popular with Millennials. It is followed by the “loudly crying face,” 😭, with another 46 million mentions (208 million), a Gen Z favourite. Finally, the “rolling-on-the-floor laughing” emoji, or 🤣, takes third place with 128 million mentions.

Note that, unlike the two others, the “loudly crying face” can be used to express both sadness and exhaustion, as well as joy and crying with laughter.

While the most popular emojis may vary from year to year, the ranking shows a massive use of emoticons linked to love and passion, with the red heart in fourth place in the top 10 raking, fire in fifth. The “smiling face with heart eyes” and the “smiling face with hearts” follow in seventh and eighth place, respectively. These emojis were particularly popular on Valentine’s Day, February 14, with the red heart leading the way.

Flaming emoji

Meltwater points to a surge in use of the fire emoticon on October 26, propelling it to third place at the time, which was apparently due to a Bitcoin spam, copied and pasted onto X (formerly Twitter) “probably by bots.” Still, the fire emoji has also taken hold on Pinterest, Twitch and Instagram. On Twitter, Reddit and Facebook, the “face with tears of joy” emoticon was the most popular.

Often used to highlight passion for or interest in a particular subject, Meltwater points out that the most used emojis on Pinterest — the red heart ❤️, sparkles ✨, smiling face with heart eyes 😍 and fire 🔥 — were associated with phrases like “You’ll love this” and “I love this idea!”

In the USA, the “face with tears of joy” emoji leads the way as the most popular, as it does in the UK and Nigeria, while the “loudly crying face” has taken hold in South Africa and the red heart has conquered India.

The 10 most popular emojis of 2023

1) 😂 Face with tears of joy
2) 😭 Loudly crying face
3) 🤣 Rolling on the floor laughing
4) ❤️ Red heart
5) 🔥 Fire
6) 🙏 Folded hands
7) 😍 Smiling face with heart eyes
8) 🥰 Smiling face with hearts
9) ✨ Sparkles
10) 😊 Smiling face with smiling eyes

This story is published via AFP Relaxnews. 

The post The 10 Most Popular Emojis This Year appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> most popular emojis 2023

Have you been using the laughing emoji a lot this year? You’re not one of the only ones. Analysis and social intelligence tool Meltwater has unveiled a list of the 10 most popular emojis in 2023.

Emojis, or emoticons, are an everyday feature of our private and public messages. And it seems that laughing emoticons were the most popular this year. Find out which emojis were the most used on social networks in 2023.

The 10 most popular emojis this year

A picture is worth a thousand words. And in 2023, emojis confirm it. Of the 3,782 Unicode-compliant emoticons as of September 2023, Meltwater, an analysis and social intelligence tool, has unveiled the 10 most-used emojis this year on 12 platforms, including Instagram and Twitter, between January 1 and November 30, 2023. The results show that humour seems to have been the strongest driving force for emoji use. At the top of the list is the “face with tears of joy,” or 😂, with 254 million mentions on social networks, often the most popular with Millennials. It is followed by the “loudly crying face,” 😭, with another 46 million mentions (208 million), a Gen Z favourite. Finally, the “rolling-on-the-floor laughing” emoji, or 🤣, takes third place with 128 million mentions.

Note that, unlike the two others, the “loudly crying face” can be used to express both sadness and exhaustion, as well as joy and crying with laughter.

While the most popular emojis may vary from year to year, the ranking shows a massive use of emoticons linked to love and passion, with the red heart in fourth place in the top 10 raking, fire in fifth. The “smiling face with heart eyes” and the “smiling face with hearts” follow in seventh and eighth place, respectively. These emojis were particularly popular on Valentine’s Day, February 14, with the red heart leading the way.

Flaming emoji

Meltwater points to a surge in use of the fire emoticon on October 26, propelling it to third place at the time, which was apparently due to a Bitcoin spam, copied and pasted onto X (formerly Twitter) “probably by bots.” Still, the fire emoji has also taken hold on Pinterest, Twitch and Instagram. On Twitter, Reddit and Facebook, the “face with tears of joy” emoticon was the most popular.

Often used to highlight passion for or interest in a particular subject, Meltwater points out that the most used emojis on Pinterest — the red heart ❤️, sparkles ✨, smiling face with heart eyes 😍 and fire 🔥 — were associated with phrases like “You’ll love this” and “I love this idea!”

In the USA, the “face with tears of joy” emoji leads the way as the most popular, as it does in the UK and Nigeria, while the “loudly crying face” has taken hold in South Africa and the red heart has conquered India.

The 10 most popular emojis of 2023

1) 😂 Face with tears of joy
2) 😭 Loudly crying face
3) 🤣 Rolling on the floor laughing
4) ❤️ Red heart
5) 🔥 Fire
6) 🙏 Folded hands
7) 😍 Smiling face with heart eyes
8) 🥰 Smiling face with hearts
9) ✨ Sparkles
10) 😊 Smiling face with smiling eyes

This story is published via AFP Relaxnews. 

The post The 10 Most Popular Emojis This Year appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> All About Prince Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic’s Brunei Royal Wedding: Events, Guest List And More https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/brunei-royal-wedding-of-prince-mateen-anisha-isa-kalebic-events-guest-list/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 06:15:26 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297711 prince mateen and anisha

The Brunei royal wedding bells are ringing. Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic will be tying the knot over a 10-day ceremony, starting 7 January. We break down all the details, from the guest list and ceremonies to the wedding date.

Prince Abdul Mateen, fourth son and 10th child of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam, got engaged to Kalebic, the granddaughter of the Sultan’s special advisor, Pehin Dato Isa, in October 2023.

Reports suggest they have been dating for a couple of years. She also attended the wedding of Prince Mateen’s sister Princess Azemah, who got married in January 2023.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski)

Here are the details about the Brunei royal wedding

The wedding festivities, which began on 7 January and will conclude on 16 January, include traditional ceremonies, royal music performances, banquets, parades and more.

Order of events and the nuptials

According to Town & Country, the Sultan of Brunei released an official statement announcing his son’s marriage in October. It read, “By the royal command of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam, the palace has announced the upcoming wedding of His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic will be held from 7 to 16 January 2024,”

Hello! states the lavish celebrations will kick start with the ceremony of the proposal of marriage to receive the Royal Command. A performance by the royal court musicians will officially mark the beginning of the joyous occasion.

The Islamic ceremony will take place at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque on 11 January. Three days later, the grand wedding reception and a parade will be held around the capital city Bandar Seri Begawan.

On the same day, a royal banquet for the newlyweds will be held with guests and dignitaries from all over the world.

Who is expected to attend?

Prince Mateen is often seen accompanying his father on official tours and meetings with other heads of nations. They attended the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton and attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. They were also at the coronation of King Charles III.

While an official guest list has not been announced yet, the Prince and Princess of Wales are likely to be attending the royal couple.

About the Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic

Sixth in line to the throne, Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen was one of the most eligible bachelors until his engagement in 2023. A helicopter pilot in the Royal Brunei Air Force, he represented his country at the South East Asian Games in 2017 and 2019 for polo, states Hello!

He is also quite active on Instagram and has a follower base of over 2.5 million. He regularly shares glimpses of his work, visits and personal updates. He shared his engagement photo with Kalebic as a New Year’s greeting.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski)

Kalebic, on the other hand, has a fashion brand Silk Collective and co-owns the tourism company Authentirary alongside her friend. When it comes to social media, she refrains from the limelight, but is, at times, seen in Prince Mateen’s posts.

(Hero and feature image credit: Mateen/ @tmski/ Instagram)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– When is Prince Abdul Mateen’s wedding?
Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei will exchange wedding vows with Anisha Isa Kalebic on 11 January. However, their marriage will have 10 days of festivities and traditional rituals, beginning on 7 January.

– What is the venue for Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic’s wedding?
Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic will get married at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque on 11 January.

The post All About Prince Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic’s Brunei Royal Wedding: Events, Guest List And More appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> prince mateen and anisha

The Brunei royal wedding bells are ringing. Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic will be tying the knot over a 10-day ceremony, starting 7 January. We break down all the details, from the guest list and ceremonies to the wedding date.

Prince Abdul Mateen, fourth son and 10th child of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam, got engaged to Kalebic, the granddaughter of the Sultan’s special advisor, Pehin Dato Isa, in October 2023.

Reports suggest they have been dating for a couple of years. She also attended the wedding of Prince Mateen’s sister Princess Azemah, who got married in January 2023.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski)

Here are the details about the Brunei royal wedding

The wedding festivities, which began on 7 January and will conclude on 16 January, include traditional ceremonies, royal music performances, banquets, parades and more.

Order of events and the nuptials

According to Town & Country, the Sultan of Brunei released an official statement announcing his son’s marriage in October. It read, “By the royal command of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam, the palace has announced the upcoming wedding of His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic will be held from 7 to 16 January 2024,”

Hello! states the lavish celebrations will kick start with the ceremony of the proposal of marriage to receive the Royal Command. A performance by the royal court musicians will officially mark the beginning of the joyous occasion.

The Islamic ceremony will take place at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque on 11 January. Three days later, the grand wedding reception and a parade will be held around the capital city Bandar Seri Begawan.

On the same day, a royal banquet for the newlyweds will be held with guests and dignitaries from all over the world.

Who is expected to attend?

Prince Mateen is often seen accompanying his father on official tours and meetings with other heads of nations. They attended the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton and attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. They were also at the coronation of King Charles III.

While an official guest list has not been announced yet, the Prince and Princess of Wales are likely to be attending the royal couple.

About the Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic

Sixth in line to the throne, Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen was one of the most eligible bachelors until his engagement in 2023. A helicopter pilot in the Royal Brunei Air Force, he represented his country at the South East Asian Games in 2017 and 2019 for polo, states Hello!

He is also quite active on Instagram and has a follower base of over 2.5 million. He regularly shares glimpses of his work, visits and personal updates. He shared his engagement photo with Kalebic as a New Year’s greeting.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski)

Kalebic, on the other hand, has a fashion brand Silk Collective and co-owns the tourism company Authentirary alongside her friend. When it comes to social media, she refrains from the limelight, but is, at times, seen in Prince Mateen’s posts.

(Hero and feature image credit: Mateen/ @tmski/ Instagram)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– When is Prince Abdul Mateen’s wedding?
Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei will exchange wedding vows with Anisha Isa Kalebic on 11 January. However, their marriage will have 10 days of festivities and traditional rituals, beginning on 7 January.

– What is the venue for Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic’s wedding?
Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic will get married at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque on 11 January.

The post All About Prince Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic’s Brunei Royal Wedding: Events, Guest List And More appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> The complete timeline of Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s rumoured relationship https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/timothee-chalamet-kylie-jenner-relationship-timeline/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 04:00:29 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=282274

Over the last seven months, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet have sparked romantic rumours as the two were spotted together on many occasions. While there hasn’t been an official confirmation from either, several news outlets have also reported on a possible break-up.

Rumours about their relationship began shaping shortly after Jenner called it quits with Travis Scott in January 2023. The couple, who share two children, daughter Stormi and son Aire Webster, have been on a bumpy road for a long time, and while they are co-parenting their kids, Jenner seems to be moving on with her life, which has caught fans by surprise.

Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner’s rumoured relationship timeline

January 2023: Holidays and budding romance

Things had reached rock bottom when the beauty mogul and the “Trance” rapper spent the holidays separately. Jenner took off with sister Kendall to Aspen, Colorado. They were joined by Justin and Hailey Bieber, and the group seemed to have a fun-filled New Year’s outing.

In January, Kylie Jenner attended the Jean Paul Gaultier fashion show at Paris Fashion Week with Chalamet. The two were seen laughing and having a good time — a video of which was popularly published by the celebrity gossip Instagram account Deuxmoi.

April 2023: ‘New couple alert

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by curators of pop culture (@deuxmoi)

In early April, Deuxmoi continued to dig into the alleged “new couple” and shared a post with information confirming their relationship. Although the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star and the Dune actor remained tight-lipped about it, TMZ shared a series of images of Jenner’s black Range Rover outside Chalamet’s Beverly Hills house. In between, there were reports about the two enjoying a casual date night at Santa Monica’s Tito’s Tacos.

As news of them being spotted together became increasingly frequent, PEOPLE reported that the two are “hanging out and getting to know each other.” No sooner than 17 April, Entertainment Tonight reported they were dating and said, “They are keeping things casual at this point. It’s not serious, but Kylie is enjoying hanging out with Timothée and seeing where it goes.”

With Coachella right around the corner at the time, fans expected an announcement from the music festival. However, the report said, “Kylie decided she didn’t want to make things public with Timothée this past weekend at Coachella, and just wanted to chill and have fun with her friends.”

May 2023: Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet are ‘casually seeing each other

By now, it was clear that Kylie Jenner had moved on with her life from Scott and was reportedly with Chalamet. Entertainment Tonight stated that her former partner wasn’t too comfortable or happy about this fact and said, “Travis is not thrilled about Kylie moving on, but they are still cordial and focused on co-parenting and being the best parents they can be.”

However, commenting on the alleged brewing relationship, the publication said, “Kylie and Timothée are casually seeing each other, but are trying to keep it low-key,” adding, “They are becoming more comfortable with each other, but Kylie wants to take things day by day and see where it goes.”

Chalamet appreciates the fact that Jenner is a hands-on mother and is extremely confident as an entrepreneur.

June 2023: Another Beverly Hills date

Nearly three months since the rumours took wing, June began with Jenner and Chalamet being seen in the posh neighbourhood as they headed out for a lunch date. Daily Mail posted pictures of the two arriving at the Academy Award-nominated actor’s house separately.

August 2023: Break up or not?

In early August, several media reports suggested that Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet had called it quits owing to their busy schedule and work commitments. However, both TMZ and Entertainment Tonight refuted these claims, with the former saying, “Our sources say everything is cool between the two, they’re still an item, and “any reports that say otherwise are false.”

However, on 24 August, The News published an article saying Kylie Jenner “seemingly confirmed” her breakup. It refers to one of her recent posts, where Jenner poses in a red cone top, a beige corset, a mini skirt and silver heels, while her hair is tied in a high ponytail. While fans leave speculating comments about her split, neither star has spoken about the matter.

January 2024: Kiss at Golden Globes

Chalamet and Jenner attended the 2024 Golden Globes at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on 7 January.

They arrived holding hands at their table and were seated together throughout the duration of the ceremony. They were seen looking into each other’s eyes as they chatted. Jenner was seen playfully running her hand up Chalamet’s suit.

According to reports, the couple shared a kiss at their table.

(Hero image credit: Kylie/ @kyliejenner/ Instagram; Timothée Chalamet/ @tchalamet/ Instagram; Feature image credit: Kylie/ @kyliejenner/ Instagram)

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore.

The post The complete timeline of Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s rumoured relationship appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Over the last seven months, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet have sparked romantic rumours as the two were spotted together on many occasions. While there hasn’t been an official confirmation from either, several news outlets have also reported on a possible break-up.

Rumours about their relationship began shaping shortly after Jenner called it quits with Travis Scott in January 2023. The couple, who share two children, daughter Stormi and son Aire Webster, have been on a bumpy road for a long time, and while they are co-parenting their kids, Jenner seems to be moving on with her life, which has caught fans by surprise.

Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner’s rumoured relationship timeline

January 2023: Holidays and budding romance

Things had reached rock bottom when the beauty mogul and the “Trance” rapper spent the holidays separately. Jenner took off with sister Kendall to Aspen, Colorado. They were joined by Justin and Hailey Bieber, and the group seemed to have a fun-filled New Year’s outing.

In January, Kylie Jenner attended the Jean Paul Gaultier fashion show at Paris Fashion Week with Chalamet. The two were seen laughing and having a good time — a video of which was popularly published by the celebrity gossip Instagram account Deuxmoi.

April 2023: ‘New couple alert

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by curators of pop culture (@deuxmoi)

In early April, Deuxmoi continued to dig into the alleged “new couple” and shared a post with information confirming their relationship. Although the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star and the Dune actor remained tight-lipped about it, TMZ shared a series of images of Jenner’s black Range Rover outside Chalamet’s Beverly Hills house. In between, there were reports about the two enjoying a casual date night at Santa Monica’s Tito’s Tacos.

As news of them being spotted together became increasingly frequent, PEOPLE reported that the two are “hanging out and getting to know each other.” No sooner than 17 April, Entertainment Tonight reported they were dating and said, “They are keeping things casual at this point. It’s not serious, but Kylie is enjoying hanging out with Timothée and seeing where it goes.”

With Coachella right around the corner at the time, fans expected an announcement from the music festival. However, the report said, “Kylie decided she didn’t want to make things public with Timothée this past weekend at Coachella, and just wanted to chill and have fun with her friends.”

May 2023: Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet are ‘casually seeing each other

By now, it was clear that Kylie Jenner had moved on with her life from Scott and was reportedly with Chalamet. Entertainment Tonight stated that her former partner wasn’t too comfortable or happy about this fact and said, “Travis is not thrilled about Kylie moving on, but they are still cordial and focused on co-parenting and being the best parents they can be.”

However, commenting on the alleged brewing relationship, the publication said, “Kylie and Timothée are casually seeing each other, but are trying to keep it low-key,” adding, “They are becoming more comfortable with each other, but Kylie wants to take things day by day and see where it goes.”

Chalamet appreciates the fact that Jenner is a hands-on mother and is extremely confident as an entrepreneur.

June 2023: Another Beverly Hills date

Nearly three months since the rumours took wing, June began with Jenner and Chalamet being seen in the posh neighbourhood as they headed out for a lunch date. Daily Mail posted pictures of the two arriving at the Academy Award-nominated actor’s house separately.

August 2023: Break up or not?

In early August, several media reports suggested that Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet had called it quits owing to their busy schedule and work commitments. However, both TMZ and Entertainment Tonight refuted these claims, with the former saying, “Our sources say everything is cool between the two, they’re still an item, and “any reports that say otherwise are false.”

However, on 24 August, The News published an article saying Kylie Jenner “seemingly confirmed” her breakup. It refers to one of her recent posts, where Jenner poses in a red cone top, a beige corset, a mini skirt and silver heels, while her hair is tied in a high ponytail. While fans leave speculating comments about her split, neither star has spoken about the matter.

January 2024: Kiss at Golden Globes

Chalamet and Jenner attended the 2024 Golden Globes at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on 7 January.

They arrived holding hands at their table and were seated together throughout the duration of the ceremony. They were seen looking into each other’s eyes as they chatted. Jenner was seen playfully running her hand up Chalamet’s suit.

According to reports, the couple shared a kiss at their table.

(Hero image credit: Kylie/ @kyliejenner/ Instagram; Timothée Chalamet/ @tchalamet/ Instagram; Feature image credit: Kylie/ @kyliejenner/ Instagram)

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore.

The post The complete timeline of Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s rumoured relationship appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> 10 Best Comedy Anime Movies of All Time https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/best-comedy-anime-movies-of-all-time-tokyo-godfathers-stand-by-me-doraemon/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 03:00:08 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297646 best comedy anime movies porco rosso studio ghibli

Comedy and Japanese animation often go hand in hand. If you’re looking for the best comedy anime films, here are some of the best you should watch during this Christmas break.

Humour is an integral part of several movies and TV shows, both live-action and animated creations. The latter is perhaps seen as more suited to comedy due to the vibrancy of its characters and the technical finesse of the artists who create some of the most picturesque moving images on the big or the small screen. Since Japan has a distinctive edge in animation-style storytelling, it explains why all of the world’s best comedy anime movies come from acclaimed Japanese filmmakers and studios.

Take, for instance, Studio Ghibli — hailed by many as the greatest animation film studio in the world. Though much of its projects would fall into more thought-provoking genres, Studio Ghibli has produced some fine gems in comedy such as Porco Rosso (1992) and My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999). While the former indeed has a deeper message of redemption that runs parallel to some of its witty and funny sequences, the latter is all about the hilarious misadventures of a modern-day family.

There are also anime movies like The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl (2017), which is a visually stunning spectacle of a young woman’s whirlwind adventure through the streets of Kyoto. Throughout her journey, the audiences are introduced to the beauty of a chaotic life and that feeling of amazement and relief when one realises that the love we are looking for has always been with us in the form of a close friend or companion.

Night is Short
A still from The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl. (Image: Courtesy of IMDb)

Children’s favourites such as Stand by Me Doraemon (2014) also find a place alongside the likes of Tokyo Godfathers (2003), which is more of a heart-warming story of belonging that would also appeal to grown-ups.

Though the element of humour is present in several amazing titles, the fact remains that even the best Japanese anime movies do not completely fall into the traditional bracket of the comedy genre. For instance, Pom Poko (1994) is described by some as a “comedy” film, but the tale of a group of tanuki (shape-shifting mythological animals) trying to protect their forest home from human encroachment makes it a poignant film of struggle rather than a light-hearted story.

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

10 best comedy anime movies from Japan all fans should watch:

1 /10

My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999) 

Directed by: Isao Takahata

Voice cast: Touru Masuoka, Yukiji Asaoka, Masako Araki

IMDb rating: 7.1

Synopsis: Takashi Yamada (Masuoka) and his wife Matsuko (Asaoka) go about their daily lives and everyday struggles in contemporary Japan with their family including their two children and Matsuko’s mother (Araki).

About the film: Based on the manga Nono-chan by Hisaichi Ishii, My Neighbors the Yamadas is considered one of the best comedy anime movies of all time. It is the penultimate film of Studio Ghibli co-founder Takahata, who would direct his final film 14 years later — The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013).

Watch 'My Neighbors the Yamadas' here

2 /10

Stand by Me Doraemon (2014) 

Directed by: Ryūichi Yagi, Takashi Yamazaki

Voice cast: Wasabi Mizuta, Megumi Ōhara, Yumi Kakazu

IMDb rating: 7.3

Synopsis: Fourth-grade student Nobita Nobi comes across a futuristic robot cat named Doraemon, who helps him gain confidence in himself, fight his bullies, study hard and win the love of Shizuka Minamoto. But then comes a day when Doraemon must return to his home in the future.

About the film: Stand by Me Doraemon is one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time and one of the best Japanese comedy movies. It also won the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year among numerous accolades.

Watch 'Stand by Me Doraemon' here

3 /10

Summer Wars (2009) 

Directed by: Mamoru Hosoda

Voice cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Nanami Sakuraba, Mitsuki Tanimura, Sumiko Fuji, Ayumu Saitō

IMDb rating: 7.4

Synopsis: Kenji Koiso is a maths genius who accidentally causes an artificial intelligence to go rogue. He must now prevent the world from being destroyed by the machine. Meanwhile, Kenji also has to pose as the fiancé of his friend, Natsuki Shinohara (Sakuraba) at her grandmother, Sakae Jinnouchi’s (Fuji), 90th birthday.

About the film: Summer Wars won the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year among several other accolades.

4 /10

Trigun: Badlands Rumble (2010) 

Directed by: Satoshi Nishimura

Voice cast: Masaya Onosaka, Tsutomu Isobe

IMDb rating: 7.4

Synopsis: Vash the Stampede (Onosaka), a gunfighter who abides by a strict no-kill policy, competes with other bounty hunters to catch the wanted robber Gasback (Isobe) in a big city. Interestingly, it was Vash who had saved Gasback from capture 20 years ago.

About the film: The action-adventure movie is based on the Trigun manga of the same name written by Yasuhiro Nightow. It has been widely praised for effectively merging the high-octane action of anime movies with hilarious comedy sequences.

5 /10

The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (2017) 

Directed by: Masaaki Yuasa

Voice cast: Gen Hoshino, Kana Hanazawa, Hiroshi Kamiya

IMDb rating: 7.5

Synopsis: A young, black-haired girl (Hanazawa) spends a fun-filled party night in Kyoto, meeting a diverse range of peculiar characters, including supernatural beings. But she remains oblivious to the romantic feelings of her Senpai (Hoshino), her classmate from Kyoto University who is with her.

About the film: The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl is based on the 2006 novel of the same name by Tomihiko Morimi. An interesting aspect of the film is that it doesn’t specify the names of its characters throughout. The girl, in fact, is referred to as “Kōhai” (junior). Among its accolades is the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year.

6 /10

K-On! The Movie (2011) 

Directed by: Naoko Yamada

Voice cast: Aki Toyosaki, Yôko Hikasa, Satomi Satô, Minako Kotobuki

IMDb rating: 7.6

Synopsis: Four members of an all-girl high school band travel to London to write their farewell song.

About the film: K-On! The Movie is a continuation of the 13-episode anime series K-On! (2009), which, in turn, is based on the manga series of the same name by Kakifly. Like the series, the movie was praised for its beautiful music and fun-filled sequences between its principal characters.

7 /10

Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979) 

Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki

Voice cast: Yasuo Yamada, Tarō Ishida, Sumi Shimamoto, Gorō Naya, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Makio Inoue, Eiko Masuyama

IMDb rating: 7.6

Synopsis: Gentleman thief Lupin III (Yamada) discovers that the money he robbed from a casino is counterfeit. Tracing its origin, he reaches the small country of Cagliostro where he uncovers a secret that involves the evil Count Cagliostro (Ishida). With his loyal friends and longtime nemesis Inspector Zenigata (Naya), Lupin must now rescue Princess Clarisse (Shimamoto) to prevent the Count from carrying forward his intentions.

About the film: The Castle of Cagliostro is the first feature-length film directed by Miyazaki and is the only one that he created before co-founding Studio Ghibli. It is based on the manga character Lupin III created by Kazuhiko Katō, better known by his pen name Monkey Punch.

8 /10

Porco Rosso (1992)

Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki

Voice cast: Shūichirō Moriyama, Akio Ōtsuka, Akemi Okamura, Tokiko Kato

IMDb rating: 7.7

Synopsis: When all his brothers-in-arms die in battle, World War I flying ace Marco Pagot (Moriyama) mysteriously turns into an anthropomorphic pig. Now going by the name “Porco Rosso,” or “Red Pig” in Italian, he works as a freelance bounty hunter, confronting air pirates over the Adriatic Sea.

About the film: Porco Rosso was the fifth Studio Ghibli film directed by Miyazaki and the seventh overall.

Watch 'Porco Rosso' here

9 /10

Mind Game (2004)

Directed by: Masaaki Yuasa

Voice cast: Koji Imada, Takashi Fujii, Sayaka Maeda

IMDb rating: 7.7

Synopsis: Nishi (Imada) is jobless but dreams of becoming a comic book artist. A chance encounter with Myon (Maeda), his childhood crush, also leads him into an incident with two yakuza. Following a strange turn of events, Nishi begins a psychedelic journey of self-realisation in the spirit world.

About the film: The film is based on Robin Nishi’s manga book of the same name. The critically acclaimed film is best known for beating Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) and four other contenders for the Animation Division Grand Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival.

10 /10

Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

Directed by: Satoshi Kon

Voice cast: Aya Okamoto, Tooru Emori, Yoshiaki Umegaki

IMDb rating: 7.8

Synopsis: Gin (Emori) is a middle-aged alcoholic who is surviving on the streets of Tokyo with two other homeless people, a former drag queen named Hana (Umegaki) and a teenage runaway named Miyuki (Okamoto). When the trio find a newborn baby in the thrash on Christmas Eve, they decide to find its family based on a handful of clues.

About the film: One of the four critically acclaimed films directed by the legendary Satoshi Kon, Tokyo Godfathers is loosely based on Peter B. Kyne’s 1913 novel The Three Godfathers. Since the story revolves around Christmas Eve, it is also counted among the greatest Christmas movies of all time.

Watch 'Tokyo Godfathers' here

The post 10 Best Comedy Anime Movies of All Time appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> best comedy anime movies porco rosso studio ghibli

Comedy and Japanese animation often go hand in hand. If you’re looking for the best comedy anime films, here are some of the best you should watch during this Christmas break.

Humour is an integral part of several movies and TV shows, both live-action and animated creations. The latter is perhaps seen as more suited to comedy due to the vibrancy of its characters and the technical finesse of the artists who create some of the most picturesque moving images on the big or the small screen. Since Japan has a distinctive edge in animation-style storytelling, it explains why all of the world’s best comedy anime movies come from acclaimed Japanese filmmakers and studios.

Take, for instance, Studio Ghibli — hailed by many as the greatest animation film studio in the world. Though much of its projects would fall into more thought-provoking genres, Studio Ghibli has produced some fine gems in comedy such as Porco Rosso (1992) and My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999). While the former indeed has a deeper message of redemption that runs parallel to some of its witty and funny sequences, the latter is all about the hilarious misadventures of a modern-day family.

There are also anime movies like The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl (2017), which is a visually stunning spectacle of a young woman’s whirlwind adventure through the streets of Kyoto. Throughout her journey, the audiences are introduced to the beauty of a chaotic life and that feeling of amazement and relief when one realises that the love we are looking for has always been with us in the form of a close friend or companion.

Night is Short
A still from The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl. (Image: Courtesy of IMDb)

Children’s favourites such as Stand by Me Doraemon (2014) also find a place alongside the likes of Tokyo Godfathers (2003), which is more of a heart-warming story of belonging that would also appeal to grown-ups.

Though the element of humour is present in several amazing titles, the fact remains that even the best Japanese anime movies do not completely fall into the traditional bracket of the comedy genre. For instance, Pom Poko (1994) is described by some as a “comedy” film, but the tale of a group of tanuki (shape-shifting mythological animals) trying to protect their forest home from human encroachment makes it a poignant film of struggle rather than a light-hearted story.

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

10 best comedy anime movies from Japan all fans should watch:

1 /10

My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999) 

Directed by: Isao Takahata

Voice cast: Touru Masuoka, Yukiji Asaoka, Masako Araki

IMDb rating: 7.1

Synopsis: Takashi Yamada (Masuoka) and his wife Matsuko (Asaoka) go about their daily lives and everyday struggles in contemporary Japan with their family including their two children and Matsuko’s mother (Araki).

About the film: Based on the manga Nono-chan by Hisaichi Ishii, My Neighbors the Yamadas is considered one of the best comedy anime movies of all time. It is the penultimate film of Studio Ghibli co-founder Takahata, who would direct his final film 14 years later — The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013).

Watch 'My Neighbors the Yamadas' here

2 /10

Stand by Me Doraemon (2014) 

Directed by: Ryūichi Yagi, Takashi Yamazaki

Voice cast: Wasabi Mizuta, Megumi Ōhara, Yumi Kakazu

IMDb rating: 7.3

Synopsis: Fourth-grade student Nobita Nobi comes across a futuristic robot cat named Doraemon, who helps him gain confidence in himself, fight his bullies, study hard and win the love of Shizuka Minamoto. But then comes a day when Doraemon must return to his home in the future.

About the film: Stand by Me Doraemon is one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time and one of the best Japanese comedy movies. It also won the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year among numerous accolades.

Watch 'Stand by Me Doraemon' here

3 /10

Summer Wars (2009) 

Directed by: Mamoru Hosoda

Voice cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Nanami Sakuraba, Mitsuki Tanimura, Sumiko Fuji, Ayumu Saitō

IMDb rating: 7.4

Synopsis: Kenji Koiso is a maths genius who accidentally causes an artificial intelligence to go rogue. He must now prevent the world from being destroyed by the machine. Meanwhile, Kenji also has to pose as the fiancé of his friend, Natsuki Shinohara (Sakuraba) at her grandmother, Sakae Jinnouchi’s (Fuji), 90th birthday.

About the film: Summer Wars won the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year among several other accolades.

4 /10

Trigun: Badlands Rumble (2010) 

Directed by: Satoshi Nishimura

Voice cast: Masaya Onosaka, Tsutomu Isobe

IMDb rating: 7.4

Synopsis: Vash the Stampede (Onosaka), a gunfighter who abides by a strict no-kill policy, competes with other bounty hunters to catch the wanted robber Gasback (Isobe) in a big city. Interestingly, it was Vash who had saved Gasback from capture 20 years ago.

About the film: The action-adventure movie is based on the Trigun manga of the same name written by Yasuhiro Nightow. It has been widely praised for effectively merging the high-octane action of anime movies with hilarious comedy sequences.

5 /10

The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (2017) 

Directed by: Masaaki Yuasa

Voice cast: Gen Hoshino, Kana Hanazawa, Hiroshi Kamiya

IMDb rating: 7.5

Synopsis: A young, black-haired girl (Hanazawa) spends a fun-filled party night in Kyoto, meeting a diverse range of peculiar characters, including supernatural beings. But she remains oblivious to the romantic feelings of her Senpai (Hoshino), her classmate from Kyoto University who is with her.

About the film: The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl is based on the 2006 novel of the same name by Tomihiko Morimi. An interesting aspect of the film is that it doesn’t specify the names of its characters throughout. The girl, in fact, is referred to as “Kōhai” (junior). Among its accolades is the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year.

6 /10

K-On! The Movie (2011) 

Directed by: Naoko Yamada

Voice cast: Aki Toyosaki, Yôko Hikasa, Satomi Satô, Minako Kotobuki

IMDb rating: 7.6

Synopsis: Four members of an all-girl high school band travel to London to write their farewell song.

About the film: K-On! The Movie is a continuation of the 13-episode anime series K-On! (2009), which, in turn, is based on the manga series of the same name by Kakifly. Like the series, the movie was praised for its beautiful music and fun-filled sequences between its principal characters.

7 /10

Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979) 

Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki

Voice cast: Yasuo Yamada, Tarō Ishida, Sumi Shimamoto, Gorō Naya, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Makio Inoue, Eiko Masuyama

IMDb rating: 7.6

Synopsis: Gentleman thief Lupin III (Yamada) discovers that the money he robbed from a casino is counterfeit. Tracing its origin, he reaches the small country of Cagliostro where he uncovers a secret that involves the evil Count Cagliostro (Ishida). With his loyal friends and longtime nemesis Inspector Zenigata (Naya), Lupin must now rescue Princess Clarisse (Shimamoto) to prevent the Count from carrying forward his intentions.

About the film: The Castle of Cagliostro is the first feature-length film directed by Miyazaki and is the only one that he created before co-founding Studio Ghibli. It is based on the manga character Lupin III created by Kazuhiko Katō, better known by his pen name Monkey Punch.

8 /10

Porco Rosso (1992)

Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki

Voice cast: Shūichirō Moriyama, Akio Ōtsuka, Akemi Okamura, Tokiko Kato

IMDb rating: 7.7

Synopsis: When all his brothers-in-arms die in battle, World War I flying ace Marco Pagot (Moriyama) mysteriously turns into an anthropomorphic pig. Now going by the name “Porco Rosso,” or “Red Pig” in Italian, he works as a freelance bounty hunter, confronting air pirates over the Adriatic Sea.

About the film: Porco Rosso was the fifth Studio Ghibli film directed by Miyazaki and the seventh overall.

Watch 'Porco Rosso' here

9 /10

Mind Game (2004)

Directed by: Masaaki Yuasa

Voice cast: Koji Imada, Takashi Fujii, Sayaka Maeda

IMDb rating: 7.7

Synopsis: Nishi (Imada) is jobless but dreams of becoming a comic book artist. A chance encounter with Myon (Maeda), his childhood crush, also leads him into an incident with two yakuza. Following a strange turn of events, Nishi begins a psychedelic journey of self-realisation in the spirit world.

About the film: The film is based on Robin Nishi’s manga book of the same name. The critically acclaimed film is best known for beating Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) and four other contenders for the Animation Division Grand Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival.

10 /10

Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

Directed by: Satoshi Kon

Voice cast: Aya Okamoto, Tooru Emori, Yoshiaki Umegaki

IMDb rating: 7.8

Synopsis: Gin (Emori) is a middle-aged alcoholic who is surviving on the streets of Tokyo with two other homeless people, a former drag queen named Hana (Umegaki) and a teenage runaway named Miyuki (Okamoto). When the trio find a newborn baby in the thrash on Christmas Eve, they decide to find its family based on a handful of clues.

About the film: One of the four critically acclaimed films directed by the legendary Satoshi Kon, Tokyo Godfathers is loosely based on Peter B. Kyne’s 1913 novel The Three Godfathers. Since the story revolves around Christmas Eve, it is also counted among the greatest Christmas movies of all time.

Watch 'Tokyo Godfathers' here

The post 10 Best Comedy Anime Movies of All Time appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Ed Sheeran to Hold Special One-Night Show at Capitol Theatre in Singapore on 17 February https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/ed-sheeran-capitol-theatre-singapore-show-tickets-and-other-details/ Fri, 05 Jan 2024 09:52:29 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297546 ed sheeran capitol theatre singapore

Missed out on getting your tickets to Ed Sheeran’s upcoming + – = ÷ x Tour concerts in Asia? Here’s another chance to catch him perform in Singapore. The illustrious English singer-songwriter has now added An Evening with Ed Sheeran, a special show for music lovers in Singapore.

The special performance, which is a one-night-only event, will be held at Singapore’s Capitol Theatre on 17 February, the night after Sheeran’s 16 February National Stadium show.

An Evening with Ed Sheeran is organised by AEG Presents Asia, in partnership with KrisFlyer.

Array
Image credit: AEG Presents Asia

What will Ed Sheeran perform at Capitol Theatre in Singapore?

According to a press statement by the organisers, the Ed Sheeran musical performance provides a  “rare opportunity” for fans in Singapore to experience his musical talent in a historical, neo-classical building.

Sheeran will be performing tracks from his albums – (“Subtract”) (2023) and Autumn Variations (2023).

“Subtract,” as the album – is called, is Sheeran’s sixth studio album. It features songs such as “Boat,” “Life Goes On,” and “Curtains.” Autumn Variations is his seventh studio album and features songs such as “American Town,” “Magical” and “England.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

Apart from the songs from the two albums, Sheeran is expected to sing some of the greatest hits from his career such as “Salt Water” and “End of Youth.”

He will also be interacting with fans, sharing stories while performing.

“Ballads informed by the singer’s own grief and personal upheavals will echo with soul-baring strength and create priceless memories for the lucky few,” the statement reads.

Where to get tickets for Ed Sheeran’s Capitol Theatre show?

Tickets for An Evening with Ed Sheeran show in Singapore will go on sale on Ticketmaster starting 12 January at 3 pm SGT.

Tickets are priced at SGD 298. For members of KrisFlyer, tickets can be redeemed from 5 January onwards via KrisFlyer Experiences.

Tickets and prices at a glance

Show: An Evening with Ed Sheeran
Date: 17 February
Day: Saturday
Venue: Capitol Theatre
Ticket Price: SGD 298
Book at: Ticketmaster

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore.

(Main and Featured images: Stefania D’Alessandro/ Getty Images)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Where is Ed Sheeran playing in 2024?
Ed Sheeran is playing at multiple cities in 2024, with confirmed stops in Taiwan, Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

– Is Ed Sheeran going to Singapore in 2024?
Ed Sheeran will perform in Singapore at the National Stadium on 16 February 2024 as part of his +-=÷x tour, and has announced an intimate, one-night-only gig on 17 February at the Capitol Theatre.

– How long is Ed Sheeran’s mathematics tour?
His tour began on 23 April 2022 in Dublin, Ireland, and ends on 8 September 2024 in Larnaca, Cyprus. It spans 115 shows across four legs.

– Where is Ed Sheeran from?
Ed Sheeran was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire.

The post Ed Sheeran to Hold Special One-Night Show at Capitol Theatre in Singapore on 17 February appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> ed sheeran capitol theatre singapore

Missed out on getting your tickets to Ed Sheeran’s upcoming + – = ÷ x Tour concerts in Asia? Here’s another chance to catch him perform in Singapore. The illustrious English singer-songwriter has now added An Evening with Ed Sheeran, a special show for music lovers in Singapore.

The special performance, which is a one-night-only event, will be held at Singapore’s Capitol Theatre on 17 February, the night after Sheeran’s 16 February National Stadium show.

An Evening with Ed Sheeran is organised by AEG Presents Asia, in partnership with KrisFlyer.

Array
Image credit: AEG Presents Asia

What will Ed Sheeran perform at Capitol Theatre in Singapore?

According to a press statement by the organisers, the Ed Sheeran musical performance provides a  “rare opportunity” for fans in Singapore to experience his musical talent in a historical, neo-classical building.

Sheeran will be performing tracks from his albums – (“Subtract”) (2023) and Autumn Variations (2023).

“Subtract,” as the album – is called, is Sheeran’s sixth studio album. It features songs such as “Boat,” “Life Goes On,” and “Curtains.” Autumn Variations is his seventh studio album and features songs such as “American Town,” “Magical” and “England.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

Apart from the songs from the two albums, Sheeran is expected to sing some of the greatest hits from his career such as “Salt Water” and “End of Youth.”

He will also be interacting with fans, sharing stories while performing.

“Ballads informed by the singer’s own grief and personal upheavals will echo with soul-baring strength and create priceless memories for the lucky few,” the statement reads.

Where to get tickets for Ed Sheeran’s Capitol Theatre show?

Tickets for An Evening with Ed Sheeran show in Singapore will go on sale on Ticketmaster starting 12 January at 3 pm SGT.

Tickets are priced at SGD 298. For members of KrisFlyer, tickets can be redeemed from 5 January onwards via KrisFlyer Experiences.

Tickets and prices at a glance

Show: An Evening with Ed Sheeran
Date: 17 February
Day: Saturday
Venue: Capitol Theatre
Ticket Price: SGD 298
Book at: Ticketmaster

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore.

(Main and Featured images: Stefania D’Alessandro/ Getty Images)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Where is Ed Sheeran playing in 2024?
Ed Sheeran is playing at multiple cities in 2024, with confirmed stops in Taiwan, Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

– Is Ed Sheeran going to Singapore in 2024?
Ed Sheeran will perform in Singapore at the National Stadium on 16 February 2024 as part of his +-=÷x tour, and has announced an intimate, one-night-only gig on 17 February at the Capitol Theatre.

– How long is Ed Sheeran’s mathematics tour?
His tour began on 23 April 2022 in Dublin, Ireland, and ends on 8 September 2024 in Larnaca, Cyprus. It spans 115 shows across four legs.

– Where is Ed Sheeran from?
Ed Sheeran was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire.

The post Ed Sheeran to Hold Special One-Night Show at Capitol Theatre in Singapore on 17 February appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Reportedly Joins Brother’s Agency to Pursue Solo Activities https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/blackpink-jisoo-reportedly-joins-brothers-agency/ Thu, 04 Jan 2024 04:49:17 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297400

After declining to renew her individual contract with YG Entertainment, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo has reportedly joined her brother’s agency ‘Blissoo’ for solo activities. There has been a massive buzz surrounding the K-pop girl group after they decided to terminate individual contracts with YG, with rumour mills also suggesting that earlier Jisoo was in talks with G-Dragon’s new agency. However, the singer seems to have put her faith in her family.

According to an exclusive report by Xportnews (via Sportskeeda), Blissoo recently put up a job posting with Jisoo’s picture, further fuelling the speculations. However, the news hasn’t been confirmed. Read on to know more.

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo joins her brother’s agency for solo endeavours

Jisoo’s brother Kim Jung-hun, the CEO of Biomom, is considering renaming the company’s entertainment department ‘Blissoo’. For the unversed, Biomom is known for its healthy functional food for infants as well as toddlers.

The report states that the Flower singer’s face has been put up on the recruitment notice. The advertisement focuses on Blissoo’s commitment to rapidly growing its entertainment business both domestically and internationally. Amidst the buzz, a Biomom representative also spoke about the company’s uncertain association with Blissoo. They said, “It is difficult to define the relationship with BLISSOO, and we do not even know the CEO’s family relationship.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by JISOO🪐 (@sooyaaa__)

More about BLACKPINK’s latest activities

Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé as well as Lisa are not continuing their solo contracts with YG Entertainment. However, they’ll still engage in group promotions under the agency’s banner. The girls will focus solely on collective endeavours, further ruling out any agreement for individual pursuits. Jennie is also embarking on solo activities via her new label ODD ATELIER. On the other hand, there are speculations that Lisa is in talks with an overseas agency for a potential international project.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BLΛƆKPIИK (@blackpinkofficial)

We can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store for the BLACKPINK quartet.

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong

(Main and featured image: sooyaaa__/ Instagram) 

The post BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Reportedly Joins Brother’s Agency to Pursue Solo Activities appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

After declining to renew her individual contract with YG Entertainment, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo has reportedly joined her brother’s agency ‘Blissoo’ for solo activities. There has been a massive buzz surrounding the K-pop girl group after they decided to terminate individual contracts with YG, with rumour mills also suggesting that earlier Jisoo was in talks with G-Dragon’s new agency. However, the singer seems to have put her faith in her family.

According to an exclusive report by Xportnews (via Sportskeeda), Blissoo recently put up a job posting with Jisoo’s picture, further fuelling the speculations. However, the news hasn’t been confirmed. Read on to know more.

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo joins her brother’s agency for solo endeavours

Jisoo’s brother Kim Jung-hun, the CEO of Biomom, is considering renaming the company’s entertainment department ‘Blissoo’. For the unversed, Biomom is known for its healthy functional food for infants as well as toddlers.

The report states that the Flower singer’s face has been put up on the recruitment notice. The advertisement focuses on Blissoo’s commitment to rapidly growing its entertainment business both domestically and internationally. Amidst the buzz, a Biomom representative also spoke about the company’s uncertain association with Blissoo. They said, “It is difficult to define the relationship with BLISSOO, and we do not even know the CEO’s family relationship.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by JISOO🪐 (@sooyaaa__)

More about BLACKPINK’s latest activities

Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé as well as Lisa are not continuing their solo contracts with YG Entertainment. However, they’ll still engage in group promotions under the agency’s banner. The girls will focus solely on collective endeavours, further ruling out any agreement for individual pursuits. Jennie is also embarking on solo activities via her new label ODD ATELIER. On the other hand, there are speculations that Lisa is in talks with an overseas agency for a potential international project.

 

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We can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store for the BLACKPINK quartet.

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong

(Main and featured image: sooyaaa__/ Instagram) 

The post BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Reportedly Joins Brother’s Agency to Pursue Solo Activities appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Shang Xia’s Jiang Qiong-er: The Guardian of Time https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/shang-xias-jiang-qiong-er-the-guardian-of-time/ Thu, 04 Jan 2024 04:00:00 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297360

Designer and co-founder of the Chinese lifestyle brand Shang Xia, Jiang Qiong-er envisages a world in which ancient craftsmanship meets technology. Spoiler alert: it’s magnificent.

The idea of interconnected and harmonious opposites is one of the founding tenets of Daoism. This concept is also known as yin-yang, and though its direct translation stands for “dark side” and “light side”, it can refer to any two contrasts: good and evil, life and death, rest and motion, and up and down. The latter interpretation served as an inspiration for the name of a Chinese lifestyle brand Shang Xia.

Jiang Qiong-er by Jia Rui

Nicknamed “Chinese Hermès”, Shang Xia was founded as a partnership between designer Jiang Qiong-er and the French maison’s CEO Patrick Thomas in 2009. “Before this, everything for Hermès was designed in Paris and made in France,” says Jiang, “and the brand thought that the Chinese customer wasn’t ready for it. So, we began with a few trials.” She started dressing windows for Hermès stores in China, “I’d introduce Chinese craftsmanship to each window,” she explains, “and that’s how Patrick and I discovered we shared the same passion for bringing heritage to the future.” After all, Shang Xia also stands for “past and future”.

Shang Xia’s Da Tian Di chair by Chen Man

Conversations about the preservation of craft and heritage are on the increase. In 2021, for example, the first K11 Night in Hong Kong shone a spotlight on the conservation work of the K11 Craft & Guild Foundation. Last year, the Centre for Heritage Arts & Textiles held a series of exhibitions and workshops fostering multi-cultural dialogues between Hong Kong and the region through textiles, under the supervision of Prestige Woman of Power Takahashi Mizuki. Industry titans such as Christian Dior, Chanel and, of course, Hermès have also been spotlighting artisans globally, especially those from less developed regions.

Shang Xia’s bamboo marquetry screens

But Jiang, who visited Hong Kong last month to give a talk at the Business of Design Week, has been promoting the renaissance of Chinese craftsmanship for almost 20 years – and still has plenty to do. “In the beginning, there was no ecosystem,” she explains. “There were craftsmen and masters, who can maybe create one piece each, but they can’t make hundreds of them. That’s why there needs to be a framework, which includes logistics, packaging, storage, contingency planning and quality control.” No one said making heritage relevant to a mass market was easy. She also notes how many artisanal pieces lack functionality, which was also something she felt eager to change. Design, after all, is meant to be practical. “It took 12 years to bring the brand to this starting point,” she adds, “and we aren’t even talking about the challenge of creating a distinct style.”

Shang Xia’s lacquered containers

Indeed, global recognition for Shang Xia’s elegant lacquer boxes, bamboo marquetry screens, hanfu-inspired shoes, celadon tea sets and mandarin-collar dresses is the result of years of meticulous work. “The artistic director of Hermès, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, once told me that my work is much more difficult than his,” she says. “He said that Hermès had existed long before he began working there, so there was no need for him to create heritage – it was all in the archives. So, his job instead was to create surprises and new expressions, while I had to build Shang Xia’s unique style from scratch.” The fact that took only 12 years now seems impressive.

Shang Xia’s xipi lacquer box, currently at the British Museum

“We’re already working with a lot of craftsmen,” says Jiang. “Traditional embroidery masters, people who specialise in the art of lacquer, which dates back 800 years, eggshell porcelain, agate carving, Ming-Dynasty-inspired furniture and more.” She says the real challenge lies in discovering what the second-generation interpretation of these crafts might be. “When we begin working with a certain craft, we try to update it and make it desirable to customers. But how do we keep updating it to fit evolving taste and demand?” That question remains open.

Shang Xia’s sandalwood and bamboo fruit plate by Chen Man

Jiang will also lead you to believe that the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship stretch far beyond the confines of living spaces. A year ago, she was enlisted by Ferrari to design an automobile to mark the Italian brand’s 30th anniversary in mainland China. “I chose the Roma model,” she says, “and, when I was going through the archives, I saw that every image was bright red, aggressive and visible – very nouveau riche. But China has changed, so I wanted to interpret this beautiful encounter between Chinese poetry and Italian romance in a new way.”

Shang Xia’s Mongolian cashmere felt shawl by Paolo Roversi

The gleaming Sanusilver Matte body colour of her iteration is heightened by a striking stripe of Rosso Magna Glossy, a hue taken from ancient Chinese carmine red, which courses over the Roma’s smooth contours and draws inspiration from classical Ming Dynasty furniture. The dynamic dual-tone palette was further elevated by the addition of sporty carbon-fibre sills, accented with a subtle yet eye-catching scarlet line. A touch of Chinese tradition can also be seen in the crimson and gold Boluo lacquer key case, which reveals a commemorative plate adorned with the Chinese characters for “30”. Inlaid with jade and coated in gold, the plate is meant to represent prosperity and wealth, purity and grace. But that’s not all: Jiang also created an exclusive lifestyle package, described by Ferrari as a “collection of luxurious pleasures that embody sophistication and refinement”, which include an ebony cigar box, inkstone ashtray, four aroma diffusers – one per season – and cashmere blankets.

Top view of Ferrari Roma reimagined by Jiang Qiong-er

“Because they decided to auction off that car instead of mass-producing it, I asked Ferrari to make
a short film to complete my concept.” The video, which recounts the process of creating the one-of-a-kind vehicle, reveals Ferrari’s softer and more elevated side. “Take the thread from bamboo, red from the coat of insects, silk from the skies and weave it into a song of the past 5,000 years,” goes the narration, written by poet and artist JinJin Xu, emphasising once more the antiquity of the craftsmanship Shang Xia champions.

Side view of Ferrari Roma reimagined by Jiang Qiong-er

Throughout our conversation with Jiang, straightforward questions often take us to unexpected places. Just like her brainchild, she’s full of surprises. Does she consider Shang Xia a luxury brand? “There was no such thing as a luxury brand 100, 200 years ago,” she exclaims, “but there were these maisons of excellence and craftsmanship.” Jiang veers into the philosophical once again, “There are three most precious things on Earth: time, love and freedom. Shang Xia dances with time and creates objects that express beauty and freedom and ignite emotion in our customers.”

Shang Xia’s Lan Yue bag by Paolo Roversi

At present, Jiang is preparing for her next artistic breakthrough. To mark the 60th anniversary of French-Chinese diplomatic relations and the Paris Olympics, Jiang was invited to create an installation at the Guimet museum, which holds one of the largest collections of Asian art outside of Asia. “It’s the first time the museum gives its facade to an artist,” she notes. It’s the perfect location, Jiang believes because the museums are “the lighthouses of human civilisation”.

“My concept for this artwork is guardians of time,” Jiang continues, “If you look at human history, the first traces of human art are in caves and grottos. There are these famous Lascaux caves near my house in Bordeaux, and the paintings there date back 23,000 years. It’s so powerful.” So, she decided to bring these primordial artworks
to the 21st century by creating modern grottoes on the Guimet Museum’s facade, using artificial intelligence as her partner. “I’m also creating 12 mythical creatures,” she adds, “because in these grottoes you have the images of deities, who grant wishes and possess the power beyond human imagination.” The creatures will correspond to 12 core values Jiang believes everyone should adhere to, some of which are courage, authenticity and equality. Parisians and visitors will have a chance to feast their eyes on the Guardians of Time in April.

Through her arduous work of promoting and preserving ancient craftsmanship, Jiang emerges as at once a guardian of time and a modern philosopher. And, in the cult of Shang Xia, this writer is now an ardent follower.

The post Shang Xia’s Jiang Qiong-er: The Guardian of Time appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Designer and co-founder of the Chinese lifestyle brand Shang Xia, Jiang Qiong-er envisages a world in which ancient craftsmanship meets technology. Spoiler alert: it’s magnificent.

The idea of interconnected and harmonious opposites is one of the founding tenets of Daoism. This concept is also known as yin-yang, and though its direct translation stands for “dark side” and “light side”, it can refer to any two contrasts: good and evil, life and death, rest and motion, and up and down. The latter interpretation served as an inspiration for the name of a Chinese lifestyle brand Shang Xia.

Jiang Qiong-er by Jia Rui

Nicknamed “Chinese Hermès”, Shang Xia was founded as a partnership between designer Jiang Qiong-er and the French maison’s CEO Patrick Thomas in 2009. “Before this, everything for Hermès was designed in Paris and made in France,” says Jiang, “and the brand thought that the Chinese customer wasn’t ready for it. So, we began with a few trials.” She started dressing windows for Hermès stores in China, “I’d introduce Chinese craftsmanship to each window,” she explains, “and that’s how Patrick and I discovered we shared the same passion for bringing heritage to the future.” After all, Shang Xia also stands for “past and future”.

Shang Xia’s Da Tian Di chair by Chen Man

Conversations about the preservation of craft and heritage are on the increase. In 2021, for example, the first K11 Night in Hong Kong shone a spotlight on the conservation work of the K11 Craft & Guild Foundation. Last year, the Centre for Heritage Arts & Textiles held a series of exhibitions and workshops fostering multi-cultural dialogues between Hong Kong and the region through textiles, under the supervision of Prestige Woman of Power Takahashi Mizuki. Industry titans such as Christian Dior, Chanel and, of course, Hermès have also been spotlighting artisans globally, especially those from less developed regions.

Shang Xia’s bamboo marquetry screens

But Jiang, who visited Hong Kong last month to give a talk at the Business of Design Week, has been promoting the renaissance of Chinese craftsmanship for almost 20 years – and still has plenty to do. “In the beginning, there was no ecosystem,” she explains. “There were craftsmen and masters, who can maybe create one piece each, but they can’t make hundreds of them. That’s why there needs to be a framework, which includes logistics, packaging, storage, contingency planning and quality control.” No one said making heritage relevant to a mass market was easy. She also notes how many artisanal pieces lack functionality, which was also something she felt eager to change. Design, after all, is meant to be practical. “It took 12 years to bring the brand to this starting point,” she adds, “and we aren’t even talking about the challenge of creating a distinct style.”

Shang Xia’s lacquered containers

Indeed, global recognition for Shang Xia’s elegant lacquer boxes, bamboo marquetry screens, hanfu-inspired shoes, celadon tea sets and mandarin-collar dresses is the result of years of meticulous work. “The artistic director of Hermès, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, once told me that my work is much more difficult than his,” she says. “He said that Hermès had existed long before he began working there, so there was no need for him to create heritage – it was all in the archives. So, his job instead was to create surprises and new expressions, while I had to build Shang Xia’s unique style from scratch.” The fact that took only 12 years now seems impressive.

Shang Xia’s xipi lacquer box, currently at the British Museum

“We’re already working with a lot of craftsmen,” says Jiang. “Traditional embroidery masters, people who specialise in the art of lacquer, which dates back 800 years, eggshell porcelain, agate carving, Ming-Dynasty-inspired furniture and more.” She says the real challenge lies in discovering what the second-generation interpretation of these crafts might be. “When we begin working with a certain craft, we try to update it and make it desirable to customers. But how do we keep updating it to fit evolving taste and demand?” That question remains open.

Shang Xia’s sandalwood and bamboo fruit plate by Chen Man

Jiang will also lead you to believe that the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship stretch far beyond the confines of living spaces. A year ago, she was enlisted by Ferrari to design an automobile to mark the Italian brand’s 30th anniversary in mainland China. “I chose the Roma model,” she says, “and, when I was going through the archives, I saw that every image was bright red, aggressive and visible – very nouveau riche. But China has changed, so I wanted to interpret this beautiful encounter between Chinese poetry and Italian romance in a new way.”

Shang Xia’s Mongolian cashmere felt shawl by Paolo Roversi

The gleaming Sanusilver Matte body colour of her iteration is heightened by a striking stripe of Rosso Magna Glossy, a hue taken from ancient Chinese carmine red, which courses over the Roma’s smooth contours and draws inspiration from classical Ming Dynasty furniture. The dynamic dual-tone palette was further elevated by the addition of sporty carbon-fibre sills, accented with a subtle yet eye-catching scarlet line. A touch of Chinese tradition can also be seen in the crimson and gold Boluo lacquer key case, which reveals a commemorative plate adorned with the Chinese characters for “30”. Inlaid with jade and coated in gold, the plate is meant to represent prosperity and wealth, purity and grace. But that’s not all: Jiang also created an exclusive lifestyle package, described by Ferrari as a “collection of luxurious pleasures that embody sophistication and refinement”, which include an ebony cigar box, inkstone ashtray, four aroma diffusers – one per season – and cashmere blankets.

Top view of Ferrari Roma reimagined by Jiang Qiong-er

“Because they decided to auction off that car instead of mass-producing it, I asked Ferrari to make
a short film to complete my concept.” The video, which recounts the process of creating the one-of-a-kind vehicle, reveals Ferrari’s softer and more elevated side. “Take the thread from bamboo, red from the coat of insects, silk from the skies and weave it into a song of the past 5,000 years,” goes the narration, written by poet and artist JinJin Xu, emphasising once more the antiquity of the craftsmanship Shang Xia champions.

Side view of Ferrari Roma reimagined by Jiang Qiong-er

Throughout our conversation with Jiang, straightforward questions often take us to unexpected places. Just like her brainchild, she’s full of surprises. Does she consider Shang Xia a luxury brand? “There was no such thing as a luxury brand 100, 200 years ago,” she exclaims, “but there were these maisons of excellence and craftsmanship.” Jiang veers into the philosophical once again, “There are three most precious things on Earth: time, love and freedom. Shang Xia dances with time and creates objects that express beauty and freedom and ignite emotion in our customers.”

Shang Xia’s Lan Yue bag by Paolo Roversi

At present, Jiang is preparing for her next artistic breakthrough. To mark the 60th anniversary of French-Chinese diplomatic relations and the Paris Olympics, Jiang was invited to create an installation at the Guimet museum, which holds one of the largest collections of Asian art outside of Asia. “It’s the first time the museum gives its facade to an artist,” she notes. It’s the perfect location, Jiang believes because the museums are “the lighthouses of human civilisation”.

“My concept for this artwork is guardians of time,” Jiang continues, “If you look at human history, the first traces of human art are in caves and grottos. There are these famous Lascaux caves near my house in Bordeaux, and the paintings there date back 23,000 years. It’s so powerful.” So, she decided to bring these primordial artworks
to the 21st century by creating modern grottoes on the Guimet Museum’s facade, using artificial intelligence as her partner. “I’m also creating 12 mythical creatures,” she adds, “because in these grottoes you have the images of deities, who grant wishes and possess the power beyond human imagination.” The creatures will correspond to 12 core values Jiang believes everyone should adhere to, some of which are courage, authenticity and equality. Parisians and visitors will have a chance to feast their eyes on the Guardians of Time in April.

Through her arduous work of promoting and preserving ancient craftsmanship, Jiang emerges as at once a guardian of time and a modern philosopher. And, in the cult of Shang Xia, this writer is now an ardent follower.

The post Shang Xia’s Jiang Qiong-er: The Guardian of Time appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Consider The Optics And Check Out This ‘Succession’ Auction https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/succession-hbo-auction/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 12:00:56 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297304 succession bangkok

You can get your hands on actual props from HBO’s Succession at this auction—for a price, of course. 

If you’re still suffering from Succession withdrawal, there’s a chance for you to finally bring your Waystar Royco dreams to reality. No, I don’t mean staging a hostile takeover of a media company, or being told by Brian Cox to eff off, or being in a biting match with your significant other who you openly loathe. Heritage Auctions has an ongoing… well, auction of various props from the award-winning show. And when we say various, we mean various. 

[Hero image: HBO GO]

Get your hands on these Succession props at this auction

succession auction
Image credit: HBO

Succession may have ended last year (a subtle reminder to you that it’s 2024 now) but its legacy lives on. That’s evident by the numerous awards it’s already won and its many nominations in the upcoming Emmys, but more than that, it’s the fans’ love for the show. For true Succession fans, this auction is a pretty great treat and a chance to finally own legit memorabilia from the show.

The lineup from Heritage Auctions contains some items that are not too out of the ordinary. For example, the Roy siblings’ suits are available to be bid on, including a fantastic Shiv Roy pantsuit that no one should miss. Kendall Roy’s sneakers are also on auction as well as Logan Roy’s collection of medals and several fashion accessories like sunglasses. 

succession auction
succession auction

 

But if you want something more unique, they’ve also got some more novelty items that a Succession fan would undoubtedly love to own. You can get your own Forbes magazine with Kendall “Eldest Boy” Roy on the cover. You can also own a chequebook with Roman Roy’s name on it. Finally, you can have the Waystar Royco ID badge belonging to none other than CEO Tom Wambsgans. 



The auction lasts until January 13 so if you want your hands on these items and you’ve got the money to spare, make Logan Roy proud and prove you’re a “serious person” by bidding on these items on the Heritage Auctions website.

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

The post Consider The Optics And Check Out This ‘Succession’ Auction appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> succession bangkok

You can get your hands on actual props from HBO’s Succession at this auction—for a price, of course. 

If you’re still suffering from Succession withdrawal, there’s a chance for you to finally bring your Waystar Royco dreams to reality. No, I don’t mean staging a hostile takeover of a media company, or being told by Brian Cox to eff off, or being in a biting match with your significant other who you openly loathe. Heritage Auctions has an ongoing… well, auction of various props from the award-winning show. And when we say various, we mean various. 

[Hero image: HBO GO]

Get your hands on these Succession props at this auction

succession auction
Image credit: HBO

Succession may have ended last year (a subtle reminder to you that it’s 2024 now) but its legacy lives on. That’s evident by the numerous awards it’s already won and its many nominations in the upcoming Emmys, but more than that, it’s the fans’ love for the show. For true Succession fans, this auction is a pretty great treat and a chance to finally own legit memorabilia from the show.

The lineup from Heritage Auctions contains some items that are not too out of the ordinary. For example, the Roy siblings’ suits are available to be bid on, including a fantastic Shiv Roy pantsuit that no one should miss. Kendall Roy’s sneakers are also on auction as well as Logan Roy’s collection of medals and several fashion accessories like sunglasses. 

succession auction succession auction

 

But if you want something more unique, they’ve also got some more novelty items that a Succession fan would undoubtedly love to own. You can get your own Forbes magazine with Kendall “Eldest Boy” Roy on the cover. You can also own a chequebook with Roman Roy’s name on it. Finally, you can have the Waystar Royco ID badge belonging to none other than CEO Tom Wambsgans. 

The auction lasts until January 13 so if you want your hands on these items and you’ve got the money to spare, make Logan Roy proud and prove you’re a “serious person” by bidding on these items on the Heritage Auctions website.

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

The post Consider The Optics And Check Out This ‘Succession’ Auction appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Screen Queen: Ayaka Miyoshi on Netflix’s Alice in Borderland and her favourite Tiffany & Co. jewels https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/screen-queen-ayaka-miyoshi-on-netflixs-alice-in-borderland-and-her-favourite-tiffany-co-jewels/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 09:56:44 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297240

After dazzling viewers in Netflix’s Alice in Borderland, Japanese actor Ayaka Miyoshi is set for international stardom. Prestige caught up with her during her first visit to Hong Kong.

Japanese It-girl Ayaka Miyoshi is fast becoming a global superstar thanks to her role in the hit Netflix show Alice in Borderland, but it wasn’t a case of overnight success for the 27-year-old.

Miyoshi became a model after being scouted while in third grade at school, featuring in magazine editorials and more than 20 television adverts. But that was only the beginning. Not content with being a pretty face, she put her vocal talents to use in 2010 when she joined J-pop girl group Sakura Gakuin and its subunit Scoopers. She also ventured into acting, with parts over the years in various miniseries and films.

Ayaka Miyoshi is the Japanese ambassador for Tiffany & Co. Photo: Supplied

But it was her role as Ann Rizuna in Alice that turned Miyoshi into a bona fide star, with more than 2 million followers on Instagram alone. Her success quickly turned Miyoshi into a red-carpet darling and ambassador for various luxury brands. One such brand, Tiffany & Co, invited her on her first visit to Hong Kong, where she recently attended the unveiling of the Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue high-jewellery collection in West Kowloon.

“I’m only here for three days,” Miyoshi tells me when I meet her ahead of the unveiling. “I definitely want to come back and take more time to look around and explore.”

Despite the short visit, the city seems to make a big impression on the rising star. “I like the people in Hong Kong – they’re nice and friendly,” she says, adding she’s also impressed with the “tasty food”. During our chat I’m unaware there’s a translator on hand, as she communicates easily in English; in fact, I’m surprised she even needs one.

Ayaka Miyoshi visited Tiffany & Co. in Hong Kong. Photo: Supplied

Although her visit is brief, it isn’t short of glamour. Kitted out in Tiffany diamonds, Miyoshi says she’s grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with the jewellery brand. Speaking through her translator, she revealed that “becoming the Japanese brand ambassador of Tiffany & Co has been amazing, because it’s allowed me to travel around the world, visit new places and experience beautiful high jewellery.

“Personally, I really like the brand’s history,” she adds. “You can always find a story behind the designs. The designers use jewellery to tell a story and you can see and feel the love that went into it.”

Since becoming an ambassador, Miyoshi says she enjoys access to a variety of pieces from the Tiffany vault. “I usually like wearing two sets at a time, whether it’s the rings, a necklace or earrings. For special occasions, I enjoy choosing unique items to coordinate. I love coming up with fun looks, but ultimately a beautiful necklace is probably the most important piece for me.”

Of course, she’s aware that none of this would have been possible had it not been for her recent Netflix success. “Alice in Borderland changed my life drastically in a short period of time,” she says. “I’m so happy it’s watched by so many people.”

Ayaka Miyoshi in Tiffany & Co. Photo: Supplied

Jetting around the world to high-jewellery events isn’t the only change in Miyoshi’s life. Following the success of the show, her social-media following went through the roof. “It’s a huge number,” she says. “I’ve had opportunities to meet some of my fans around the world and it’s been wonderful. I really hope I can continue to deliver roles in more powerful dramas to serve my fans and all the viewers who like me.”

And she’s certainly on a roll. Miyoshi’s latest project is based on a South Korean-Japanese crime-action webtoon Knuckle Girl, which has been adapted into an original film for Amazon Prime. Playing a female boxer who risks her life to rescue her sister from a criminal underworld gang, Miyoshi reportedly endured six months of fight training for the lead role. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how the audience reacts to it. I really hope they like it,” she said.

2023 was indeed a fruitful year for the young actress, thanks to her TV success, a new film and multiple luxury-brand endorsements. But instead of becoming a diva, she remains surprisingly humble when speaking of her accomplishments. “Alice in Borderland’s success was one of my highlights last year, but more importantly I’m grateful I’ve had the chance to work on various TV dramas and be involved in the fashion industry at the same time,” she says. “It’s given me the opportunity to go all over the world and meet fans.”

Ayaka Miyoshi stars in new film Knuckle Girl. Photo: Instagram

Fortunately for the latter, Miyoshi is determined to perfect her craft even further – and learn more languages in the process. “I want to focus on my development in 2024. Of course, as a performer I’m always trying to study, be better and get myself prepared for new challenges.”

One such personal challenge is learning English, which by the sounds of it, she’s already mastered quite well. “I’d like to study more so I can speak English fluently,” she admits. “When I have these kinds of interviews, I want to be able to communicate directly. I want to study the cultures of different countries and become familiar with all places I travel to. Next time I come to visit, I want to have a better delivery of my message.”

When I tell her she already does that perfectly, her eyes light up and she gushes, “Thank you so much.”

The post Screen Queen: Ayaka Miyoshi on Netflix’s Alice in Borderland and her favourite Tiffany & Co. jewels appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

After dazzling viewers in Netflix’s Alice in Borderland, Japanese actor Ayaka Miyoshi is set for international stardom. Prestige caught up with her during her first visit to Hong Kong.

Japanese It-girl Ayaka Miyoshi is fast becoming a global superstar thanks to her role in the hit Netflix show Alice in Borderland, but it wasn’t a case of overnight success for the 27-year-old.

Miyoshi became a model after being scouted while in third grade at school, featuring in magazine editorials and more than 20 television adverts. But that was only the beginning. Not content with being a pretty face, she put her vocal talents to use in 2010 when she joined J-pop girl group Sakura Gakuin and its subunit Scoopers. She also ventured into acting, with parts over the years in various miniseries and films.

Ayaka Miyoshi is the Japanese ambassador for Tiffany & Co. Photo: Supplied

But it was her role as Ann Rizuna in Alice that turned Miyoshi into a bona fide star, with more than 2 million followers on Instagram alone. Her success quickly turned Miyoshi into a red-carpet darling and ambassador for various luxury brands. One such brand, Tiffany & Co, invited her on her first visit to Hong Kong, where she recently attended the unveiling of the Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue high-jewellery collection in West Kowloon.

“I’m only here for three days,” Miyoshi tells me when I meet her ahead of the unveiling. “I definitely want to come back and take more time to look around and explore.”

Despite the short visit, the city seems to make a big impression on the rising star. “I like the people in Hong Kong – they’re nice and friendly,” she says, adding she’s also impressed with the “tasty food”. During our chat I’m unaware there’s a translator on hand, as she communicates easily in English; in fact, I’m surprised she even needs one.

Ayaka Miyoshi visited Tiffany & Co. in Hong Kong. Photo: Supplied

Although her visit is brief, it isn’t short of glamour. Kitted out in Tiffany diamonds, Miyoshi says she’s grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with the jewellery brand. Speaking through her translator, she revealed that “becoming the Japanese brand ambassador of Tiffany & Co has been amazing, because it’s allowed me to travel around the world, visit new places and experience beautiful high jewellery.

“Personally, I really like the brand’s history,” she adds. “You can always find a story behind the designs. The designers use jewellery to tell a story and you can see and feel the love that went into it.”

Since becoming an ambassador, Miyoshi says she enjoys access to a variety of pieces from the Tiffany vault. “I usually like wearing two sets at a time, whether it’s the rings, a necklace or earrings. For special occasions, I enjoy choosing unique items to coordinate. I love coming up with fun looks, but ultimately a beautiful necklace is probably the most important piece for me.”

Of course, she’s aware that none of this would have been possible had it not been for her recent Netflix success. “Alice in Borderland changed my life drastically in a short period of time,” she says. “I’m so happy it’s watched by so many people.”

Ayaka Miyoshi in Tiffany & Co. Photo: Supplied

Jetting around the world to high-jewellery events isn’t the only change in Miyoshi’s life. Following the success of the show, her social-media following went through the roof. “It’s a huge number,” she says. “I’ve had opportunities to meet some of my fans around the world and it’s been wonderful. I really hope I can continue to deliver roles in more powerful dramas to serve my fans and all the viewers who like me.”

And she’s certainly on a roll. Miyoshi’s latest project is based on a South Korean-Japanese crime-action webtoon Knuckle Girl, which has been adapted into an original film for Amazon Prime. Playing a female boxer who risks her life to rescue her sister from a criminal underworld gang, Miyoshi reportedly endured six months of fight training for the lead role. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how the audience reacts to it. I really hope they like it,” she said.

2023 was indeed a fruitful year for the young actress, thanks to her TV success, a new film and multiple luxury-brand endorsements. But instead of becoming a diva, she remains surprisingly humble when speaking of her accomplishments. “Alice in Borderland’s success was one of my highlights last year, but more importantly I’m grateful I’ve had the chance to work on various TV dramas and be involved in the fashion industry at the same time,” she says. “It’s given me the opportunity to go all over the world and meet fans.”

Ayaka Miyoshi stars in new film Knuckle Girl. Photo: Instagram

Fortunately for the latter, Miyoshi is determined to perfect her craft even further – and learn more languages in the process. “I want to focus on my development in 2024. Of course, as a performer I’m always trying to study, be better and get myself prepared for new challenges.”

One such personal challenge is learning English, which by the sounds of it, she’s already mastered quite well. “I’d like to study more so I can speak English fluently,” she admits. “When I have these kinds of interviews, I want to be able to communicate directly. I want to study the cultures of different countries and become familiar with all places I travel to. Next time I come to visit, I want to have a better delivery of my message.”

When I tell her she already does that perfectly, her eyes light up and she gushes, “Thank you so much.”

The post Screen Queen: Ayaka Miyoshi on Netflix’s Alice in Borderland and her favourite Tiffany & Co. jewels appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> George R. R. Martin Reveals 3 ‘Game Of Thrones’ Animation Series Are In The Works https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/game-of-thrones-animated-series-in-the-works-says-george-rr-martin/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 06:00:15 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297211

Game of Thrones ended in 2019, but Westeros has been expanding far and beyond with many new stories and adventures. George R.R. Martin, the author of the epic book series, revealed, “Nothing is ever dead for good in Hollywood,” and he has three Game of Thrones animated series in various stages of development with HBO.

While details are scanty, the American novelist and screenplay writer wrote in his blog that the series is set in the world of his fantasy saga A Song of Ice and Fire.

What we know about the ‘Game of Thrones’ animation series

What did George R.R. Martin say?

On New Year’s Eve, Martin penned a blog showing his love for a Netflix animated series, Blue Eye Samurai (2023).

Continuing with the praises, Martin shed light on his line of works. “As it happens, HBO and I have our own animated projects, set in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. None of them have been greenlit yet, but I think we are getting close to taking the next step with a couple of them.”

Initially, he had four Game of Thrones (GOT) animated series ideas, of which two were shelved while “work on the other two projects continues apace.”

Despite the two projects being put on hold, the author is far from being disheartened. A hopeful Martin writes, “Those of you who have read my reports in years past may recall that I prefer to say “shelved” rather than “killed”…. a project put on the shelf one year can be taken off the shelf a few years later.”

About the third series

Speaking about the third project, Nine Voyages (the House of the Dragon (2022) prequel), Martin says it has been moved from live-action to animation.

game of thrones series
Image credit: House of the Dragon/ IMDb

“A move I support fully. Budgetary constraints would likely have made a live-action version prohibitively expensive, what with half the show taking place at sea, and the necessity of creating a different port every week, from Driftmark to Lys to the Basilisk Isles to Volantis to Qarth to… well, on and on and on.”

It is based on the legendary voyages of the Sea Snake (played by Steve Toussaint in House of the Dragon) as he sets out for Essos. According to EW, Toussaint might not be reprising his role for the prequel, which focuses on the character’s younger self.

The details about all three GOT series are kept under wraps, with no dates on the horizon. But, the optimist in Martin ends his blog post on a positive note, saying, “But if it does happen, with one or two or all three shows, I hope we can make them as good as gorgeous and gripping as Blue Eye Samurai. We will for damn sure try.”

(Hero image credit: HBO; Feature image credit: Game of Thrones/ © 2019 – HBO/ IMDb)

The story first appeared on Augustman Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– When will the Game of Thrones animated series be released?
George R.R. Martin has announced three Game of Thrones animated series are in various stages of development at HBO. But, details and information about release dates are not yet available.

The post George R. R. Martin Reveals 3 ‘Game Of Thrones’ Animation Series Are In The Works appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Game of Thrones ended in 2019, but Westeros has been expanding far and beyond with many new stories and adventures. George R.R. Martin, the author of the epic book series, revealed, “Nothing is ever dead for good in Hollywood,” and he has three Game of Thrones animated series in various stages of development with HBO.

While details are scanty, the American novelist and screenplay writer wrote in his blog that the series is set in the world of his fantasy saga A Song of Ice and Fire.

What we know about the ‘Game of Thrones’ animation series

What did George R.R. Martin say?

On New Year’s Eve, Martin penned a blog showing his love for a Netflix animated series, Blue Eye Samurai (2023).

Continuing with the praises, Martin shed light on his line of works. “As it happens, HBO and I have our own animated projects, set in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. None of them have been greenlit yet, but I think we are getting close to taking the next step with a couple of them.”

Initially, he had four Game of Thrones (GOT) animated series ideas, of which two were shelved while “work on the other two projects continues apace.”

Despite the two projects being put on hold, the author is far from being disheartened. A hopeful Martin writes, “Those of you who have read my reports in years past may recall that I prefer to say “shelved” rather than “killed”…. a project put on the shelf one year can be taken off the shelf a few years later.”

About the third series

Speaking about the third project, Nine Voyages (the House of the Dragon (2022) prequel), Martin says it has been moved from live-action to animation.

game of thrones series
Image credit: House of the Dragon/ IMDb

“A move I support fully. Budgetary constraints would likely have made a live-action version prohibitively expensive, what with half the show taking place at sea, and the necessity of creating a different port every week, from Driftmark to Lys to the Basilisk Isles to Volantis to Qarth to… well, on and on and on.”

It is based on the legendary voyages of the Sea Snake (played by Steve Toussaint in House of the Dragon) as he sets out for Essos. According to EW, Toussaint might not be reprising his role for the prequel, which focuses on the character’s younger self.

The details about all three GOT series are kept under wraps, with no dates on the horizon. But, the optimist in Martin ends his blog post on a positive note, saying, “But if it does happen, with one or two or all three shows, I hope we can make them as good as gorgeous and gripping as Blue Eye Samurai. We will for damn sure try.”

(Hero image credit: HBO; Feature image credit: Game of Thrones/ © 2019 – HBO/ IMDb)

The story first appeared on Augustman Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– When will the Game of Thrones animated series be released?
George R.R. Martin has announced three Game of Thrones animated series are in various stages of development at HBO. But, details and information about release dates are not yet available.

The post George R. R. Martin Reveals 3 ‘Game Of Thrones’ Animation Series Are In The Works appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Michelle Yeoh Officially Becomes a Grandmum at 61 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/michelle-yeoh-alludes-to-becoming-a-grandmum-at-61-with-baby-photo-on-instagram/ Tue, 02 Jan 2024 10:17:54 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297195 a photo of michelle yeoh holding on to a baby's leg

Ipoh-born silver screen legend Michelle Yeoh holds an enviable number of accolades to her name, whether it being the first Malaysian woman to nab an Academy Award for Best Actress, or being the first Malaysian woman to sit on the International Olympic Committee. Now, she can add ‘grandmother’ to her list of achievements, after revealing the birth of her first baby grandchild.

The 61-year-old star of 2022’s blockbuster hit Everything, Everywhere, All At Once broke the incredible announcement over her official Instagram page earlier today (January 2nd, 2023). Sharing a precious first glimpse of the infant’s leg cradled in her hand, the star wrote “A little miracle on the first day of 2024. We are so truly blessed. Can’t tell you how happy I am for this very very special bundle of joy.”, in referring to the child’s birth.

Michelle Yeoh reveals the birth of her baby grandchild

According to Taiwan’s Apple Next News, the infant was purportedly born to Yeoh’s stepson, 46-year-old Nicolas Todt and his wife Darina. This was confirmed by the actress in a subsequent post on the matter.

This marks yet another incredible chapter in Yeoh’s whirlwind period of momentous highs that began with some of the global entertainment industry’s most historic award milestones for East Asian women, as well as that for her fellow Malaysians in the field, ranging from the Oscars to the Screen Actor’s Guild Awards.

On a personal note, the birth of the child also comes shortly after both Yeoh and her long-time partner, French motor racing executive and former CEO of Ferrari Jean Todt, tied the knot back in July of 2023 in Geneva, marking a double-bundle of joy for the couple.

Credited for being one of Malaysia’s most recognisable names, Yeoh is one of the few actresses to have successfully minted a name for herself in Hong Kong cinema where she first found her roots, before transitioning into an equally successful career in Western entertainment through a string of critically celebrated roles such as Wai Lin in Tomorrow Never Dies, Eleanor Young in Crazy Rich Asians, and Evelyn Wang in Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, among others.

We would like to congratulate Yeoh’s family on the auspicious addition of a new member to their family.

Feature and hero image credit: Michelle Yeoh/Instagram

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur

The post Michelle Yeoh Officially Becomes a Grandmum at 61 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> a photo of michelle yeoh holding on to a baby's leg

Ipoh-born silver screen legend Michelle Yeoh holds an enviable number of accolades to her name, whether it being the first Malaysian woman to nab an Academy Award for Best Actress, or being the first Malaysian woman to sit on the International Olympic Committee. Now, she can add ‘grandmother’ to her list of achievements, after revealing the birth of her first baby grandchild.

The 61-year-old star of 2022’s blockbuster hit Everything, Everywhere, All At Once broke the incredible announcement over her official Instagram page earlier today (January 2nd, 2023). Sharing a precious first glimpse of the infant’s leg cradled in her hand, the star wrote “A little miracle on the first day of 2024. We are so truly blessed. Can’t tell you how happy I am for this very very special bundle of joy.”, in referring to the child’s birth.

Michelle Yeoh reveals the birth of her baby grandchild

According to Taiwan’s Apple Next News, the infant was purportedly born to Yeoh’s stepson, 46-year-old Nicolas Todt and his wife Darina. This was confirmed by the actress in a subsequent post on the matter.

This marks yet another incredible chapter in Yeoh’s whirlwind period of momentous highs that began with some of the global entertainment industry’s most historic award milestones for East Asian women, as well as that for her fellow Malaysians in the field, ranging from the Oscars to the Screen Actor’s Guild Awards.

On a personal note, the birth of the child also comes shortly after both Yeoh and her long-time partner, French motor racing executive and former CEO of Ferrari Jean Todt, tied the knot back in July of 2023 in Geneva, marking a double-bundle of joy for the couple.

Credited for being one of Malaysia’s most recognisable names, Yeoh is one of the few actresses to have successfully minted a name for herself in Hong Kong cinema where she first found her roots, before transitioning into an equally successful career in Western entertainment through a string of critically celebrated roles such as Wai Lin in Tomorrow Never Dies, Eleanor Young in Crazy Rich Asians, and Evelyn Wang in Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, among others.

We would like to congratulate Yeoh’s family on the auspicious addition of a new member to their family.

Feature and hero image credit: Michelle Yeoh/Instagram

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur

The post Michelle Yeoh Officially Becomes a Grandmum at 61 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> The Biggest Controversies Surrounding Taylor Swift That Made Headlines https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/biggest-controversies-we-have-heard-about-taylor-swift/ Sun, 31 Dec 2023 08:00:21 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=296887

Pop sensation Taylor Swift is currently ruling over the music industry. Not only in the US, but the star has rightfully achieved global acclaim and has become a household name worldwide. The level of brilliance Taylor uses to capture even the most intimate emotions is truly commendable. The journey to reach the pinnacle of success was far from smooth for Miss Swift. Controversies, rumours, and feuds never left her side. But with an unwavering commitment to her craft and headstrong attitude, she always came out victorious.

Taylor Swift began her career in country music at the age of 16 in 2006 and this year she is Spotify’s most-streamed artist of the year. She became the only singer to achieve billionaire status exclusively via her songs and performances. Currently, she also has the highest-grossing concert and the highest-grossing concert film in her name. Despite her tremendous success, Taylor Swift has not been immune to the controversies and rumours that have haunted her career. She has faced a variety of obstacles, including plagiarism claims and assault charges. Today, we look at the significant disputes that have shaped Taylor Swift’s Reputation.

13 Taylor Swift controversies we’ve heard over the years

Kanye interrupting Taylor’s VMA speech

This is where it all started — the infamous Kanye-Taylor feud. In 2009, Taylor won a VMA for her song “You Belong With Me” music video in the Best Female Music Video category. Out of nowhere, when little 20-year-old Swift was giving her acceptance speech, Kanye stormed on stage took the mic from her and announced Beyonce deserved that award. Cue the booing from the audience, and Taylor stands there, perplexed. Netizens criticised his behaviour and later he did apologise for his action in an interview.

Writing songs about her Exes

It’s no news that Taylor loves to write songs about her own experiences and often writes about her love life. So, people accused her of dating famous men to get new album materials. Memes and controversies like this around Taylor Swift were always a hot topic on the internet.

But the wind turned into a storm when she released “Dear John”. Fans were quick to speculate that the song is about her former flame John Mayer. Taylor kept mum, but she never said anything to deny it either. Mayer received a huge backlash from the Swifties. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he revealed that he felt “humiliated” – “I will say as a songwriter that I think it’s kind of cheap songwriting. I know she’s the biggest thing in the world, and I’m not trying to sink anybody’s ship, but I think it’s abusing your talent to rub your hands together and go, ‘Wait till he gets a load of this!’ That’s bulls**t.” But Taylor remains the unapologetic queen.

And John wasn’t the only inspiration. “All Too Well” is said to be about Jake Gyllenhaal, while “Style” from 1989 is about her time with Harry Styles among many others. Taylor’s love life is literally a playlist.

Taylor and Katy’s drama

Katy and Taylor were BFFs in the early days of their careers. Even when Katy started dating John Mayer, who allegedly had a past with Swift, their friendship did not suffer. The friendship train crashed when three backup dancers opted to cross sides and join Katy’s tour from Swift’s.

Remember the smash hit from Taylor Swift’s 1989 album “Bad Blood”? Reportedly, it’s all about Katy Perry. The rumour mill even stated that Perry’s “Swish Swish” is her reply to “Bad Blood.” But the pop queens decided to patch things up after years of not-so-subtle shade and some not-so-nice statements. And, after burying the hatchet, Perry appeared in Taylor’s “You Need to Calm Down” music video.

Taylor ditches Spotify

Taylor Swift controversy
Image Credit: Screenshot/Spotify

Taylor Swift is the most-streamed artist of the year on Spotify this year and Spotify has even tweaked their seek bar exclusively for her music. But wasn’t always sunshine and roses. In 2014, due to her dissatisfaction with small royalties, Swift pulled her entire music catalogue from Spotify and moved to Tidal.

In 2015, She had a similar issue with Apple Music. The streaming platform wasn’t planning to pay the artists during the free trial period. But after Swift threw a fit, they changed their tune and decided they would pay artists royalties throughout the trial time. And she put her music back on Apple Music.

After 3 years of Spotify hiatus, she made her music available again in 2017. Coincidentally, (or not), she reappeared on the streaming platform the same day Katy Perry released her new album Witness. The “Bad Blood” between these two wasn’t exactly a thing of the past at that point.

“Shake it Off” lawsuit

Sean Hall and Nathan Butler claimed that her hit song “Shake It Off” from her 1989 album plagiarised their song, 3LW’s Playas Gon’ Play. The lyrics “players gonna play, play, play, play” and “the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate” breached the copyright of their 2000 song, which included the lines “Playas, they gonna play / And haters, they gonna hate.” On the other hand, Swift claimed in a filing: “Until learning about Plaintiffs’ claim in 2017, I had never heard the song ‘Playas Gon’ Play’ and had never heard of that song or the group 3LW.” In 2022, the case was dismissed with no final ruling after five years of judicial drama.

Kim-Kanye Drama

After the VMA incident, Kanye and Taylor somehow reconciled but this time he set the stage for a colossal betrayal. Kanye West released his track “Famous” in 2016 featuring the lyrics “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/ Why? I made that b**ch famous.” Upon hearing these controversial and misogynistic lyrics Taylor’s team released a statement saying “Kanye did not call for approval, but to ask Taylor to release his single ‘Famous’ on her Twitter account. She declined and cautioned him about releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message. Taylor was never made aware of the actual lyric, “I made that bi**h famous.’”

But West’s then-wife Kim Kardashian got involved and she released an edited version of the phone call footage which insisted Taylor heard the lyrics and approved them. #KimExposedTaylorParty started trending, and Swift was portrayed as a snake. Kim’s sister Kendall who used to be good friends with Swift took Ye and her sister’s side. After constantly getting bullied on social media due to this controversy, Taylor Swift went on a hiatus for a year. But when the full footage of the phone call surfaced, it was clear as day that Taylor was right all along.

Even though Kim claims she and Swift are over this, Taylor Swift in Time magazine’s Person of the Year interview addressed this controversy, stating it was more than just a dispute; it was a career ambush. “Make no mistake—my career was taken away from me,” she said.

The DJ assault lawsuit

Swift’s lawsuit against DJ David Mueller in 2017 was tragic. She discussed the situation and how it affected her in her Netflix documentary Miss Americana. David Mueller groped Swift while they were posing for a picture together before her Red World Tour show. Swift’s security team swooped in immediately after the snap and informed his employer. As a result, he got banned from her concerts and fired from his radio job. But then he flipped the script and sued Swift for $3 million in defamation. Swift stated in Miss Americana that Mueller’s claim and lawsuit were full of lies. “There were seven people who saw him do this, and we have a photo of it happening,” she said.

Swift refused to back down. She countersued for assault and battery, seeking a symbolic $1 in damages. Swift received her dollar when the jury convicted Mueller guilty. “You don’t feel any sense of victory when you win, because the process is so dehumanising,” she said in her documentary. “This is with seven witnesses and a photo. What happens when you get raped and it’s your word against his?” she added.

Lover lawsuit

Swift was sued for more than $1 million in August 2022 by a lady named Teresa La Dart, who claimed Swift copied from her 2010 poetry book Lover while constructing the booklet that accompanied her 2019 album of the same name. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, La Dart alleged that Swift and her team drew uncredited inspiration from her book, pointing to similarities in the colour scheme, photography style, and overall content of the album booklet. Both books were described as a “recollection of past years memorialized in a combination of written and pictorial components.”

Billboard reported the lawsuit was abruptly withdrawn in July 2023 after Swift’s attorneys said it was “legally and factually baseless” and “never should have been filed.”

Private jet usage

A study was released in the summer of 2022, calling out celebrities for their carbon footprint caused by private jets. Taylor Swift topped the list, accumulating an astounding 8,293 tonnes of CO2. With 170 private jet flights, that’s more than 22,923 minutes in the air, or 15.9 days. According to one Reddit user, Taylor emits more CO2 in a year than you could in 500 years.

One of Taylor’s reps responded to the data saying “Taylor’s jet is loaned out regularly to other individuals. To attribute most or all of these trips to her is blatantly incorrect.”

The ‘Folklore’ logo

A small business owner, Amira Rasool called out Taylor Swift’s team in 2021 for plagiarising her company logo, that was on Swift’s Folklore album merchandising. Rasool stated Swift’s Folklore logo was remarkably similar to her business, The Folklore. Rasool took the issue to social media, urging the public to be aware of the alleged imitation. She pointed out the similarities on Instagram and emphasised her opposition to the practice of large corporations or celebrities imitating the work of small, minority-owned enterprises.

Swift did not dwell on the controversy. She quickly responded, appreciating Rasool’s work, and offering to help her company. Taylor also decided to replace the items affiliated with the Folklore album to address the situation.

Evermore legal dispute

Evermore Park filed legal action in Utah on February 2, 2021, against Taylor Swift. Swift’s December album release and associated merchandise, according to the park, violated their trademarks. They claimed Swift’s use of the moniker “Evermore” caused misunderstanding and violated the park’s intellectual property rights.

In response to that, Taylor Swift’s TAS Rights Management company filed a countersuit against Evermore Park on February 22, 2021. According to the counterclaim, the park featured costumed actors singing Swift and other artists’ hits without getting the relevant licences. This legal battle highlighted the conflict between the pop diva and the amusement park over the use of the “Evermore” name and intellectual property concerns. At last, both parties dropped their lawsuits and lived happily.

‘The Master of Spin’ — Scooter Braun

Array
Image credit: Scott “Scooter” Braun/@scooterbraun/Instagram

Taylor Swift’s life was turned upside down in 2019 when her former label owner, Scott Borchetta of Big Machine, sold the masters to celebrity manager Scooter Braun. Scott was well aware that Taylor wasn’t exactly Scooter’s biggest fan. But that didn’t stop the transaction. And this created one of the biggest controversies of Taylor Swift’s life.

Taylor found out about the whole situation after it made headlines, leaving her blindsided. Frustrated, she resorted to social media to share her “worst-case scenario.” She didn’t hold back, calling Scooter Braun a “bully” and a “manipulator,” and she sought help from other musicians. However, things took a turn for the worse when Braun, with his newfound power, sold Taylor’s masters to an investment firm, further putting them out of reach. She spoke out about how she was denied the chance to purchase her masters.

Swift, ever the savvy strategist, chose to seize command. She announced that she intends to re-record all of her albums, giving her entire ownership. And has already released four out of six of her re-recorded albums.

Accusation of being ‘fatphobic’

Taylor was previously vocal about her eating disorder and how she got criticised for her body image over the years. ‘Anti-Hero’ music video which was directed by her featured a controversial clip where Swift stands on a scale featuring the word “fat,” while her counterpart looks at it disapprovingly.

Taylor tried to explain that the video represented her “nightmare scenarios and intrusive thoughts.” But this sparked a controversy and people even started calling Taylor Swift a ‘fatphobic’. The reaction on social media, was fast and negative, with campaigners and health professionals criticising the scene. In reaction to the public criticism, Taylor decided to edit the entire video and remove the problematic part.

(Main and featured image credit: Christopher Polk/MTV1415/Getty Images)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is Taylor Swift controversial?

Her dispute with celebrity manager Scooter Braun, excessive private jet use, writing songs about her exes and many other controversies have always surrounded Taylor Swift.

What happened to Taylor and John Mayer?

Taylor and John Mayer dated for only two months in 2010.

What happened with Taylor Swift’s Masters?

Taylor’s former label owner Scott Borchetta of Big Machine sold her masters to Scoot Braun. And Braun sold the old masters to the Disney family’s investment firm, Shamrock Holdings.

Who were all of Taylor Swift’s boyfriends?

Taylor has dated Joe Jonas, John Mayer, Jake Gyllenhaal, Harry Styles, Calvin Harris, Tom Hiddleston, and Joe Alwyn previously. Currently she’s dating American football player Travis Kelce.

The post The Biggest Controversies Surrounding Taylor Swift That Made Headlines appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Pop sensation Taylor Swift is currently ruling over the music industry. Not only in the US, but the star has rightfully achieved global acclaim and has become a household name worldwide. The level of brilliance Taylor uses to capture even the most intimate emotions is truly commendable. The journey to reach the pinnacle of success was far from smooth for Miss Swift. Controversies, rumours, and feuds never left her side. But with an unwavering commitment to her craft and headstrong attitude, she always came out victorious.

Taylor Swift began her career in country music at the age of 16 in 2006 and this year she is Spotify’s most-streamed artist of the year. She became the only singer to achieve billionaire status exclusively via her songs and performances. Currently, she also has the highest-grossing concert and the highest-grossing concert film in her name. Despite her tremendous success, Taylor Swift has not been immune to the controversies and rumours that have haunted her career. She has faced a variety of obstacles, including plagiarism claims and assault charges. Today, we look at the significant disputes that have shaped Taylor Swift’s Reputation.

13 Taylor Swift controversies we’ve heard over the years

Kanye interrupting Taylor’s VMA speech

This is where it all started — the infamous Kanye-Taylor feud. In 2009, Taylor won a VMA for her song “You Belong With Me” music video in the Best Female Music Video category. Out of nowhere, when little 20-year-old Swift was giving her acceptance speech, Kanye stormed on stage took the mic from her and announced Beyonce deserved that award. Cue the booing from the audience, and Taylor stands there, perplexed. Netizens criticised his behaviour and later he did apologise for his action in an interview.

Writing songs about her Exes

It’s no news that Taylor loves to write songs about her own experiences and often writes about her love life. So, people accused her of dating famous men to get new album materials. Memes and controversies like this around Taylor Swift were always a hot topic on the internet.

But the wind turned into a storm when she released “Dear John”. Fans were quick to speculate that the song is about her former flame John Mayer. Taylor kept mum, but she never said anything to deny it either. Mayer received a huge backlash from the Swifties. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he revealed that he felt “humiliated” – “I will say as a songwriter that I think it’s kind of cheap songwriting. I know she’s the biggest thing in the world, and I’m not trying to sink anybody’s ship, but I think it’s abusing your talent to rub your hands together and go, ‘Wait till he gets a load of this!’ That’s bulls**t.” But Taylor remains the unapologetic queen.

And John wasn’t the only inspiration. “All Too Well” is said to be about Jake Gyllenhaal, while “Style” from 1989 is about her time with Harry Styles among many others. Taylor’s love life is literally a playlist.

Taylor and Katy’s drama

Katy and Taylor were BFFs in the early days of their careers. Even when Katy started dating John Mayer, who allegedly had a past with Swift, their friendship did not suffer. The friendship train crashed when three backup dancers opted to cross sides and join Katy’s tour from Swift’s.

Remember the smash hit from Taylor Swift’s 1989 album “Bad Blood”? Reportedly, it’s all about Katy Perry. The rumour mill even stated that Perry’s “Swish Swish” is her reply to “Bad Blood.” But the pop queens decided to patch things up after years of not-so-subtle shade and some not-so-nice statements. And, after burying the hatchet, Perry appeared in Taylor’s “You Need to Calm Down” music video.

Taylor ditches Spotify

Taylor Swift controversy
Image Credit: Screenshot/Spotify

Taylor Swift is the most-streamed artist of the year on Spotify this year and Spotify has even tweaked their seek bar exclusively for her music. But wasn’t always sunshine and roses. In 2014, due to her dissatisfaction with small royalties, Swift pulled her entire music catalogue from Spotify and moved to Tidal.

In 2015, She had a similar issue with Apple Music. The streaming platform wasn’t planning to pay the artists during the free trial period. But after Swift threw a fit, they changed their tune and decided they would pay artists royalties throughout the trial time. And she put her music back on Apple Music.

After 3 years of Spotify hiatus, she made her music available again in 2017. Coincidentally, (or not), she reappeared on the streaming platform the same day Katy Perry released her new album Witness. The “Bad Blood” between these two wasn’t exactly a thing of the past at that point.

“Shake it Off” lawsuit

Sean Hall and Nathan Butler claimed that her hit song “Shake It Off” from her 1989 album plagiarised their song, 3LW’s Playas Gon’ Play. The lyrics “players gonna play, play, play, play” and “the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate” breached the copyright of their 2000 song, which included the lines “Playas, they gonna play / And haters, they gonna hate.” On the other hand, Swift claimed in a filing: “Until learning about Plaintiffs’ claim in 2017, I had never heard the song ‘Playas Gon’ Play’ and had never heard of that song or the group 3LW.” In 2022, the case was dismissed with no final ruling after five years of judicial drama.

Kim-Kanye Drama

After the VMA incident, Kanye and Taylor somehow reconciled but this time he set the stage for a colossal betrayal. Kanye West released his track “Famous” in 2016 featuring the lyrics “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/ Why? I made that b**ch famous.” Upon hearing these controversial and misogynistic lyrics Taylor’s team released a statement saying “Kanye did not call for approval, but to ask Taylor to release his single ‘Famous’ on her Twitter account. She declined and cautioned him about releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message. Taylor was never made aware of the actual lyric, “I made that bi**h famous.’”

But West’s then-wife Kim Kardashian got involved and she released an edited version of the phone call footage which insisted Taylor heard the lyrics and approved them. #KimExposedTaylorParty started trending, and Swift was portrayed as a snake. Kim’s sister Kendall who used to be good friends with Swift took Ye and her sister’s side. After constantly getting bullied on social media due to this controversy, Taylor Swift went on a hiatus for a year. But when the full footage of the phone call surfaced, it was clear as day that Taylor was right all along.

Even though Kim claims she and Swift are over this, Taylor Swift in Time magazine’s Person of the Year interview addressed this controversy, stating it was more than just a dispute; it was a career ambush. “Make no mistake—my career was taken away from me,” she said.

The DJ assault lawsuit

Swift’s lawsuit against DJ David Mueller in 2017 was tragic. She discussed the situation and how it affected her in her Netflix documentary Miss Americana. David Mueller groped Swift while they were posing for a picture together before her Red World Tour show. Swift’s security team swooped in immediately after the snap and informed his employer. As a result, he got banned from her concerts and fired from his radio job. But then he flipped the script and sued Swift for $3 million in defamation. Swift stated in Miss Americana that Mueller’s claim and lawsuit were full of lies. “There were seven people who saw him do this, and we have a photo of it happening,” she said.

Swift refused to back down. She countersued for assault and battery, seeking a symbolic $1 in damages. Swift received her dollar when the jury convicted Mueller guilty. “You don’t feel any sense of victory when you win, because the process is so dehumanising,” she said in her documentary. “This is with seven witnesses and a photo. What happens when you get raped and it’s your word against his?” she added.

Lover lawsuit

Swift was sued for more than $1 million in August 2022 by a lady named Teresa La Dart, who claimed Swift copied from her 2010 poetry book Lover while constructing the booklet that accompanied her 2019 album of the same name. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, La Dart alleged that Swift and her team drew uncredited inspiration from her book, pointing to similarities in the colour scheme, photography style, and overall content of the album booklet. Both books were described as a “recollection of past years memorialized in a combination of written and pictorial components.”

Billboard reported the lawsuit was abruptly withdrawn in July 2023 after Swift’s attorneys said it was “legally and factually baseless” and “never should have been filed.”

Private jet usage

A study was released in the summer of 2022, calling out celebrities for their carbon footprint caused by private jets. Taylor Swift topped the list, accumulating an astounding 8,293 tonnes of CO2. With 170 private jet flights, that’s more than 22,923 minutes in the air, or 15.9 days. According to one Reddit user, Taylor emits more CO2 in a year than you could in 500 years.

One of Taylor’s reps responded to the data saying “Taylor’s jet is loaned out regularly to other individuals. To attribute most or all of these trips to her is blatantly incorrect.”

The ‘Folklore’ logo

A small business owner, Amira Rasool called out Taylor Swift’s team in 2021 for plagiarising her company logo, that was on Swift’s Folklore album merchandising. Rasool stated Swift’s Folklore logo was remarkably similar to her business, The Folklore. Rasool took the issue to social media, urging the public to be aware of the alleged imitation. She pointed out the similarities on Instagram and emphasised her opposition to the practice of large corporations or celebrities imitating the work of small, minority-owned enterprises.

Swift did not dwell on the controversy. She quickly responded, appreciating Rasool’s work, and offering to help her company. Taylor also decided to replace the items affiliated with the Folklore album to address the situation.

Evermore legal dispute

Evermore Park filed legal action in Utah on February 2, 2021, against Taylor Swift. Swift’s December album release and associated merchandise, according to the park, violated their trademarks. They claimed Swift’s use of the moniker “Evermore” caused misunderstanding and violated the park’s intellectual property rights.

In response to that, Taylor Swift’s TAS Rights Management company filed a countersuit against Evermore Park on February 22, 2021. According to the counterclaim, the park featured costumed actors singing Swift and other artists’ hits without getting the relevant licences. This legal battle highlighted the conflict between the pop diva and the amusement park over the use of the “Evermore” name and intellectual property concerns. At last, both parties dropped their lawsuits and lived happily.

‘The Master of Spin’ — Scooter Braun

Array
Image credit: Scott “Scooter” Braun/@scooterbraun/Instagram

Taylor Swift’s life was turned upside down in 2019 when her former label owner, Scott Borchetta of Big Machine, sold the masters to celebrity manager Scooter Braun. Scott was well aware that Taylor wasn’t exactly Scooter’s biggest fan. But that didn’t stop the transaction. And this created one of the biggest controversies of Taylor Swift’s life.

Taylor found out about the whole situation after it made headlines, leaving her blindsided. Frustrated, she resorted to social media to share her “worst-case scenario.” She didn’t hold back, calling Scooter Braun a “bully” and a “manipulator,” and she sought help from other musicians. However, things took a turn for the worse when Braun, with his newfound power, sold Taylor’s masters to an investment firm, further putting them out of reach. She spoke out about how she was denied the chance to purchase her masters.

Swift, ever the savvy strategist, chose to seize command. She announced that she intends to re-record all of her albums, giving her entire ownership. And has already released four out of six of her re-recorded albums.

Accusation of being ‘fatphobic’

Taylor was previously vocal about her eating disorder and how she got criticised for her body image over the years. ‘Anti-Hero’ music video which was directed by her featured a controversial clip where Swift stands on a scale featuring the word “fat,” while her counterpart looks at it disapprovingly.

Taylor tried to explain that the video represented her “nightmare scenarios and intrusive thoughts.” But this sparked a controversy and people even started calling Taylor Swift a ‘fatphobic’. The reaction on social media, was fast and negative, with campaigners and health professionals criticising the scene. In reaction to the public criticism, Taylor decided to edit the entire video and remove the problematic part.

(Main and featured image credit: Christopher Polk/MTV1415/Getty Images)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is Taylor Swift controversial?

Her dispute with celebrity manager Scooter Braun, excessive private jet use, writing songs about her exes and many other controversies have always surrounded Taylor Swift.

What happened to Taylor and John Mayer?

Taylor and John Mayer dated for only two months in 2010.

What happened with Taylor Swift’s Masters?

Taylor’s former label owner Scott Borchetta of Big Machine sold her masters to Scoot Braun. And Braun sold the old masters to the Disney family’s investment firm, Shamrock Holdings.

Who were all of Taylor Swift’s boyfriends?

Taylor has dated Joe Jonas, John Mayer, Jake Gyllenhaal, Harry Styles, Calvin Harris, Tom Hiddleston, and Joe Alwyn previously. Currently she’s dating American football player Travis Kelce.

The post The Biggest Controversies Surrounding Taylor Swift That Made Headlines appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> The Beat Goes On: The Prestige Digital Team Pick Their Favourite Music Albums of 2023 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/best-music-albums-of-2023/ Sun, 31 Dec 2023 03:00:00 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=297030

In 2023, the musical landscape witnessed a tidal wave of must-hear albums that shook the industry to its core. The indomitable Olivia Rodrigo, following the trailblazing success of her 2021 Sour, reaffirmed her prowess in truth-bomb punk-pop with her sophomore release Guts. Collaborations like underground rapper Billy Woods and beatmaker Kenny Segal delved into uncharted territory, while Paramore roared back, Victoria Monet led an R&B resurgence, and Mitski reimagined the American gothic. Amidst this musical kaleidoscope, the quest for the best music album of 2023 became a thrilling odyssey.

In a year where blockbuster releases by mega-stars like Miley Cyrus and Drake took a backseat, emerging innovators like Tainy, Asake, Burna Boy, and Mr. Eazi stepped into the spotlight. From the infectious rhythms of sci-fi-reggaeton mastermind Tainy to the chart-dominating Afrobeats greats, the musical landscape of 2023 resonated with diversity and creativity. Not to mention, Taylor Swift dropping her re-recorded marvels — Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) — to sweep the competition beyond the ‘Eras’.

music albums of 2023
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Guts’ became one of the most popular music albums of 2023

As the year concludes, the Prestige team is gearing up to decode their carefully curated picks for the best music albums of 2023, featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Join us as we navigate the sonic labyrinth to unveil a diverse and captivating selection (in no particular order).

The Prestige Digital Team pick their favourite music albums of 2023

1. Bewitched by Laufey

music albums of 2023
(Image credit: Laufey/Facebook)

The scene: me, in bed on a Sunday, nursing a bad cold and something of a heartbreak, doom-scrolling on Instagram as a distraction. A video comes up and it’s Laufey singing “I Wish You Love” with a voice so soothing, so bewitching, so healing that I immediately look her up on Spotify and subsequently spent weeks looping her music on repeat. When Laufey released Bewitched in September, it was like Christmas had come early. More melancholic and with a stronger old-world quality than her first studio album, Laufey sings of love and its many forms – and the frustrations that come with it, urgh – in a way that is just so darn relatable.

“Haunted”, “California and Me” and “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self” feel like short films. “Second Best” and “Promise” will make you want to hug a pillow and ugly cry. “Dreamer” and her viral hit “From The Start” are reminders that love, for yourself and for somebody else, is a beautiful, adorable thing. For the rollercoaster year I’ve had, Laufey’s deep, smooth-like-honey vocals and spot-on songwriting were a solace. I cannot tell you how many times I thought, “Girl gets it!” when listening to Bewitched.

– Candice Chua, Digital Editor, PrestigeOnline Singapore

2. I’ve IVE and I’ve MINE by IVE

music albums of 2023
(Image credit: Ive)

2023 was a year of unexpected changes for me. Chief among them: My early days in my role at Prestige, which was when and how I happened upon my most unexpected musical find of the year. Ask anyone who’s had the misfortune to road-trip with me, and they’ll tell you my playlist is an endless musical smorgasbord spanning multiple genres and artists, favouring no single rhyme, rhythm, nor year. Taylor Swift is a strong contender, and her newly released 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (2023) and the recently released Midnights (2022) vault track “You’re Losing Me” are both personal favourites.

Ditto for Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts (2023), which hit Spotify earlier in September this year, as well as her single “Can’t Catch Me Now”, recorded for the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. A haunting track inspired by the events of the book-turned-movie, it has singularly taken me through my year-end blues, played on repeat for hours on end.

This brings me to my earlier point: up until I had the good fortune to see BLACKPINK live in concert earlier this year, I had never been much of a K-Pop fan. The irony, then, is this: my very first article on this platform was on K-Pop sensation IVE. To that end, I found myself exploring their discography, which included two albums released this year – I’ve IVE (10 April 2023) and I’VE MINE (13 October 2023).

The former sparked my interest with its range, featuring upbeat and energetic tracks like “Lips” and “NOT YOUR GIRL”, to bass-heavy girl power anthems “Blue Blood”. Each track flowed into the next with ease, which brought a soothing cohesiveness to the entire album that I greatly enjoyed. Likewise, I’VE MINE further expanded on this range, drawing on hip-hop influences for tracks like “Holy Moly”, “OTT”, and “Baddie”. IVE went back to their dance-pop roots for “Off The Record”, which is an absolute bop of a song that has since become a favourite.

– Emmelyn Mah, Associate Digital Editor, PrestigeOnline Malaysia

3. Fallen (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) by Evanescence

  • best music albums 2023
    Evanescence with its current band lineup. (Image credit: Evanescence/ Facebook)
  • best music albums 2023
    (From left to right) David Hodges, Ben Moody and Amy Lee, the original members of Evanescence, at the 2004 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. (Image credit: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images)

Millennials of a certain vintage would be well-acquainted with “Bring Me To Life”, the runaway hit that propelled rock band Evanescence to global stardom back in 2003. Characterised by its haunting piano riff, and the call-and-response juxtaposition of lead singer Amy Lee’s plaintive vocals against guest rapper Paul McCoy’s aggressive verses, it was the first single off Evanescence’s debut album Fallen, released that same year. The album went on to bag two Grammy awards out of six nominations — an unexpected win that saw a teary-eyed Lee looking overwhelmed as she gave her speech, and disgruntled fellow nominee 50 Cent walking onstage to express his displeasure.

Twenty years (and several band lineup changes) later, Evanescence has released a special anniversary edition of their seminal album, and it still retains its magic. The track list features remastered versions of its 12 original songs, alongside several B-sides, acoustic performances, and live recordings. A demo of “Bring Me To Life” is particularly fascinating, with its incorporation of synths and a distortion effect added to its opening lines. McCoy’s rap is absent and replaced with an electric guitar solo. It’s surprisingly polished for a demo, and hints at the vastly different direction the band’s music could have taken if they had chosen it for their debut. Also included is a stripped-down, acoustic version of the same song for AOL Sessions, featuring Lee singing alongside co-founder Ben Moody’s guitar accompaniment. It allows her dulcet, powerful voice to shine, and is a treat to listen to.

Remastered versions of the dreamy “Imaginary” and the deliciously theatrical “Whisper” — which unlike its name, swells into an ominous choral outro sung in Latin — are a fantastic nostalgic throwback. Meanwhile, B-sides like the wistful “Missing” and the piano-driven ballad “Breathe No More” — inspired by Lee’s experience of being in a toxic relationship — remain just as soul-stirring as when they were first released in 2004.

A live rendition of “My Immortal” from a 2022 concert at London’s O2 Arena, featuring the audience singing along and cheering, rounds off the album — a triumphant conclusion to a key chapter of the band’s musical evolution.

– Sara Yap, Digital Editorial Director, Prestige (Regional)

4. Have a Nice Day! by Aaron Taylor

(Image credit: Aaron Taylor)

Aaron Taylor’s Have a Nice Day! is like a beam of sunlight that wakes me up and gives me a kickstart into the day every day. Undoubtedly, I think it’s one of the best music albums of 2023. Most songs have that bright, bubbly, and calm personality that are easy to connect to, and they never fail to cheer me up. On many days I wake up to the soul/R&B groove of “Have a Nice Day” and go to sleep with “Rest Your Head”.

– Paint Chayanin, Lifestyle Writer, PrestigeOnline Thailand

5. Chemistry by Kelly Clarkson

best music albums 2023
Kelly Clarkson is one of the most successful American Idol winners of all time, and her new release Chemistry is easily one of the best albums of 2023. (Image credit: Kelly Clarkson/ Facebook)

It’s been a turbulent three years for Kelly Clarkson, whose seven-year marriage to music producer Brandon Blackstock ended in 2020. Their acrimonious divorce was a drawn-out battle fraught with custody, alimony and property tussles, with Blackstock demanding massive payouts for monthly spousal and child support, along with ownership of their Montana ranch. They finally came to an agreement two years later; but Clarkson is still angry. And she channels her fury, hurt and heartbreak into the sucker punch that’s Chemistry, a 14-track album that’s captivating from start to finish and fuelled by Clarkson’s distinctive, powerhouse vocals.

The opener “Skip This Part” lays out her vulnerability on full display with lyrics expressing a desire to escape the brutal fallout of her divorce. It segues into the equally poignant “Mine”, where she grieves but craves vengeance: “I hope one day someone will take your heart and hold it tight/ Make you feel like you’re invincible deep inside/ And right when you think that you’ll try again, they cross a line/ And steal your shine like you did mine.” “Lighthouse” is another raw, moving tune reflecting on the last embers of her relationship.

In “Red Flag Collector”, she turns her rage into an upbeat, country-tinged ditty that calls out her ex’s behaviour, gleefully proclaiming “You can take my money/ Drag my name ’round town/ I don’t mind, I changed it anyway”. If there were a musical equivalent of a raised middle finger, this would be it. “Rock Hudson” references Clarkson’s 2015 “Piece By Piece”, a romantic ballad originally penned about how Blackstock restored her faith in love, and boldly declares “By the way, piece by piece/ I found out my hero’s me.”

But like the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes, Clarkson is beaten down but not broken. Strength, resilience and determination make their presence known in Chemistry. “Magic” looks to the future with optimism, while “Favorite Kind Of High” is a dancey number that sees Clarkson effortlessly belting out high notes while pondering about romance. Then there’s “I Hate Love”, a fun bop that mocks rom-com The Notebook and name-drops Only Murders in the Building actor Steve Martin, who plays the banjo on the track.

By the end of Chemistry, you’ll feel like you’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster ride — and if you’ve experienced heartache before, that old familiar feeling of loss, longing and hope.

– SY

6. Diablo IV Original Soundtrack by Blizzard Entertainment

(Image credit: Diablo IV/ Steam)

This year marked the release of Diablo IV, a highly anticipated video game from Blizzard’s popular Diablo franchise. Featuring the work of composers Leo Kalinski, Ted Reedy, Derek Duke, Neil Acree, and Ryan Amon, the score is a masterwork befitting any visual epic, evoking deep feelings of curiousity, anticipation, excitement – and yes, even terror. Each track is beautifully textured, layering instrumental sounds to facilitate the game’s brooding, dark-gothic storytelling roots. With in-game regions taking inspiration from real-world terrains from Eastern Europe to the Middle East, the music similarly followed suit to great success. The composers leaned into the gritty nature of the game to present tracks that are spectacular both in-game, and on Spotify.

– EM

7. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes soundtrack

(Image credit: Apple Music)

Taking a sharp turn to Hollywood, I found myself particularly drawn to the movie soundtrack for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Olivia Rodrigo’s “Can’t Catch Me Now” headlines the album; however, it is only one within a bed of similarly inspired melodies. Featuring the vocals of actress Rachel Zegler, the album also evoked a deep sense of helplessness and rebellion, further adding to the storytelling prowess of writer Susanne Collins’ extraordinary world.

Zegler’s rendition of “The Hanging Tree”, as well as “The Old Therebefore” and “Pure As The Driven Snow” are appropriately touching; likewise, Molly Turtle’s “Bury Me Beneath The Willow”, which tells the story of unrequited love, is almost certain to make an appearance on my Spotify Wrapped for 2024.

– EM

8. Layover by BTS V

(Image credit: BTS V)

Layover by BTS V has been my absolute musical fixation this year. Even though it was released in September it’ll still chart as one of my most streamed albums this year. Kim Taehuyng’s affinity towards jazz and R&B shine through every composition of his solo debut album. While he is still a beloved part of the global sensation BTS, his solo project unfolds like a tapestry of musical elegance that’s so independent of the septet’s usual dynamic.

The album is so meticulously crafted, that it feels like a warm cup of tea on a chilly winter evening. V’s velvety voice entangled with the romantic melodies, creates the perfect ambience for an evening of solitude or a long drive with a loved one. Transcending the boundaries of K-pop, V’s honey-dripped vocals touch the heartstrings of every music lover. Like the timeless classics, playing the album on repeat is a habit hard to quit. Also, I don’t really want to. The only thing that could’ve made it better is more songs. Six songs are way too few than what we needed.

– Pallabi Bose, Digital Writer, PrestigeOnline (Regional)

9. Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

music albums of 2023
(Image credit: Taylor Swift)

In the whirlwind of Taylormania ’23, Taylor Swift’s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) emerges as a triumph, securing her 12th consecutive No. 1 album at just 33, a feat surpassing Jay-Z’s record. Released amid the spectacle of her Eras Tour, projected to cross the USD 1 billion mark, this third 2023 re-release called for me to rediscover its rock-infused charm, once again.

Beyond the original heartfelt tracks, the album’s magnetic allure lies in the treasures of “The Vault.” Collaborating with Patrick Stump and Hayley Williams on two unreleased tracks injected fresh energy into Swift’s musical narrative. Williams takes the spotlight on the poignant “Castles Crumbling” sharing fears of youthful empires. Meanwhile, the upbeat “Electric Touch” delivers a pop-rock flourish, though vocal contrasts with Stump add an intriguing layer. Delving into “The Vault” reveals the mid-tempo piano beauty of “When Emma Falls in Love,” showcasing a rare third-person narrative. Simultaneously, the scandalous “I Can See You” introduced unfamiliar tones with provocative lyrics, adding a spicy twist compared to the original Speak Now.

As for the core of the album, the goal remained to replicate rather than embellish past work. While some sonics receive a boost—more reverb on ‘Haunted’ and thicker guitars on “The Story of Us” — the most notable exception is the Paramore-esque pop-punk rager “Better than Revenge.” A lyrical change underscores Swift’s prerogative to shape her songbook. However, the decision feels diplomatic, catering to online discourse rather than embracing the unfiltered expression of her 19-year-old self.

The significant difference in the new recordings lies in Swift’s more mature and textured vocal performance. Time and hindsight enrich several tunes with new weight and nuance, elevating the apologetic ballad “Back to December” beyond its initial tabloid ties. Similarly, “Dear John,” a fan-favourite soaring ballad long assumed to target John Mayer, now radiates timeless brilliance, serving as a beacon for all lovelorn listeners. Perhaps most intriguing is the evolution of the Grammy-winning banjo-pop single “Mean,” as Swift reflects on critics who once disparaged her, offering a retrospective commentary on her growth and resilience.

While not as expansive as her 30-track Red (Taylor’s Version), this latest re-recording at 104 minutes with 22 songs is a testament to Swifties’ commitment. Investigating liner notes for Easter eggs hinting at the next re-recordings — whether Taylor Swift (2006), 1989 (2014), or Reputation (2017) — fans, like me, got the chance to discover a meticulous replica of one of Swift’s most compelling albums. Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) transcends nostalgia, capturing the essence of a pivotal era in Swift’s career and expanding the musical universe. It invites fans, both old and new, to revel in the walls she crashed through, making it a dazzling contender for the best music album of 2023.

– Srijoni Gupta Roy, Senior Digital Writer, PrestigeOnline (Regional)

10. Glory 2 Glory by KB

music albums of 2023
(Image credit: KB)

KB has been in the Christian hip-hop scene for some time now but I’m ashamed to say he only appeared on my radar recently. He’s always been great at making music that’s not just utterly enjoyable in its rhythm and beats but also lyrically and theologically rich. As someone who grew up always on the lookout for “Christian” artists who don’t just compose typical worship songs, KB was an immediate favourite. When people tell me that Christian music is boring, KB is one of the first artists I bring up.

Glory 2 Glory, his EP released this year, is yet another testament to this man’s immense talent. His take on the popular worship song “Graves Into Gardens”, which also features Brandon Lake, turns it into an addictive hip-hop anthem while still being replete with Christian truth. “Only You turn mistakes into miracles / Only You make broken stories beautiful”. Like he says in one of his other songs, who says you can’t worship in a mosh pit?

– Eric E. Surbano, Senior Writer, PrestigeOnline Thailand

11. Guts by Olivia Rodrigo

(Image credit: Olivia Rodrigo)

Olivia Rodrigo, following her groundbreaking 2021 debut SOUR, returns with GUTS, an album that not only meets but exceeds the colossal expectations set by her previous work. Divided into two distinct halves, the album explores contrasting moods while maintaining a relatable resonance.

Continuing her Gen Z anthem status, Rodrigo expands her lyrical themes with her 2023 drop. Songs like “Pretty Isn’t Pretty” delve into body image issues, while “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl” explores social embarrassments, and “Bad idea right?” delves into the lingering feelings of past relationships. The relatability extends to the music itself, as GUTS echoes early-2000s pop-punk, evoking nostalgia with a distinctly Avril Lavigne-inspired sound.

Yet, Rodrigo’s prowess goes beyond catchy melodies. The album showcases her ability to seamlessly transition between powerful pop-punk anthems and gut-wrenching ballads, a duality exemplified in tracks like “Love is Embarrassing.” The album’s softer side, exemplified in “Making the Bed,” reveals Rodrigo’s delicate writing and singing, coupled with the lyrical chemistry between her and producer Daniel Nigro.

Hidden within pockets of introspection, Rodrigo’s heartfelt expression shines, as seen in lines like “Every good thing has turned into something I dread” from “making the bed.” These moments, free from loud choruses and distorted guitars, provide a powerful connection.

“Vampire,” the lead single, attempts to bridge both halves but falls short, creating a clash rather than a cohesive mix. In contrast, the album’s closing track, “Teenage Dream,” successfully marries complexity with simplicity. Lines like “When am I gonna stop being great for my age and just start being good?” cut straight to core emotion, showcasing Rodrigo’s prowess as a writer.

The album crescendos with the phrase “they all say that it gets better,” embodying the Gen Z experience. GUTS is not just a collection of complaints, rants, cries, and yells; it ends in uncertainty, making it not only authentic but profoundly real. Rodrigo’s work is a testament to the genuine, unfiltered expression of an artist at the forefront of her generation, making it undeniably one of the best music albums of 2023.

-SGR

Which of these would you reckon to be the best music album of 2023?

(Main and Featured Images: Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Laufey )

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most listened-to album in 2023?

The most-streamed album of the year for the second year in a row was Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny, with more than 4.5 billion streams globally, followed by Taylor Swift’s album Midnights.

2. Who has the biggest album of 2023?

Taylor Swift topped the chart for seven weeks with three different records; one of them, 1989 (Taylor’s Version), became the top-selling album of the year. Utopia by Travis Scott became the first rap album since Drake’s Scorpion (2018) to spend its first four weeks atop the chart.

The post The Beat Goes On: The Prestige Digital Team Pick Their Favourite Music Albums of 2023 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

In 2023, the musical landscape witnessed a tidal wave of must-hear albums that shook the industry to its core. The indomitable Olivia Rodrigo, following the trailblazing success of her 2021 Sour, reaffirmed her prowess in truth-bomb punk-pop with her sophomore release Guts. Collaborations like underground rapper Billy Woods and beatmaker Kenny Segal delved into uncharted territory, while Paramore roared back, Victoria Monet led an R&B resurgence, and Mitski reimagined the American gothic. Amidst this musical kaleidoscope, the quest for the best music album of 2023 became a thrilling odyssey.

In a year where blockbuster releases by mega-stars like Miley Cyrus and Drake took a backseat, emerging innovators like Tainy, Asake, Burna Boy, and Mr. Eazi stepped into the spotlight. From the infectious rhythms of sci-fi-reggaeton mastermind Tainy to the chart-dominating Afrobeats greats, the musical landscape of 2023 resonated with diversity and creativity. Not to mention, Taylor Swift dropping her re-recorded marvels — Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) — to sweep the competition beyond the ‘Eras’.

music albums of 2023
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Guts’ became one of the most popular music albums of 2023

As the year concludes, the Prestige team is gearing up to decode their carefully curated picks for the best music albums of 2023, featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Join us as we navigate the sonic labyrinth to unveil a diverse and captivating selection (in no particular order).

The Prestige Digital Team pick their favourite music albums of 2023

1. Bewitched by Laufey

music albums of 2023
(Image credit: Laufey/Facebook)

The scene: me, in bed on a Sunday, nursing a bad cold and something of a heartbreak, doom-scrolling on Instagram as a distraction. A video comes up and it’s Laufey singing “I Wish You Love” with a voice so soothing, so bewitching, so healing that I immediately look her up on Spotify and subsequently spent weeks looping her music on repeat. When Laufey released Bewitched in September, it was like Christmas had come early. More melancholic and with a stronger old-world quality than her first studio album, Laufey sings of love and its many forms – and the frustrations that come with it, urgh – in a way that is just so darn relatable.

“Haunted”, “California and Me” and “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self” feel like short films. “Second Best” and “Promise” will make you want to hug a pillow and ugly cry. “Dreamer” and her viral hit “From The Start” are reminders that love, for yourself and for somebody else, is a beautiful, adorable thing. For the rollercoaster year I’ve had, Laufey’s deep, smooth-like-honey vocals and spot-on songwriting were a solace. I cannot tell you how many times I thought, “Girl gets it!” when listening to Bewitched.

– Candice Chua, Digital Editor, PrestigeOnline Singapore

2. I’ve IVE and I’ve MINE by IVE

music albums of 2023
(Image credit: Ive)

2023 was a year of unexpected changes for me. Chief among them: My early days in my role at Prestige, which was when and how I happened upon my most unexpected musical find of the year. Ask anyone who’s had the misfortune to road-trip with me, and they’ll tell you my playlist is an endless musical smorgasbord spanning multiple genres and artists, favouring no single rhyme, rhythm, nor year. Taylor Swift is a strong contender, and her newly released 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (2023) and the recently released Midnights (2022) vault track “You’re Losing Me” are both personal favourites.

Ditto for Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts (2023), which hit Spotify earlier in September this year, as well as her single “Can’t Catch Me Now”, recorded for the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. A haunting track inspired by the events of the book-turned-movie, it has singularly taken me through my year-end blues, played on repeat for hours on end.

This brings me to my earlier point: up until I had the good fortune to see BLACKPINK live in concert earlier this year, I had never been much of a K-Pop fan. The irony, then, is this: my very first article on this platform was on K-Pop sensation IVE. To that end, I found myself exploring their discography, which included two albums released this year – I’ve IVE (10 April 2023) and I’VE MINE (13 October 2023).

The former sparked my interest with its range, featuring upbeat and energetic tracks like “Lips” and “NOT YOUR GIRL”, to bass-heavy girl power anthems “Blue Blood”. Each track flowed into the next with ease, which brought a soothing cohesiveness to the entire album that I greatly enjoyed. Likewise, I’VE MINE further expanded on this range, drawing on hip-hop influences for tracks like “Holy Moly”, “OTT”, and “Baddie”. IVE went back to their dance-pop roots for “Off The Record”, which is an absolute bop of a song that has since become a favourite.

– Emmelyn Mah, Associate Digital Editor, PrestigeOnline Malaysia

3. Fallen (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) by Evanescence

  • best music albums 2023
    Evanescence with its current band lineup. (Image credit: Evanescence/ Facebook)
  • best music albums 2023
    (From left to right) David Hodges, Ben Moody and Amy Lee, the original members of Evanescence, at the 2004 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. (Image credit: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images)

Millennials of a certain vintage would be well-acquainted with “Bring Me To Life”, the runaway hit that propelled rock band Evanescence to global stardom back in 2003. Characterised by its haunting piano riff, and the call-and-response juxtaposition of lead singer Amy Lee’s plaintive vocals against guest rapper Paul McCoy’s aggressive verses, it was the first single off Evanescence’s debut album Fallen, released that same year. The album went on to bag two Grammy awards out of six nominations — an unexpected win that saw a teary-eyed Lee looking overwhelmed as she gave her speech, and disgruntled fellow nominee 50 Cent walking onstage to express his displeasure.

Twenty years (and several band lineup changes) later, Evanescence has released a special anniversary edition of their seminal album, and it still retains its magic. The track list features remastered versions of its 12 original songs, alongside several B-sides, acoustic performances, and live recordings. A demo of “Bring Me To Life” is particularly fascinating, with its incorporation of synths and a distortion effect added to its opening lines. McCoy’s rap is absent and replaced with an electric guitar solo. It’s surprisingly polished for a demo, and hints at the vastly different direction the band’s music could have taken if they had chosen it for their debut. Also included is a stripped-down, acoustic version of the same song for AOL Sessions, featuring Lee singing alongside co-founder Ben Moody’s guitar accompaniment. It allows her dulcet, powerful voice to shine, and is a treat to listen to.

Remastered versions of the dreamy “Imaginary” and the deliciously theatrical “Whisper” — which unlike its name, swells into an ominous choral outro sung in Latin — are a fantastic nostalgic throwback. Meanwhile, B-sides like the wistful “Missing” and the piano-driven ballad “Breathe No More” — inspired by Lee’s experience of being in a toxic relationship — remain just as soul-stirring as when they were first released in 2004.

A live rendition of “My Immortal” from a 2022 concert at London’s O2 Arena, featuring the audience singing along and cheering, rounds off the album — a triumphant conclusion to a key chapter of the band’s musical evolution.

– Sara Yap, Digital Editorial Director, Prestige (Regional)

4. Have a Nice Day! by Aaron Taylor

(Image credit: Aaron Taylor)

Aaron Taylor’s Have a Nice Day! is like a beam of sunlight that wakes me up and gives me a kickstart into the day every day. Undoubtedly, I think it’s one of the best music albums of 2023. Most songs have that bright, bubbly, and calm personality that are easy to connect to, and they never fail to cheer me up. On many days I wake up to the soul/R&B groove of “Have a Nice Day” and go to sleep with “Rest Your Head”.

– Paint Chayanin, Lifestyle Writer, PrestigeOnline Thailand

5. Chemistry by Kelly Clarkson

best music albums 2023
Kelly Clarkson is one of the most successful American Idol winners of all time, and her new release Chemistry is easily one of the best albums of 2023. (Image credit: Kelly Clarkson/ Facebook)

It’s been a turbulent three years for Kelly Clarkson, whose seven-year marriage to music producer Brandon Blackstock ended in 2020. Their acrimonious divorce was a drawn-out battle fraught with custody, alimony and property tussles, with Blackstock demanding massive payouts for monthly spousal and child support, along with ownership of their Montana ranch. They finally came to an agreement two years later; but Clarkson is still angry. And she channels her fury, hurt and heartbreak into the sucker punch that’s Chemistry, a 14-track album that’s captivating from start to finish and fuelled by Clarkson’s distinctive, powerhouse vocals.

The opener “Skip This Part” lays out her vulnerability on full display with lyrics expressing a desire to escape the brutal fallout of her divorce. It segues into the equally poignant “Mine”, where she grieves but craves vengeance: “I hope one day someone will take your heart and hold it tight/ Make you feel like you’re invincible deep inside/ And right when you think that you’ll try again, they cross a line/ And steal your shine like you did mine.” “Lighthouse” is another raw, moving tune reflecting on the last embers of her relationship.

In “Red Flag Collector”, she turns her rage into an upbeat, country-tinged ditty that calls out her ex’s behaviour, gleefully proclaiming “You can take my money/ Drag my name ’round town/ I don’t mind, I changed it anyway”. If there were a musical equivalent of a raised middle finger, this would be it. “Rock Hudson” references Clarkson’s 2015 “Piece By Piece”, a romantic ballad originally penned about how Blackstock restored her faith in love, and boldly declares “By the way, piece by piece/ I found out my hero’s me.”

But like the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes, Clarkson is beaten down but not broken. Strength, resilience and determination make their presence known in Chemistry. “Magic” looks to the future with optimism, while “Favorite Kind Of High” is a dancey number that sees Clarkson effortlessly belting out high notes while pondering about romance. Then there’s “I Hate Love”, a fun bop that mocks rom-com The Notebook and name-drops Only Murders in the Building actor Steve Martin, who plays the banjo on the track.

By the end of Chemistry, you’ll feel like you’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster ride — and if you’ve experienced heartache before, that old familiar feeling of loss, longing and hope.

– SY

6. Diablo IV Original Soundtrack by Blizzard Entertainment

(Image credit: Diablo IV/ Steam)

This year marked the release of Diablo IV, a highly anticipated video game from Blizzard’s popular Diablo franchise. Featuring the work of composers Leo Kalinski, Ted Reedy, Derek Duke, Neil Acree, and Ryan Amon, the score is a masterwork befitting any visual epic, evoking deep feelings of curiousity, anticipation, excitement – and yes, even terror. Each track is beautifully textured, layering instrumental sounds to facilitate the game’s brooding, dark-gothic storytelling roots. With in-game regions taking inspiration from real-world terrains from Eastern Europe to the Middle East, the music similarly followed suit to great success. The composers leaned into the gritty nature of the game to present tracks that are spectacular both in-game, and on Spotify.

– EM

7. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes soundtrack

(Image credit: Apple Music)

Taking a sharp turn to Hollywood, I found myself particularly drawn to the movie soundtrack for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Olivia Rodrigo’s “Can’t Catch Me Now” headlines the album; however, it is only one within a bed of similarly inspired melodies. Featuring the vocals of actress Rachel Zegler, the album also evoked a deep sense of helplessness and rebellion, further adding to the storytelling prowess of writer Susanne Collins’ extraordinary world.

Zegler’s rendition of “The Hanging Tree”, as well as “The Old Therebefore” and “Pure As The Driven Snow” are appropriately touching; likewise, Molly Turtle’s “Bury Me Beneath The Willow”, which tells the story of unrequited love, is almost certain to make an appearance on my Spotify Wrapped for 2024.

– EM

8. Layover by BTS V

(Image credit: BTS V)

Layover by BTS V has been my absolute musical fixation this year. Even though it was released in September it’ll still chart as one of my most streamed albums this year. Kim Taehuyng’s affinity towards jazz and R&B shine through every composition of his solo debut album. While he is still a beloved part of the global sensation BTS, his solo project unfolds like a tapestry of musical elegance that’s so independent of the septet’s usual dynamic.

The album is so meticulously crafted, that it feels like a warm cup of tea on a chilly winter evening. V’s velvety voice entangled with the romantic melodies, creates the perfect ambience for an evening of solitude or a long drive with a loved one. Transcending the boundaries of K-pop, V’s honey-dripped vocals touch the heartstrings of every music lover. Like the timeless classics, playing the album on repeat is a habit hard to quit. Also, I don’t really want to. The only thing that could’ve made it better is more songs. Six songs are way too few than what we needed.

– Pallabi Bose, Digital Writer, PrestigeOnline (Regional)

9. Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

music albums of 2023
(Image credit: Taylor Swift)

In the whirlwind of Taylormania ’23, Taylor Swift’s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) emerges as a triumph, securing her 12th consecutive No. 1 album at just 33, a feat surpassing Jay-Z’s record. Released amid the spectacle of her Eras Tour, projected to cross the USD 1 billion mark, this third 2023 re-release called for me to rediscover its rock-infused charm, once again.

Beyond the original heartfelt tracks, the album’s magnetic allure lies in the treasures of “The Vault.” Collaborating with Patrick Stump and Hayley Williams on two unreleased tracks injected fresh energy into Swift’s musical narrative. Williams takes the spotlight on the poignant “Castles Crumbling” sharing fears of youthful empires. Meanwhile, the upbeat “Electric Touch” delivers a pop-rock flourish, though vocal contrasts with Stump add an intriguing layer. Delving into “The Vault” reveals the mid-tempo piano beauty of “When Emma Falls in Love,” showcasing a rare third-person narrative. Simultaneously, the scandalous “I Can See You” introduced unfamiliar tones with provocative lyrics, adding a spicy twist compared to the original Speak Now.

As for the core of the album, the goal remained to replicate rather than embellish past work. While some sonics receive a boost—more reverb on ‘Haunted’ and thicker guitars on “The Story of Us” — the most notable exception is the Paramore-esque pop-punk rager “Better than Revenge.” A lyrical change underscores Swift’s prerogative to shape her songbook. However, the decision feels diplomatic, catering to online discourse rather than embracing the unfiltered expression of her 19-year-old self.

The significant difference in the new recordings lies in Swift’s more mature and textured vocal performance. Time and hindsight enrich several tunes with new weight and nuance, elevating the apologetic ballad “Back to December” beyond its initial tabloid ties. Similarly, “Dear John,” a fan-favourite soaring ballad long assumed to target John Mayer, now radiates timeless brilliance, serving as a beacon for all lovelorn listeners. Perhaps most intriguing is the evolution of the Grammy-winning banjo-pop single “Mean,” as Swift reflects on critics who once disparaged her, offering a retrospective commentary on her growth and resilience.

While not as expansive as her 30-track Red (Taylor’s Version), this latest re-recording at 104 minutes with 22 songs is a testament to Swifties’ commitment. Investigating liner notes for Easter eggs hinting at the next re-recordings — whether Taylor Swift (2006), 1989 (2014), or Reputation (2017) — fans, like me, got the chance to discover a meticulous replica of one of Swift’s most compelling albums. Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) transcends nostalgia, capturing the essence of a pivotal era in Swift’s career and expanding the musical universe. It invites fans, both old and new, to revel in the walls she crashed through, making it a dazzling contender for the best music album of 2023.

– Srijoni Gupta Roy, Senior Digital Writer, PrestigeOnline (Regional)

10. Glory 2 Glory by KB

music albums of 2023
(Image credit: KB)

KB has been in the Christian hip-hop scene for some time now but I’m ashamed to say he only appeared on my radar recently. He’s always been great at making music that’s not just utterly enjoyable in its rhythm and beats but also lyrically and theologically rich. As someone who grew up always on the lookout for “Christian” artists who don’t just compose typical worship songs, KB was an immediate favourite. When people tell me that Christian music is boring, KB is one of the first artists I bring up.

Glory 2 Glory, his EP released this year, is yet another testament to this man’s immense talent. His take on the popular worship song “Graves Into Gardens”, which also features Brandon Lake, turns it into an addictive hip-hop anthem while still being replete with Christian truth. “Only You turn mistakes into miracles / Only You make broken stories beautiful”. Like he says in one of his other songs, who says you can’t worship in a mosh pit?

– Eric E. Surbano, Senior Writer, PrestigeOnline Thailand

11. Guts by Olivia Rodrigo

(Image credit: Olivia Rodrigo)

Olivia Rodrigo, following her groundbreaking 2021 debut SOUR, returns with GUTS, an album that not only meets but exceeds the colossal expectations set by her previous work. Divided into two distinct halves, the album explores contrasting moods while maintaining a relatable resonance.

Continuing her Gen Z anthem status, Rodrigo expands her lyrical themes with her 2023 drop. Songs like “Pretty Isn’t Pretty” delve into body image issues, while “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl” explores social embarrassments, and “Bad idea right?” delves into the lingering feelings of past relationships. The relatability extends to the music itself, as GUTS echoes early-2000s pop-punk, evoking nostalgia with a distinctly Avril Lavigne-inspired sound.

Yet, Rodrigo’s prowess goes beyond catchy melodies. The album showcases her ability to seamlessly transition between powerful pop-punk anthems and gut-wrenching ballads, a duality exemplified in tracks like “Love is Embarrassing.” The album’s softer side, exemplified in “Making the Bed,” reveals Rodrigo’s delicate writing and singing, coupled with the lyrical chemistry between her and producer Daniel Nigro.

Hidden within pockets of introspection, Rodrigo’s heartfelt expression shines, as seen in lines like “Every good thing has turned into something I dread” from “making the bed.” These moments, free from loud choruses and distorted guitars, provide a powerful connection.

“Vampire,” the lead single, attempts to bridge both halves but falls short, creating a clash rather than a cohesive mix. In contrast, the album’s closing track, “Teenage Dream,” successfully marries complexity with simplicity. Lines like “When am I gonna stop being great for my age and just start being good?” cut straight to core emotion, showcasing Rodrigo’s prowess as a writer.

The album crescendos with the phrase “they all say that it gets better,” embodying the Gen Z experience. GUTS is not just a collection of complaints, rants, cries, and yells; it ends in uncertainty, making it not only authentic but profoundly real. Rodrigo’s work is a testament to the genuine, unfiltered expression of an artist at the forefront of her generation, making it undeniably one of the best music albums of 2023.

-SGR

Which of these would you reckon to be the best music album of 2023?

(Main and Featured Images: Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Laufey )

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most listened-to album in 2023?

The most-streamed album of the year for the second year in a row was Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny, with more than 4.5 billion streams globally, followed by Taylor Swift’s album Midnights.

2. Who has the biggest album of 2023?

Taylor Swift topped the chart for seven weeks with three different records; one of them, 1989 (Taylor’s Version), became the top-selling album of the year. Utopia by Travis Scott became the first rap album since Drake’s Scorpion (2018) to spend its first four weeks atop the chart.

The post The Beat Goes On: The Prestige Digital Team Pick Their Favourite Music Albums of 2023 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> From Barbie to Taylor Swift: Best Pop Culture Moments That Defined 2023 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/from-barbie-to-taylor-swift-best-pop-culture-moments-that-defined-2023/ Sat, 30 Dec 2023 03:30:28 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=296922 Taylor pop culture moments 2023

And with that, another year comes to an end. Before we officially usher in 2024, it’s the perfect time to rewind and review the wild ride of the past 12 months. In Hollywood, everything is temporary but the drama is permanent. And this year was no exception. From courtroom fashion to onstage revolution, here are a few of the juiciest pop culture moments that kept us all rapt with attention in 2023.

Rewind: Pop culture moments of 2023 that made the headlines

Nepo baby culture

pop culture moments 2023
Hailey Bieber. (Image Credit: Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images)

The Internet lost its cool when New York magazine declared 2022 the “year of the nepo baby,” diving headfirst into a rabbit hole of Gen-Z superstars who have inherited their fame based on their privileged upbringing. For those who are unfamiliar, “nepo baby” is just a snappy shorthand for children born to famous parents, especially in Hollywood. These children have apparently enjoyed success and smooth rides up the ladder to stardom all thanks to their wealthy and high-profile family.

Celebrities were divided on the topic, with some choosing to stay quiet while others criticised the label. Gwyneth Paltrow was not a fan, calling the term an “ugly moniker,” whereas Hailey Bieber adopted a sassier approach, proudly wearing a ‘nepo baby’ t-shirt.

The royal memoir – Spare

Prince harry memoir
Image Credit: Amazon

Prince Harry’s long-awaited memoir caused quite a stir at the start of the year. The book was packed with shocking revelations, including how Harry and William asked their father to not marry Camilla. The memoir went on to chronicle Prince Harry’s headcount from his time in the British Army to his final words to the late Queen.

Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance

She’s called Bad Girl RiRi for a reason! The Super Bowl LVII, where the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on February 12th, etched itself into the history books, thanks to Rihanna. The singer’s halftime concert smashed Katy Perry’s 2015 record to become the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show of all time.

Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty released some cheeky merch before the big game that read, “Rihanna concert interrupted by a football game, weird but whatever.” That slogan proved to be accurate, as more eyes were drawn to her performance than to the game itself. And if that wasn’t enough, RiRi casually revealed that she was having her second child with A$AP Rocky, by casually exposing her baby bump during the show and making it to the list of best pop culture moments of 2023.

“Angela Basset did the thing”

Ariana DeBose’s opening number at the BAFTAs overnight became an Internet favourite… but not why you might think. With her theatre kid-like enthusiasm and out-of-breath singing, DeBose delivered a cringey rap that included the lines “Angela Bassett did the thing. Viola Davis, my woman king!”. Not sure what Angela Basset’s ‘thing’ really was, but this instantly became a viral meme.

Scandoval

The Scandoval saga was a soap opera-worthy episode in the world of reality television and Vanderpump Rules. The shocking news that Tom Sandoval cheated on his longtime partner Ariana Madix with another castmate Raquel Leviss shook the reality television world. The repercussions of this terrible affair resulted in one of the most chaotic reality show reunions ever broadcast. Except for another Tom (Schwartz), the entire group turned on Sandoval.

The new king

Following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022, King Charles III ascended the throne in May 2023. Dignitaries and royals from all over the world came to London to witness this historic event. The splendour proceeded with a regal carriage parade to Buckingham Palace, with the newly crowned king and queen consort, Queen Camilla.

Ozempic weight loss

Ozempic, which was originally developed to treat diabetes, has sparked debate as celebrities and influencers advocate its off-label use for rapid weight loss. In 2021, the FDA authorised Wegovy, a higher-dose variant designed for obesity. Despite being praised for its effectiveness in weight loss, people were concerned about its negative effects and lack of availability for Type 2 Diabetes patients who require it the most. The drug’s popularity skyrocketed on social media, raising concerns about off-label prescriptions and internet availability. The debate underlines the hazy border between medical use and personal weight-loss aspirations. Tech mogul Elon Musk has already admitted that he used Wegovy. Many celebrities including Kim Kardashian have been accused of using the drug.

MSCHF mania

Love it, or hate it MSCHF knows how to get your attention. They debuted the ridiculously huge big red boots at the beginning of the year, evoking both repulsion and affection. Celebrities such as Lil Wayne, Doja Cat, and Ciara walked in these intriguing shoes. then MSCHF went on to drop the LV’s microscopic bag, a marvel of ultimate miniaturisation that was smaller than a grain of sea salt. During Paris Fashion Week, MSCHF collaborated with Crocs to release the Big Yellow Boots.

Broken promises

pop culture moments 2023
Image Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/ Getty Images

If your faith in love has crumbled a little this year, you are not alone. 2023 brought an unexpected wave of celebrity divorces and breakups, trending Adele’s “Divorce babe, divorce” quote on social media. After 27 years of marriage, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness parted ways in pursuit of “individual growth.” The split of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner after four years stirred up quite the drama and fandom division.

And now, Cardi B has confirmed that she and Offset are also getting divorced. And we just got to know that Meryl Streep and Don Gummer have been separated for more than six years. The list of celebrity breakups continued with names like Britney Spears and Sam Asghari, Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied, Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth, Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau among many others.

As for celebrity breakups, Maisie Williams of Game of Thrones and Reuben Selby parted ways after a five-year relationship. Camila Cabello and Austin Kevitch also called it quits, only for Cabello to briefly rekindle her romance with Shawn Mendes. However, that reunion was short-lived. The breakup that sent shockwaves globally was Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn ending their seven-year relationship, with sources citing that “the relationship had just run its course.” Swift then briefly connected with The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, resulting in another short-lived romance. Also, Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro ended their engagement, and rounding out the list, Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny’s whirlwind romance also came to an end.

Tied knots

After heartbreaking breakups, let’s look at the romantic celebrity weddings we got to witness this year. Barbie director Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach finally took the plunge after 12 years together. Vanessa Hudgens married football player Cole Tucker on December 2nd. Queen’s Gambit actress Anya Taylor-Joy and Malcolm McRae said “I Do” in Venice. And of course, our favourite Captain America has found the love of his life. Chris Evans and Alba Baptista tied the knot in a secret ceremony at a private estate in Cape Code, Massachusetts with a few MCU actors in attendance.

Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh celebrated her love by marrying her longtime partner Jean Todt. Moreover, the darling couple Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin joined the list of married couples this year. And don’t forget about Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge’s star-studded wedding in France and how Richie’s new wifey looks fuelled the biggest fashion trend of the year — quiet luxury.

Unexpected whirlwind romances

Pop culture moments 2023 taylor and travis
Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images

You might have noticed some unexpected pairings constantly popping up in your feed and setting couple goals this year. Let’s add these new lovebirds to the list of best pop culture moments of 2023 in the name of love. Singer-songwriter Halsey has found love with Avan Jogia (Beck from Nickelodeon’s Victorious series), making their relationship Instagram official after spending Halloween together. Confirming months of speculation, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet revealed their relationship at Beyonce’s birthday concert. But Kylie is not the only sister who had a whirlwind romance this year. Kendall also started dating Bad Bunny this year. Sadly, after months of romantic dates, horse riding lessons, and PDA-filled appearances that couple seems to have broken up before the holidays. Meanwhile, Olivia Rodrigo seems to have a new boyfriend and it’s none other than the cute “London Boy” Louis Patridge.

Ariana Grande is now with her Wicked costar Ethan Slater. Rumours have circulated about a budding connection between supermodel Gigi Hadid and Hollywood hunk Bradley Cooper. But the couple who has the whole Internet eating out of their hand is undoubtedly Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Their rom-com-esque whirlwind romance has everyone captivated, complete with rumours of engagement and weddings only after a few months of dating. Seems Taylor and Gigi are not the only friends in love. Their BFF Selena Gomez also has a new beau — music producer Benny Blanco. Head over heels in love, Gomez hasn’t hesitated to defend her boyfriend against her fans either.

Lana Del Rey’s prophecy

Here’s an eerie pop culture moment that we witnessed in 2023. Lana Del Rey’s controversial Instagram post criticising female artists resurfaced this year, and followers started referring to it as “Lana’s prophecy.” She named seven #1 female artists who “glamorize abuse.” Strangely enough, five of those seven artists got into some kind of conversion this year.

Doja Cat faced backlash as her boyfriend, J.Cyrus, was accused of emotional abuse. Moreover, she misbehaved with her fans and lost over 500,000 followers on Instagram. Ariana Grande’s divorce and rumoured relationship with Wicked costar Ethan Slater sparked controversy. She was labelled a homewrecker and people blamed her for Slater’s divorce. Cardi B made news when she threw mics at fans during her Las Vegas performance. Lana’s prophecy struck again when Nicki Minaj was “swatted” following a fake shooting accusation. Only Kehlani and Beyoncé from this list haven’t gotten involved in any controversy yet.

The Idol controversy

One of the most anticipated releases of the year, The Idol, featuring stars like The Weeknd, Lily-Rose Depp, and Jennie from Blackpink, faced a series of controversies leading to its eventual cancellation. Production issues included reports of a toxic work environment, and directorial departures, leading to cast changes. The series drew criticism for explicit content, with concerns about the glamorisation of toxicity and female objectification. The storyline and acting didn’t help with the poor reviews either. Upon release, it received overwhelmingly negative reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes score starting at 9%. The network, HBO cancelled the show after just one season due to critical backlash and declining viewership.

Remembering…

Array
Image credit: Matthew Perry FB

Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis Presley’s only child, died at the age of 54 from an intestinal blockage a little more than a week into 2023. Afterwards, the year brought more celebrity deaths. The queen of rock ‘n’ roll Tina Turner, legendary singer Tony Bennett, Euphoria star Angus Cloud, Michael Gambon who played Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise, and most recently, Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor André Braugher have left us.

In October, the world mourned the passing of Matthew Perry, who was famous for his role as Chandler Bing throughout the iconic show FRIENDS‘s ten seasons.

Britney Spears’ memoir

This time the Princess of Pop took control and chose to tell her story in her own words. The book “The Woman in Me” made some shocking revelations about the singer’s life, mostly about her relationship with Justin Timberlake. Spears describes a heartbreaking incident in which they faced an unexpected pregnancy and decided to get an abortion because Timberlake was supposedly not ready for fatherhood. She claims to know about Timberlake’s infidelity, citing instances in 2000 with an All Saints member and another unspecified woman. Despite the alleged betrayal, Spears admits to remaining in the relationship out of infatuation and profound love.

The pop star also confesses to her own mistakes. Beyond romances, Spears discusses her mental health difficulties and other aspects of her personal life in this candid autobiography.

SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strike

A series of strikes occurred over the summer, resulting in new contracts for the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Following the historic 118-day strike by SAG-AFTRA and the 148-day strike by the WGA against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, artists and writers may be able to return to work on late-night TV shows, studio films, and cherished TV series. The effects of these strikes will be seen in 2024, as Hollywood attempts to complete projects that have been mainly stalled since May, when WGA members began their strike.

Barbenheimer

pop culture moments 2023
Image Credit: IMDb

Barbie and Oppenheimer, two significant global film premieres on the same day, grabbed audiences with their contrasting themes. The innovative PR stunt, which included merchandise and the challenge to watch both films on the same day, generated a buzz that mesmerised the internet for whole two months. “Barbenheimer” competition and excitement became a cultural phenomenon. From makeup challenges to Halloween costumes — it ruled 2023. Both films performed extraordinarily well at the box office around the world. Which of the two did you like better?

The Taylor Swift Effect

Taylor Swift
Image Credit: taylorswift/Instagram

Oppenheimer might be Barbie’s box office competitor. But anything can beat Barbie in the popularity game that’s the unstoppable Taylor Swift. Swift has had an incredible year. She didn’t just have a defining pop culture moment in 2023 — she pretty much dominated the whole year. Her Eras Tour has become the highest-grossing concert tour in history. The concert film, featuring footage of the live shows, has also taken the crown of the highest-grossing concert film of all time. Swift’s year included the release of two re-recordings, driving her to the top of Spotify’s most-streamed artist of the year. Time Magazine named her Person of the Year, and she won nine VMAs. Swift’s relationship with American football player Travis Kelce has also contributed to the buzz.

(Main and featured image: IMDb and taylorswift/Instagram)

The post From Barbie to Taylor Swift: Best Pop Culture Moments That Defined 2023 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Taylor pop culture moments 2023

And with that, another year comes to an end. Before we officially usher in 2024, it’s the perfect time to rewind and review the wild ride of the past 12 months. In Hollywood, everything is temporary but the drama is permanent. And this year was no exception. From courtroom fashion to onstage revolution, here are a few of the juiciest pop culture moments that kept us all rapt with attention in 2023.

Rewind: Pop culture moments of 2023 that made the headlines

Nepo baby culture

pop culture moments 2023
Hailey Bieber. (Image Credit: Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images)

The Internet lost its cool when New York magazine declared 2022 the “year of the nepo baby,” diving headfirst into a rabbit hole of Gen-Z superstars who have inherited their fame based on their privileged upbringing. For those who are unfamiliar, “nepo baby” is just a snappy shorthand for children born to famous parents, especially in Hollywood. These children have apparently enjoyed success and smooth rides up the ladder to stardom all thanks to their wealthy and high-profile family.

Celebrities were divided on the topic, with some choosing to stay quiet while others criticised the label. Gwyneth Paltrow was not a fan, calling the term an “ugly moniker,” whereas Hailey Bieber adopted a sassier approach, proudly wearing a ‘nepo baby’ t-shirt.

The royal memoir – Spare

Prince harry memoir
Image Credit: Amazon

Prince Harry’s long-awaited memoir caused quite a stir at the start of the year. The book was packed with shocking revelations, including how Harry and William asked their father to not marry Camilla. The memoir went on to chronicle Prince Harry’s headcount from his time in the British Army to his final words to the late Queen.

Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance

She’s called Bad Girl RiRi for a reason! The Super Bowl LVII, where the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on February 12th, etched itself into the history books, thanks to Rihanna. The singer’s halftime concert smashed Katy Perry’s 2015 record to become the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show of all time.

Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty released some cheeky merch before the big game that read, “Rihanna concert interrupted by a football game, weird but whatever.” That slogan proved to be accurate, as more eyes were drawn to her performance than to the game itself. And if that wasn’t enough, RiRi casually revealed that she was having her second child with A$AP Rocky, by casually exposing her baby bump during the show and making it to the list of best pop culture moments of 2023.

“Angela Basset did the thing”

Ariana DeBose’s opening number at the BAFTAs overnight became an Internet favourite… but not why you might think. With her theatre kid-like enthusiasm and out-of-breath singing, DeBose delivered a cringey rap that included the lines “Angela Bassett did the thing. Viola Davis, my woman king!”. Not sure what Angela Basset’s ‘thing’ really was, but this instantly became a viral meme.

Scandoval

The Scandoval saga was a soap opera-worthy episode in the world of reality television and Vanderpump Rules. The shocking news that Tom Sandoval cheated on his longtime partner Ariana Madix with another castmate Raquel Leviss shook the reality television world. The repercussions of this terrible affair resulted in one of the most chaotic reality show reunions ever broadcast. Except for another Tom (Schwartz), the entire group turned on Sandoval.

The new king

Following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022, King Charles III ascended the throne in May 2023. Dignitaries and royals from all over the world came to London to witness this historic event. The splendour proceeded with a regal carriage parade to Buckingham Palace, with the newly crowned king and queen consort, Queen Camilla.

Ozempic weight loss

Ozempic, which was originally developed to treat diabetes, has sparked debate as celebrities and influencers advocate its off-label use for rapid weight loss. In 2021, the FDA authorised Wegovy, a higher-dose variant designed for obesity. Despite being praised for its effectiveness in weight loss, people were concerned about its negative effects and lack of availability for Type 2 Diabetes patients who require it the most. The drug’s popularity skyrocketed on social media, raising concerns about off-label prescriptions and internet availability. The debate underlines the hazy border between medical use and personal weight-loss aspirations. Tech mogul Elon Musk has already admitted that he used Wegovy. Many celebrities including Kim Kardashian have been accused of using the drug.

MSCHF mania

Love it, or hate it MSCHF knows how to get your attention. They debuted the ridiculously huge big red boots at the beginning of the year, evoking both repulsion and affection. Celebrities such as Lil Wayne, Doja Cat, and Ciara walked in these intriguing shoes. then MSCHF went on to drop the LV’s microscopic bag, a marvel of ultimate miniaturisation that was smaller than a grain of sea salt. During Paris Fashion Week, MSCHF collaborated with Crocs to release the Big Yellow Boots.

Broken promises

pop culture moments 2023
Image Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/ Getty Images

If your faith in love has crumbled a little this year, you are not alone. 2023 brought an unexpected wave of celebrity divorces and breakups, trending Adele’s “Divorce babe, divorce” quote on social media. After 27 years of marriage, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness parted ways in pursuit of “individual growth.” The split of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner after four years stirred up quite the drama and fandom division.

And now, Cardi B has confirmed that she and Offset are also getting divorced. And we just got to know that Meryl Streep and Don Gummer have been separated for more than six years. The list of celebrity breakups continued with names like Britney Spears and Sam Asghari, Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied, Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth, Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau among many others.

As for celebrity breakups, Maisie Williams of Game of Thrones and Reuben Selby parted ways after a five-year relationship. Camila Cabello and Austin Kevitch also called it quits, only for Cabello to briefly rekindle her romance with Shawn Mendes. However, that reunion was short-lived. The breakup that sent shockwaves globally was Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn ending their seven-year relationship, with sources citing that “the relationship had just run its course.” Swift then briefly connected with The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, resulting in another short-lived romance. Also, Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro ended their engagement, and rounding out the list, Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny’s whirlwind romance also came to an end.

Tied knots

After heartbreaking breakups, let’s look at the romantic celebrity weddings we got to witness this year. Barbie director Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach finally took the plunge after 12 years together. Vanessa Hudgens married football player Cole Tucker on December 2nd. Queen’s Gambit actress Anya Taylor-Joy and Malcolm McRae said “I Do” in Venice. And of course, our favourite Captain America has found the love of his life. Chris Evans and Alba Baptista tied the knot in a secret ceremony at a private estate in Cape Code, Massachusetts with a few MCU actors in attendance.

Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh celebrated her love by marrying her longtime partner Jean Todt. Moreover, the darling couple Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin joined the list of married couples this year. And don’t forget about Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge’s star-studded wedding in France and how Richie’s new wifey looks fuelled the biggest fashion trend of the year — quiet luxury.

Unexpected whirlwind romances

Pop culture moments 2023 taylor and travis
Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images

You might have noticed some unexpected pairings constantly popping up in your feed and setting couple goals this year. Let’s add these new lovebirds to the list of best pop culture moments of 2023 in the name of love. Singer-songwriter Halsey has found love with Avan Jogia (Beck from Nickelodeon’s Victorious series), making their relationship Instagram official after spending Halloween together. Confirming months of speculation, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet revealed their relationship at Beyonce’s birthday concert. But Kylie is not the only sister who had a whirlwind romance this year. Kendall also started dating Bad Bunny this year. Sadly, after months of romantic dates, horse riding lessons, and PDA-filled appearances that couple seems to have broken up before the holidays. Meanwhile, Olivia Rodrigo seems to have a new boyfriend and it’s none other than the cute “London Boy” Louis Patridge.

Ariana Grande is now with her Wicked costar Ethan Slater. Rumours have circulated about a budding connection between supermodel Gigi Hadid and Hollywood hunk Bradley Cooper. But the couple who has the whole Internet eating out of their hand is undoubtedly Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Their rom-com-esque whirlwind romance has everyone captivated, complete with rumours of engagement and weddings only after a few months of dating. Seems Taylor and Gigi are not the only friends in love. Their BFF Selena Gomez also has a new beau — music producer Benny Blanco. Head over heels in love, Gomez hasn’t hesitated to defend her boyfriend against her fans either.

Lana Del Rey’s prophecy

Here’s an eerie pop culture moment that we witnessed in 2023. Lana Del Rey’s controversial Instagram post criticising female artists resurfaced this year, and followers started referring to it as “Lana’s prophecy.” She named seven #1 female artists who “glamorize abuse.” Strangely enough, five of those seven artists got into some kind of conversion this year.

Doja Cat faced backlash as her boyfriend, J.Cyrus, was accused of emotional abuse. Moreover, she misbehaved with her fans and lost over 500,000 followers on Instagram. Ariana Grande’s divorce and rumoured relationship with Wicked costar Ethan Slater sparked controversy. She was labelled a homewrecker and people blamed her for Slater’s divorce. Cardi B made news when she threw mics at fans during her Las Vegas performance. Lana’s prophecy struck again when Nicki Minaj was “swatted” following a fake shooting accusation. Only Kehlani and Beyoncé from this list haven’t gotten involved in any controversy yet.

The Idol controversy

One of the most anticipated releases of the year, The Idol, featuring stars like The Weeknd, Lily-Rose Depp, and Jennie from Blackpink, faced a series of controversies leading to its eventual cancellation. Production issues included reports of a toxic work environment, and directorial departures, leading to cast changes. The series drew criticism for explicit content, with concerns about the glamorisation of toxicity and female objectification. The storyline and acting didn’t help with the poor reviews either. Upon release, it received overwhelmingly negative reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes score starting at 9%. The network, HBO cancelled the show after just one season due to critical backlash and declining viewership.

Remembering…

Array
Image credit: Matthew Perry FB

Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis Presley’s only child, died at the age of 54 from an intestinal blockage a little more than a week into 2023. Afterwards, the year brought more celebrity deaths. The queen of rock ‘n’ roll Tina Turner, legendary singer Tony Bennett, Euphoria star Angus Cloud, Michael Gambon who played Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise, and most recently, Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor André Braugher have left us.

In October, the world mourned the passing of Matthew Perry, who was famous for his role as Chandler Bing throughout the iconic show FRIENDS‘s ten seasons.

Britney Spears’ memoir

This time the Princess of Pop took control and chose to tell her story in her own words. The book “The Woman in Me” made some shocking revelations about the singer’s life, mostly about her relationship with Justin Timberlake. Spears describes a heartbreaking incident in which they faced an unexpected pregnancy and decided to get an abortion because Timberlake was supposedly not ready for fatherhood. She claims to know about Timberlake’s infidelity, citing instances in 2000 with an All Saints member and another unspecified woman. Despite the alleged betrayal, Spears admits to remaining in the relationship out of infatuation and profound love.

The pop star also confesses to her own mistakes. Beyond romances, Spears discusses her mental health difficulties and other aspects of her personal life in this candid autobiography.

SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strike

A series of strikes occurred over the summer, resulting in new contracts for the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Following the historic 118-day strike by SAG-AFTRA and the 148-day strike by the WGA against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, artists and writers may be able to return to work on late-night TV shows, studio films, and cherished TV series. The effects of these strikes will be seen in 2024, as Hollywood attempts to complete projects that have been mainly stalled since May, when WGA members began their strike.

Barbenheimer

pop culture moments 2023
Image Credit: IMDb

Barbie and Oppenheimer, two significant global film premieres on the same day, grabbed audiences with their contrasting themes. The innovative PR stunt, which included merchandise and the challenge to watch both films on the same day, generated a buzz that mesmerised the internet for whole two months. “Barbenheimer” competition and excitement became a cultural phenomenon. From makeup challenges to Halloween costumes — it ruled 2023. Both films performed extraordinarily well at the box office around the world. Which of the two did you like better?

The Taylor Swift Effect

Taylor Swift
Image Credit: taylorswift/Instagram

Oppenheimer might be Barbie’s box office competitor. But anything can beat Barbie in the popularity game that’s the unstoppable Taylor Swift. Swift has had an incredible year. She didn’t just have a defining pop culture moment in 2023 — she pretty much dominated the whole year. Her Eras Tour has become the highest-grossing concert tour in history. The concert film, featuring footage of the live shows, has also taken the crown of the highest-grossing concert film of all time. Swift’s year included the release of two re-recordings, driving her to the top of Spotify’s most-streamed artist of the year. Time Magazine named her Person of the Year, and she won nine VMAs. Swift’s relationship with American football player Travis Kelce has also contributed to the buzz.

(Main and featured image: IMDb and taylorswift/Instagram)

The post From Barbie to Taylor Swift: Best Pop Culture Moments That Defined 2023 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Movies And TV Shows That Mark The Prolific Legacy of Late Korean Actor Lee Sun-kyun https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/lee-sun-kyun-movies-and-tv-shows-of-late-korean-actor/ Wed, 27 Dec 2023 10:09:50 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=296909 Lee Sun Kyun movies and TV shows

A string of awards and critically-acclaimed movies and TV shows — including the Hallyu hit Parasite — underline the career of late actor Lee Sun-kyun. His palpable passion for his craft translated to an eclectic filmography — featuring titles ranging from romantic comedies to revenge thrillers. We’re going down the memory lane to look at a few of his projects that left an indelible footprint on the Korean entertainment industry.

In 2020, Lee Sun-kyun bore witness to — and made — history when the dark comedy thriller he’d starred in became the first non-English language film to take the top prize at the Oscars. That night, he also took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. This was testament to the drama graduate’s acting prowess — furthered by a career exploring diverse and challenging roles.

In fact, over the course of two decades, the star stepped into the shoes of a record producer, structural engineer, brain scientist, and even the ringleader of a political protest group. “Acting is what powers me to grow and contemplate. I’m thankful that I’m doing this for a living,” he once told Korea Herald. Needless to say, he was quite the household name even before Parasite propelled him to global fame. We take a look at some of late Lee Sun Kyun’s best movies and TV shows.

Best movies and TV shows of late actor Lee Sun Kyun

Coffee Prince

Directed by: Lee Yoon-jung

Cast: Yoon Eun-hye, Gong Yoo, Lee Sun-kyun, Chae Jung-an

Release date: 2 July 2007

Episodes: 17

Synopsis: Go Eun Chan (played by Yoon Eun-hye) is often mistaken for a man due to her fashion choices and mannerisms. She leverages this to provide for her family, agreeing to masquerade as the same-sex partner of Choi Han Kyul (played by Gong Yoo), who wishes to evade blind dates set up by his grandfather. However, when the two are tasked with managing a rundown coffee shop, things get complicated. Also in the picture? Record producer Choi Han-sung (played by Lee Sun-kyun) who is in a complicated relationship with the latter’s ex-girlfriend Han Yoo-joo (played by Chae Jung-an).

The show was a wild success, making the actor a household name. He also earned a nomination in the Excellence Award, Actor category at the 2007 MBC Drama Awards.

Paju

Directed by: Park Chan-ok

Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Seo Woo

Release date: 29 October, 2009

Synopsis: After a disaster, Joong-shik (played by Lee Sun-kyun) holes up in the desolate city of Paju near the North Korean border. There he heads religious studies in a school and wins the heart of a local house owner — despite the disapproval of the younger sister and his student Eun-mo (played by Seo Woo). Years later — as he heads a protest group to prevent gentrification — the sister disappears. Eun-mo is convinced Joong-shik killed her for insurance money. However, with only him around as her sole guardian, she begins to grow fond of him.

The critically-acclaimed movie earned the actor the best actor title at the 11th Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival.

Pasta

Directed by: Kwon Seok-jang

Cast: Gong Hyo-jin, Lee Sun-kyun, Lee Hanee, Alex Chu

Release date: 4 January 2010

Episodes: 20

Synopsis: Kitchen assistant Seo Yoo-kyung (played by Gong Hyo-jin) dreams of being a chef and mastering Italian cuisine. Things take a turn when the restaurant she works at hires the chauvinistic, Italian expert Choi Hyun-wook (played by Lee Sun-kyun) as the head chef. She’s soon fired along with the entire female staff at the establishment and stubbornly works her way back in, determined to keep her job.

The show was well received by critics and viewers alike, furthering Lee Sun-kyun’s popularity in the process. For his performance, he won the Top 10 Asian Stars title at the 2010 CETV Awards. He also earned a nomination in the Top Excellence Award, Actor category at the MBC Drama Awards that year.

A Hard Day

Directed by: Kim Seong-hun

Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Jin-woong

Release date: 18 May, 2014

Synopsis: In the span of 24 hours, detective Go Geon-soo (played by Lee Sun-kyun) is handed a divorce notice from his wife, given news of his mother’s death, and placed under investigation for alleged embezzlement. To make matters worse, he gets involved in a fatal hit and run — which he tries to cover up by hiding the man’s corpse in his mother’s coffin. However, he soon gets a strange call from a witness to the crime, who begins to threaten him.

The movie was a wild success, earning Lee Sun-kyun a string of nominations in award shows and upping his popularity. He also bagged the Best Actor title at the 51st Baeksang Arts Awards for his stellar performance.

My Mister

Directed by: Kim Won-seok

Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Lee Ji-eun

Release date: 21 March, 2018

Episodes: 16

Synopsis: 21-year-old Lee Ji-an (played by IU) is ridden with debt. She struggles to make ends meet, working a temporary job while looking after her sick grandmother. Along the way, she grows close to her stoic supervisor Park Dong-hoon (played by Lee Sun Kyun) who’s burdened by a dysfunctional family and scrutiny from the people around him.

The show is a classic, popular with global and Korean audiences. For his performance, Lee Sun-kyun earned a sea of nominations across major award shows — 6th APAN Star Awards, 2nd The Seoul Awards, and 55th Baeksang Arts Awards.

Parasite

Directed by: Bong Joon-ho

Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, Jang Hye-jin

Release date: 21 May 2019

Synopsis: Poverty-stricken Kims live in a basement in Seoul. Things look up when the family’s son lands a well-paid tutoring gig – the interview for which is at the sprawling home of the wealthy Park family, headed by Park Dong-ik (played by Lee Sun-kyun). What follows is a parasitic relationship between the two families, as the Kims work with the Parks to make ends meet.

The Hallyu hit was hailed for its intelligent storytelling, bagging an Oscar for Best Picture. For his stellar performance, Lee took home a Screen Actor’s Guild Award.

Kingmaker

Directed by: Byun Sung-hyun

Cast: Sol Kyung-gu, Lee Sun-kyun

Release date: 26 January, 2022

Synopsis: Based on true events, this movie looks at political strategist Seo Chang-dae (played by Lee Sun-kyun) who values winning above all else and dreams of changing the world. He crafts an aggressive campaign for Kim Woon-beom (played by Sol Kyung-gu), making him a strong candidate in the presidential election. While the former isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty to get the job done, the latter believes in staying clean. They lock horns, all while the ruling party secretly reaches out to Seo Chang-dae to win.

The film was a wild success, hailed for its convincing storytelling. For his performance, Lee Sun-kyun earned a nomination at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards.

Which of these movies and TV shows helmed by the late Lee Sun-kyun do you think features his most impactful role?

All images: Courtesy Parasite/IMDb

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India

The post Movies And TV Shows That Mark The Prolific Legacy of Late Korean Actor Lee Sun-kyun appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Lee Sun Kyun movies and TV shows

A string of awards and critically-acclaimed movies and TV shows — including the Hallyu hit Parasite — underline the career of late actor Lee Sun-kyun. His palpable passion for his craft translated to an eclectic filmography — featuring titles ranging from romantic comedies to revenge thrillers. We’re going down the memory lane to look at a few of his projects that left an indelible footprint on the Korean entertainment industry.

In 2020, Lee Sun-kyun bore witness to — and made — history when the dark comedy thriller he’d starred in became the first non-English language film to take the top prize at the Oscars. That night, he also took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. This was testament to the drama graduate’s acting prowess — furthered by a career exploring diverse and challenging roles.

In fact, over the course of two decades, the star stepped into the shoes of a record producer, structural engineer, brain scientist, and even the ringleader of a political protest group. “Acting is what powers me to grow and contemplate. I’m thankful that I’m doing this for a living,” he once told Korea Herald. Needless to say, he was quite the household name even before Parasite propelled him to global fame. We take a look at some of late Lee Sun Kyun’s best movies and TV shows.

Best movies and TV shows of late actor Lee Sun Kyun

Coffee Prince

Directed by: Lee Yoon-jung

Cast: Yoon Eun-hye, Gong Yoo, Lee Sun-kyun, Chae Jung-an

Release date: 2 July 2007

Episodes: 17

Synopsis: Go Eun Chan (played by Yoon Eun-hye) is often mistaken for a man due to her fashion choices and mannerisms. She leverages this to provide for her family, agreeing to masquerade as the same-sex partner of Choi Han Kyul (played by Gong Yoo), who wishes to evade blind dates set up by his grandfather. However, when the two are tasked with managing a rundown coffee shop, things get complicated. Also in the picture? Record producer Choi Han-sung (played by Lee Sun-kyun) who is in a complicated relationship with the latter’s ex-girlfriend Han Yoo-joo (played by Chae Jung-an).

The show was a wild success, making the actor a household name. He also earned a nomination in the Excellence Award, Actor category at the 2007 MBC Drama Awards.

Paju

Directed by: Park Chan-ok

Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Seo Woo

Release date: 29 October, 2009

Synopsis: After a disaster, Joong-shik (played by Lee Sun-kyun) holes up in the desolate city of Paju near the North Korean border. There he heads religious studies in a school and wins the heart of a local house owner — despite the disapproval of the younger sister and his student Eun-mo (played by Seo Woo). Years later — as he heads a protest group to prevent gentrification — the sister disappears. Eun-mo is convinced Joong-shik killed her for insurance money. However, with only him around as her sole guardian, she begins to grow fond of him.

The critically-acclaimed movie earned the actor the best actor title at the 11th Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival.

Pasta

Directed by: Kwon Seok-jang

Cast: Gong Hyo-jin, Lee Sun-kyun, Lee Hanee, Alex Chu

Release date: 4 January 2010

Episodes: 20

Synopsis: Kitchen assistant Seo Yoo-kyung (played by Gong Hyo-jin) dreams of being a chef and mastering Italian cuisine. Things take a turn when the restaurant she works at hires the chauvinistic, Italian expert Choi Hyun-wook (played by Lee Sun-kyun) as the head chef. She’s soon fired along with the entire female staff at the establishment and stubbornly works her way back in, determined to keep her job.

The show was well received by critics and viewers alike, furthering Lee Sun-kyun’s popularity in the process. For his performance, he won the Top 10 Asian Stars title at the 2010 CETV Awards. He also earned a nomination in the Top Excellence Award, Actor category at the MBC Drama Awards that year.

A Hard Day

Directed by: Kim Seong-hun

Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Jin-woong

Release date: 18 May, 2014

Synopsis: In the span of 24 hours, detective Go Geon-soo (played by Lee Sun-kyun) is handed a divorce notice from his wife, given news of his mother’s death, and placed under investigation for alleged embezzlement. To make matters worse, he gets involved in a fatal hit and run — which he tries to cover up by hiding the man’s corpse in his mother’s coffin. However, he soon gets a strange call from a witness to the crime, who begins to threaten him.

The movie was a wild success, earning Lee Sun-kyun a string of nominations in award shows and upping his popularity. He also bagged the Best Actor title at the 51st Baeksang Arts Awards for his stellar performance.

My Mister

Directed by: Kim Won-seok

Cast: Lee Sun-kyun, Lee Ji-eun

Release date: 21 March, 2018

Episodes: 16

Synopsis: 21-year-old Lee Ji-an (played by IU) is ridden with debt. She struggles to make ends meet, working a temporary job while looking after her sick grandmother. Along the way, she grows close to her stoic supervisor Park Dong-hoon (played by Lee Sun Kyun) who’s burdened by a dysfunctional family and scrutiny from the people around him.

The show is a classic, popular with global and Korean audiences. For his performance, Lee Sun-kyun earned a sea of nominations across major award shows — 6th APAN Star Awards, 2nd The Seoul Awards, and 55th Baeksang Arts Awards.

Parasite

Directed by: Bong Joon-ho

Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, Jang Hye-jin

Release date: 21 May 2019

Synopsis: Poverty-stricken Kims live in a basement in Seoul. Things look up when the family’s son lands a well-paid tutoring gig – the interview for which is at the sprawling home of the wealthy Park family, headed by Park Dong-ik (played by Lee Sun-kyun). What follows is a parasitic relationship between the two families, as the Kims work with the Parks to make ends meet.

The Hallyu hit was hailed for its intelligent storytelling, bagging an Oscar for Best Picture. For his stellar performance, Lee took home a Screen Actor’s Guild Award.

Kingmaker

Directed by: Byun Sung-hyun

Cast: Sol Kyung-gu, Lee Sun-kyun

Release date: 26 January, 2022

Synopsis: Based on true events, this movie looks at political strategist Seo Chang-dae (played by Lee Sun-kyun) who values winning above all else and dreams of changing the world. He crafts an aggressive campaign for Kim Woon-beom (played by Sol Kyung-gu), making him a strong candidate in the presidential election. While the former isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty to get the job done, the latter believes in staying clean. They lock horns, all while the ruling party secretly reaches out to Seo Chang-dae to win.

The film was a wild success, hailed for its convincing storytelling. For his performance, Lee Sun-kyun earned a nomination at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards.

Which of these movies and TV shows helmed by the late Lee Sun-kyun do you think features his most impactful role?

All images: Courtesy Parasite/IMDb

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India

The post Movies And TV Shows That Mark The Prolific Legacy of Late Korean Actor Lee Sun-kyun appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Justin Bieber’s Dating History: 21 A-Listers Who Called The Pop Star Their ‘Boyfriend’ https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/justin-bieber-dating-history-ex-girlfriends-selena-gomez-hailey-baldwin/ Tue, 26 Dec 2023 05:48:16 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=296787 justin bieber dating history

Justin Bieber has been a ladies’ man through and through. Even though the pop sensation got hitched at the tender age of 24, Bieber has had a dating history that boasts of 21 ex-girlfriends, all A-listers. 

Besides a dozen Victoria’s Secret models and the Kardashian sisters, his love journey takes us on a rollercoaster ride through an on-and-off romance with the one and only Selena Gomez. Currently riding the waves of marital bliss with his sweetheart, Hailey Baldwin Bieber, the Yummy singer’s evolution from playing the field as a teen to settling down is nothing short of a blockbuster romcom.

Yes, before Hailey took centre stage in Justin’s heart, this heartthrob had his fair share of high-profile flings. Are you ready to delve into the intricacies of Justin Bieber’s dating history? Here’s a breakdown of the timeline of all his relationships. 

Take a look at Justin Bieber’s list of ex-girlfriends to decode his dating historyJustin Bieber dating history

Picture: Courtesy Instagram/Justin Bieber

From Adriana Lima to Kourtney Kardashian and finally putting a ring on it with Hailey Baldwin, here’s unwrapping the layers of Justin Bieber’s love chronicles. Beliebers, fasten your seat belts! It’s going to be a wild ride.

Caitlin Beadles (2009)

Picture: Courtesy Instagram/Caitlin Beadles

The first notable name to go down in Justin Bieber’s rather colourful dating history is Instagram star Caitlin Beadles. In 2008, a 14-year-old Bieber encountered Beadles at a church in Atlanta while working as Usher‘s protégé. Both of them shared a deep dedication to their religious beliefs, something which is still apparent in Caitlin’s Instagram bio. It reads ‘Ambassador for Christ ✝️’.

Unfortunately, the couple parted ways due to the challenges posed by Bieber’s burgeoning fame and demanding touring schedule. Speculations suggest that his 2010 hit Never Let You Go, from the album My World 2.0, is inspired by his experiences with Beadles. Despite things going south, the two reunited for Thanksgiving, a heartwarming moment captured by Christian Beadles, Caitlin’s sibling, who was also a close friend of Justin’s. He shared a picture with the caption, “So thankful for my brother and sister this Thanksgiving.”

Love, faith, and the trials of fame mark this very first chapter in Bieber’s dating life.

Jasmine Villegas (2010)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Jasmine Villegas

From January to September 2010, Justin Bieber had a brief romance with his My World Tour partner, Jasmine Villegas. Described by Villegas as a “little kid thing” akin to “puppy love”, their nine-month relationship began when Bieber asked for her phone number, leading to a connection that unfolded amid the whirlwind of Bieber’s rising stardom.

Their association reached a milestone when Villegas was featured in Bieber’s iconic Baby music video in April 2010, amassing an impressive 1.9 billion YouTube views. However, their romance faced challenges from disapproving fans at concerts, with Villegas acknowledging the occasional negative reactions from the audience.

Amidst the pressure, the couple decided to part ways amicably, opting to remain friends. 

Jessica Jarrell (2010)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Jessica Jarrell

Following Justin’s break-up with Jasmine, he sought solace in another fellow singer, Jessica Jarrel. While Bieber insisted that Jarrell and him were just friends at the time, their PDA let the secret out.

The two reportedly had a fling with things getting pretty frisky between them, especially after their touchy-feely on-stage performance of Overboard in 2010, which garnered much media attention. 

Selena Gomez (2010-2018)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber’s whirlwind romance defined a whole generation of pop news. Their eight-year-long on-and-off relationship has been nothing short of iconic. The two first met on a ‘pancake’ date at IHOP in Philadelphia in 2010. Soon, this casual date laid the foundation for a serious two-year relationship filled with more cosy dates, red-carpet spottings, a private Titanic screening at Staples Center and a heartfelt Valentine’s Day gift – a “J” diamond ring. 

‘Jelena’ had officially arrived as a power couple. However, two years into the relationship, their love story faced a twist, leading to their first separation in 2012. Blaming their break-up on other girls and Bieber’s behavioural issues, the Disney star called it quits. As per media speculations, it is believed that Justin cheated on Selena with his current wife, Hailey.

Two years after their first headline-worthy breakup, Bieber and Gomez got back together in 2014. However, they split again in November of the same year. The Rare Beauty entrepreneur struck up a brief romance with DJ Zedd after that.

However, it was only a matter of time before Justin and Selena rekindled their romance. Their third reunion unfolded from November 2017 to March 2018. After a social media journey down memory lane and cryptic tweets during their time apart, the duo sparked a Twitter frenzy by taking a bike ride together in Los Angeles. The reunion garnered reactions not only from fans but also from the stars’ mothers. Bieber’s mother, Pattie Mallette, expressed her support for Gomez, stating, “I support anything [he does], if he loves her I love her.” In contrast, Gomez’s mother, Mandy Teefy, admitted she was “not happy” about the reunion. Despite Gomez posting a birthday tribute for Bieber, expressing admiration, family opinions played a role in their second official split, marking the end of the most important chapter in Justin Bieber’s dating history. 

Within months of splitting, Bieber reconnected again with Baldwin, but not for a mere rebound. The two soon got engaged, and the news prompted a lot of social media drama in Hollywood. What followed was Gomez’s iconic breakup song Lose You to Love Me.

Looking back on their relationship years later, Gomez in her Apple TV+ documentary My Mind & Me, said that her breakup with Bieber was “the best thing” that ever happened to her. 

Barbara Palvin (2012)

Justin Bieber dating historyPicture Credits: Instagram/Barbara Palvin

Following his first break-up with Selena Gomez in November 2012, Justin briefly got romantically involved with the Victoria’s Secret model Barbara Palvin. Following one of Palvin’s hows, the two took their interaction to the next level by attending a Broadway performance of The Lion King. Despite Palvin denying any serious dating rumours, the public outing seemed to mark a turning point in Bieber’s relationship with Gomez at that time.

The encounter added another layer to Bieber’s romantic narrative, showcasing the intricacies of love in the spotlight. 

Miranda Kerr (2012)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Miranda Kerr

Bieber got lucky with more than one Victoria’s Secret model in 2012. Speculations were rife that Bieber and Miranda Kerr had a post-show hookup, accompanied by flirty text messages and cheek kisses, despite Kerr being married to Orlando Bloom at the time.

Kerr swiftly denied these rumours, dispelling any notions of a romantic entanglement with the pop star. However, the gossip persisted, leading to a heated confrontation between Bloom and Bieber in Ibiza in July 2014. This clash occurred a year after Kerr’s divorce from the Pirates of the Caribbean actor, fanning the rumours further and highlighting the complexities of celebrity relationships in the public eye. 

Adriana Lima (2014)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Adriana Lima

Guess, the pop sensation wasn’t done with VS models yet; the next name to join the long list of Justin Bieber’s ex-girlfriends is the enchanting Adriana Lima. In May 2014, during the buzzing atmosphere of the Cannes Film Festival, Bieber’s name was linked romantically with Lima. Fresh from announcing her separation from ex-husband Marko Jaric, Lima reportedly embraced her newly single status at the renowned festival’s lively party scene. 

The word around town was that Bieber and Lima connected during the festivities on the French Riviera, particularly after a night of revelry at 1 Oak Club Gotha. Bieber added fuel to the speculation by posting an Instagram picture featuring him and the Brazilian model with lyrics from his song Confident as the caption: “I think she foreign”. Lima addressed the gossip on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, playfully stating, “Anybody below 6’7”, you know how I call them? Friends. (sic)” The episode added a touch of intrigue to Bieber’s dating timeline.

Shanina Shaik (2014)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Shanina Shaik

Romantically speaking, 2014 was a rather busy year for Justin as he soon found himself infatuated with another supermodel Shanina Shaik. However, the Cold Water singer debunked any dating rumours between him and Shaik in 2014 after posting a hot selfie together captioned “Me and the beautiful ShaninaMShaik and don’t even start with dating rumors.”

The two were never spotted again together, but that one picture was enough to give out their cosy dynamic at least at one point in time. 

Ashley Moore (2014 & 2015)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Ashley Moore

Justin kept the tabloids on their toes in 2014, making headlines with one model girlfriend after another. Around the on-and-off relationship with Gomez, he was also rumoured to be dating model Ashley Moore. Bieber posted several photos of Moore on Instagram with cheeky captions like “I see u in ur Calvins” and was even photographed kissing her a few months later.

Well, looks like Selena had a legit reason to break up with Justin.

Chantel Jeffries (2014 & 2016)

In an infamous chapter from January to April 2014, Justin Bieber faced legal troubles when he was arrested for DUI in Miami, and Chantel Jeffries, his casual girlfriend at the time, was in the car during the incident. In a February 2014 interview with E! News, Jeffries remained silent about the nature of their relationship, avoiding questions about kisses or shared beds.

Despite the hiccup, Bieber and Jeffries were again seen together after one of his Purpose Tour shows at Madison Square Garden in July 2016. The duo also opted for a private screening of The Secret Life of Pets.

Adding a touch of mystery, Bieber posted a zoomed-in picture of Jeffries’ lips in February 2017. Although the original photo, an old-school snapshot of Jeffries, has been deleted from her Instagram since then. The model also attended Justin’s 20th birthday party and allegedly posted a naked photo of Biebs captioning it, “I love you Justin”. 

Madison Beer (2015)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Madison Beer

In 2012, Justin Bieber brought Madison Beer under his record label, and rumours circulated in 2015 that the two were romantically involved. While this speculation may have been blown out of proportion, the undeniable chemistry between them was evident in their photographs. Despite any romantic development, Bieber and Madison’s relationship continues, as they remain friends and colleagues.

Jayde Pierce (2015)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by JAYDE PIERCE (@jaydepierce)

Contrary to popular belief that Bieber’s hit number, Love Yourself, was inspired by Selena Gomez, reports suggest the song was influenced by his brief fling with British beauty blogger Jayde Pierce. Although their romantic connection was short-lived, the duo seemed to enjoy a memorable holiday together in 2015. The two were captured in holiday snapshots, with an iconic moment of Bieber casually strolling around their hotel room in the buff, hinting at the intimate aspect of their relationship.

Kendall Jenner (2015)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Kendall Jenner

In 2015, Justin Bieber’s penchant for dating models took the spotlight as he was frequently seen on outings with catwalk sensation Kendall Jenner. Despite dubbing it “friendship”, their closeness in the numerous selfies shared online left fans speculating about the nature of their connection.

Ariana Grande (2015)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Ariana Grande

While there’s no concrete evidence of a romantic involvement between the two pop stars, the chemistry between Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande has been palpable. Their on-stage interactions and a nearly shared kiss in 2015 sparked rumours, giving rise to the possibility of a budding romance.

The potential for a ‘Jariana’ love story added an exciting twist to Justin’s dating history.

Kourtney Kardashian (2015)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Kourtney Kardashian

Apparently, Kendall wasn’t the only Kardashian that stole Justin’s ever-so-romantic heart. He was also linked to Kendall’s sister Kourtney Kardashian in a headline-grabbing period from October to December 2015. Rumours of their romantic escapades during Halloween Horror Nights and an intimate encounter at the restaurant The Nice Guy in West Hollywood fuelled Hollywood gossip.

The playful denial by Bieber, coupled with compliments for Kardashian, added intrigue to the brief but memorable fling, creating a captivating chapter in Justin’s dating history. Responding to the media frenzy, Bieber playfully addressed the speculation during a December interview on The Bert Show, stating, “I’m being used, man. What can I say?” Despite the rumours, he praised Kardashian, referring to her as “great” and emphasised the long-standing connection he had with the Kardashian family. 

The chatter surrounding the 15-year age gap between the two further kept the gossip mills busy, leaving fans to wonder if this age difference played a role in their much-written-about breakup.

Nicola Peltz (2016)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Nicola Peltz

In mid-2016, Justin Bieber shifted his focus from models and singers to actresses, with Transformers: Age of Extinction star Nicola Peltz catching his eye. The two were spotted on various dates, and Peltz even spent nights at Bieber’s Beverly Hills home. This whirlwind fling, however, was short-lived, leaving fans speculating the reasons behind their sudden parting.

According to Us Weekly, Justin and Nicola initially crossed paths at an album release party in Toronto. Their connection deepened in June 2016, with Bieber flying her to Canada for a tour of his hometown. Despite initial reports of Bieber’s keen interest, the rumoured pair eventually called it quits, marking another colourful season in Justin Bieber’s dynamic relationship timeline.

Sofia Richie (2016)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Sofia Richie

In August and September 2016, Justin Bieber’s romantic escapades took a turn toward Sofia Richie, a brief but notable fling. The pair celebrated Richie’s 18th birthday with a romantic getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, as revealed in her September 17 cover story with Billboard. Describing their connection, Richie shared, “We have a special relationship. Justin is very easy to talk to, and that’s hard to find with people in Los Angeles.”

Beyond being a good conversationalist, Bieber proved to be a protective partner, going as far as threatening to make his Instagram account private due to disturbing comments aimed at Richie. The intense scrutiny led Bieber to temporarily delete his account. However, despite the protective measures, their relationship eventually fizzled out. This brief chapter with Richie added another layer to the intricate tapestry of Bieber’s romantic history.

Hailee Steinfeld (2017)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Hailee Steinfeld

Following his involvement with Sofia Richie, Justin’s next romantic link was rumoured to be with Hailee Steinfeld, star of Pitch Perfect 2, in May 2017. Despite the actress denying the speculations and asserting a longstanding friendship, TMZ insisted that the two were officially an item, highlighting a shared connection through their attendance at the same church. While the actress refuted the claims, the storyline didn’t evolve further, suggesting a possibly short-lived romance.

Paola Paulin (2017)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paola Paulin (@paola_paulin)

In September and October 2017, Justin Bieber found a brief connection with Ballers actress and Colombian model Paola Paulin. The two embarked on their romantic journey after attending church together on 27 September, with Bieber taking the initiative to make it a shared experience. Following their intimate church outing, they continued their connection with a private date. Their shared spiritual moments extended to 4 October, coinciding with the night when both Kourtney Kardashian and Bieber’s current wife, Hailey Baldwin, were also in attendance.

Despite enjoying each other’s company, the romantic spark between Bieber and Paulin was short-lived, marking another chapter in the singer’s long list of girlfriends. The intertwining of faith and romance characterised this fleeting connection in Bieber’s love life.

Baskin Champion (2018)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Baskin Champion

Following his March 2018 split with Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber found comfort in the company of model Baskin Champion. Spotted together at a Craig David concert in West Hollywood, their fling remained casual and never progressed into a serious relationship. Lasting for approximately two months, this rendezvous with Baskin Champion added another fleeting romance to Bieber’s post-Gomez love escapades.

Hailey Baldwin (2014 – present)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Hailey Baldwin

It seems like Justin Bieber’s never-ending dating history might be coming to an end, or at least we hope so. The last name on the list, until 2023, is his on-and-off girlfriend turned wifey, Hailey Baldwin. Sparks flew high between them in 2014, but their relationship officially began in 2016. The couple flooded social media with dreamy photos, and Hailey even became part of Bieber’s family vacation. Despite the seriousness of their connection, Justin’s hectic tour schedule created obstacles.

Fast forward a couple of years and a few other girlfriends, Justin and Hailey reconciled in 2018. The couple officially tied the knot during a small courthouse wedding in September 2018 before exchanging ‘I dos’ in front of family and friends a year later. Hailey is now officially Mrs. Bieber, marking Justin’s departure from the market.

In a February 2019 interview with Vogue, Justin shared, “Hailey’s very logical and structured, which I need. I’ve always wanted security — with my dad being gone sometimes when I was a kid, with being on the road. With the lifestyle I live, everything is so uncertain. I need one thing that’s certain. And that is my baby boo.” Although they keep a low profile on red carpets, Justin and Hailey consistently express their admiration for each other in various interviews.

In a March 2021 interview with ELLE magazine, Hailey explained, “We were friends first for a really long time before there was anything romantic. But we always knew that we were aligned on what we wanted in our future. We had talked about wanting to be married young and having a family young and building a life. Even before we knew we wanted to be with each other.”

Well, Justin’s endless dating journey culminates with his marriage to the wonderful Hailey Baldwin. Out of all his ex-girlfriends, she might just be the one for a happily ever after.

(Hero and feature image: Courtesy Instagram/Justin Bieber/Selena Gomez/Kendall Jenner)

This story first appeared on Augustman India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How long did Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber date before getting married?
Justin and Hailey have known each other since 2009, but they started dating in 2014. They dated for four years before tying the knot in 2018.

The post Justin Bieber’s Dating History: 21 A-Listers Who Called The Pop Star Their ‘Boyfriend’ appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> justin bieber dating history

Justin Bieber has been a ladies’ man through and through. Even though the pop sensation got hitched at the tender age of 24, Bieber has had a dating history that boasts of 21 ex-girlfriends, all A-listers. 

Besides a dozen Victoria’s Secret models and the Kardashian sisters, his love journey takes us on a rollercoaster ride through an on-and-off romance with the one and only Selena Gomez. Currently riding the waves of marital bliss with his sweetheart, Hailey Baldwin Bieber, the Yummy singer’s evolution from playing the field as a teen to settling down is nothing short of a blockbuster romcom.

Yes, before Hailey took centre stage in Justin’s heart, this heartthrob had his fair share of high-profile flings. Are you ready to delve into the intricacies of Justin Bieber’s dating history? Here’s a breakdown of the timeline of all his relationships. 

Take a look at Justin Bieber’s list of ex-girlfriends to decode his dating historyJustin Bieber dating history

Picture: Courtesy Instagram/Justin Bieber

From Adriana Lima to Kourtney Kardashian and finally putting a ring on it with Hailey Baldwin, here’s unwrapping the layers of Justin Bieber’s love chronicles. Beliebers, fasten your seat belts! It’s going to be a wild ride.

Caitlin Beadles (2009)

Picture: Courtesy Instagram/Caitlin Beadles

The first notable name to go down in Justin Bieber’s rather colourful dating history is Instagram star Caitlin Beadles. In 2008, a 14-year-old Bieber encountered Beadles at a church in Atlanta while working as Usher‘s protégé. Both of them shared a deep dedication to their religious beliefs, something which is still apparent in Caitlin’s Instagram bio. It reads ‘Ambassador for Christ ✝️’.

Unfortunately, the couple parted ways due to the challenges posed by Bieber’s burgeoning fame and demanding touring schedule. Speculations suggest that his 2010 hit Never Let You Go, from the album My World 2.0, is inspired by his experiences with Beadles. Despite things going south, the two reunited for Thanksgiving, a heartwarming moment captured by Christian Beadles, Caitlin’s sibling, who was also a close friend of Justin’s. He shared a picture with the caption, “So thankful for my brother and sister this Thanksgiving.”

Love, faith, and the trials of fame mark this very first chapter in Bieber’s dating life.

Jasmine Villegas (2010)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Jasmine Villegas

From January to September 2010, Justin Bieber had a brief romance with his My World Tour partner, Jasmine Villegas. Described by Villegas as a “little kid thing” akin to “puppy love”, their nine-month relationship began when Bieber asked for her phone number, leading to a connection that unfolded amid the whirlwind of Bieber’s rising stardom.

Their association reached a milestone when Villegas was featured in Bieber’s iconic Baby music video in April 2010, amassing an impressive 1.9 billion YouTube views. However, their romance faced challenges from disapproving fans at concerts, with Villegas acknowledging the occasional negative reactions from the audience.

Amidst the pressure, the couple decided to part ways amicably, opting to remain friends. 

Jessica Jarrell (2010)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Jessica Jarrell

Following Justin’s break-up with Jasmine, he sought solace in another fellow singer, Jessica Jarrel. While Bieber insisted that Jarrell and him were just friends at the time, their PDA let the secret out.

The two reportedly had a fling with things getting pretty frisky between them, especially after their touchy-feely on-stage performance of Overboard in 2010, which garnered much media attention. 

Selena Gomez (2010-2018)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber’s whirlwind romance defined a whole generation of pop news. Their eight-year-long on-and-off relationship has been nothing short of iconic. The two first met on a ‘pancake’ date at IHOP in Philadelphia in 2010. Soon, this casual date laid the foundation for a serious two-year relationship filled with more cosy dates, red-carpet spottings, a private Titanic screening at Staples Center and a heartfelt Valentine’s Day gift – a “J” diamond ring. 

‘Jelena’ had officially arrived as a power couple. However, two years into the relationship, their love story faced a twist, leading to their first separation in 2012. Blaming their break-up on other girls and Bieber’s behavioural issues, the Disney star called it quits. As per media speculations, it is believed that Justin cheated on Selena with his current wife, Hailey.

Two years after their first headline-worthy breakup, Bieber and Gomez got back together in 2014. However, they split again in November of the same year. The Rare Beauty entrepreneur struck up a brief romance with DJ Zedd after that.

However, it was only a matter of time before Justin and Selena rekindled their romance. Their third reunion unfolded from November 2017 to March 2018. After a social media journey down memory lane and cryptic tweets during their time apart, the duo sparked a Twitter frenzy by taking a bike ride together in Los Angeles. The reunion garnered reactions not only from fans but also from the stars’ mothers. Bieber’s mother, Pattie Mallette, expressed her support for Gomez, stating, “I support anything [he does], if he loves her I love her.” In contrast, Gomez’s mother, Mandy Teefy, admitted she was “not happy” about the reunion. Despite Gomez posting a birthday tribute for Bieber, expressing admiration, family opinions played a role in their second official split, marking the end of the most important chapter in Justin Bieber’s dating history. 

Within months of splitting, Bieber reconnected again with Baldwin, but not for a mere rebound. The two soon got engaged, and the news prompted a lot of social media drama in Hollywood. What followed was Gomez’s iconic breakup song Lose You to Love Me.

Looking back on their relationship years later, Gomez in her Apple TV+ documentary My Mind & Me, said that her breakup with Bieber was “the best thing” that ever happened to her. 

Barbara Palvin (2012)

Justin Bieber dating historyPicture Credits: Instagram/Barbara Palvin

Following his first break-up with Selena Gomez in November 2012, Justin briefly got romantically involved with the Victoria’s Secret model Barbara Palvin. Following one of Palvin’s hows, the two took their interaction to the next level by attending a Broadway performance of The Lion King. Despite Palvin denying any serious dating rumours, the public outing seemed to mark a turning point in Bieber’s relationship with Gomez at that time.

The encounter added another layer to Bieber’s romantic narrative, showcasing the intricacies of love in the spotlight. 

Miranda Kerr (2012)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Miranda Kerr

Bieber got lucky with more than one Victoria’s Secret model in 2012. Speculations were rife that Bieber and Miranda Kerr had a post-show hookup, accompanied by flirty text messages and cheek kisses, despite Kerr being married to Orlando Bloom at the time.

Kerr swiftly denied these rumours, dispelling any notions of a romantic entanglement with the pop star. However, the gossip persisted, leading to a heated confrontation between Bloom and Bieber in Ibiza in July 2014. This clash occurred a year after Kerr’s divorce from the Pirates of the Caribbean actor, fanning the rumours further and highlighting the complexities of celebrity relationships in the public eye. 

Adriana Lima (2014)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Adriana Lima

Guess, the pop sensation wasn’t done with VS models yet; the next name to join the long list of Justin Bieber’s ex-girlfriends is the enchanting Adriana Lima. In May 2014, during the buzzing atmosphere of the Cannes Film Festival, Bieber’s name was linked romantically with Lima. Fresh from announcing her separation from ex-husband Marko Jaric, Lima reportedly embraced her newly single status at the renowned festival’s lively party scene. 

The word around town was that Bieber and Lima connected during the festivities on the French Riviera, particularly after a night of revelry at 1 Oak Club Gotha. Bieber added fuel to the speculation by posting an Instagram picture featuring him and the Brazilian model with lyrics from his song Confident as the caption: “I think she foreign”. Lima addressed the gossip on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, playfully stating, “Anybody below 6’7”, you know how I call them? Friends. (sic)” The episode added a touch of intrigue to Bieber’s dating timeline.

Shanina Shaik (2014)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Shanina Shaik

Romantically speaking, 2014 was a rather busy year for Justin as he soon found himself infatuated with another supermodel Shanina Shaik. However, the Cold Water singer debunked any dating rumours between him and Shaik in 2014 after posting a hot selfie together captioned “Me and the beautiful ShaninaMShaik and don’t even start with dating rumors.”

The two were never spotted again together, but that one picture was enough to give out their cosy dynamic at least at one point in time. 

Ashley Moore (2014 & 2015)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Ashley Moore

Justin kept the tabloids on their toes in 2014, making headlines with one model girlfriend after another. Around the on-and-off relationship with Gomez, he was also rumoured to be dating model Ashley Moore. Bieber posted several photos of Moore on Instagram with cheeky captions like “I see u in ur Calvins” and was even photographed kissing her a few months later.

Well, looks like Selena had a legit reason to break up with Justin.

Chantel Jeffries (2014 & 2016)

In an infamous chapter from January to April 2014, Justin Bieber faced legal troubles when he was arrested for DUI in Miami, and Chantel Jeffries, his casual girlfriend at the time, was in the car during the incident. In a February 2014 interview with E! News, Jeffries remained silent about the nature of their relationship, avoiding questions about kisses or shared beds.

Despite the hiccup, Bieber and Jeffries were again seen together after one of his Purpose Tour shows at Madison Square Garden in July 2016. The duo also opted for a private screening of The Secret Life of Pets.

Adding a touch of mystery, Bieber posted a zoomed-in picture of Jeffries’ lips in February 2017. Although the original photo, an old-school snapshot of Jeffries, has been deleted from her Instagram since then. The model also attended Justin’s 20th birthday party and allegedly posted a naked photo of Biebs captioning it, “I love you Justin”. 

Madison Beer (2015)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Madison Beer

In 2012, Justin Bieber brought Madison Beer under his record label, and rumours circulated in 2015 that the two were romantically involved. While this speculation may have been blown out of proportion, the undeniable chemistry between them was evident in their photographs. Despite any romantic development, Bieber and Madison’s relationship continues, as they remain friends and colleagues.

Jayde Pierce (2015)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by JAYDE PIERCE (@jaydepierce)

Contrary to popular belief that Bieber’s hit number, Love Yourself, was inspired by Selena Gomez, reports suggest the song was influenced by his brief fling with British beauty blogger Jayde Pierce. Although their romantic connection was short-lived, the duo seemed to enjoy a memorable holiday together in 2015. The two were captured in holiday snapshots, with an iconic moment of Bieber casually strolling around their hotel room in the buff, hinting at the intimate aspect of their relationship.

Kendall Jenner (2015)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Kendall Jenner

In 2015, Justin Bieber’s penchant for dating models took the spotlight as he was frequently seen on outings with catwalk sensation Kendall Jenner. Despite dubbing it “friendship”, their closeness in the numerous selfies shared online left fans speculating about the nature of their connection.

Ariana Grande (2015)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Ariana Grande

While there’s no concrete evidence of a romantic involvement between the two pop stars, the chemistry between Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande has been palpable. Their on-stage interactions and a nearly shared kiss in 2015 sparked rumours, giving rise to the possibility of a budding romance.

The potential for a ‘Jariana’ love story added an exciting twist to Justin’s dating history.

Kourtney Kardashian (2015)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Kourtney Kardashian

Apparently, Kendall wasn’t the only Kardashian that stole Justin’s ever-so-romantic heart. He was also linked to Kendall’s sister Kourtney Kardashian in a headline-grabbing period from October to December 2015. Rumours of their romantic escapades during Halloween Horror Nights and an intimate encounter at the restaurant The Nice Guy in West Hollywood fuelled Hollywood gossip.

The playful denial by Bieber, coupled with compliments for Kardashian, added intrigue to the brief but memorable fling, creating a captivating chapter in Justin’s dating history. Responding to the media frenzy, Bieber playfully addressed the speculation during a December interview on The Bert Show, stating, “I’m being used, man. What can I say?” Despite the rumours, he praised Kardashian, referring to her as “great” and emphasised the long-standing connection he had with the Kardashian family. 

The chatter surrounding the 15-year age gap between the two further kept the gossip mills busy, leaving fans to wonder if this age difference played a role in their much-written-about breakup.

Nicola Peltz (2016)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Nicola Peltz

In mid-2016, Justin Bieber shifted his focus from models and singers to actresses, with Transformers: Age of Extinction star Nicola Peltz catching his eye. The two were spotted on various dates, and Peltz even spent nights at Bieber’s Beverly Hills home. This whirlwind fling, however, was short-lived, leaving fans speculating the reasons behind their sudden parting.

According to Us Weekly, Justin and Nicola initially crossed paths at an album release party in Toronto. Their connection deepened in June 2016, with Bieber flying her to Canada for a tour of his hometown. Despite initial reports of Bieber’s keen interest, the rumoured pair eventually called it quits, marking another colourful season in Justin Bieber’s dynamic relationship timeline.

Sofia Richie (2016)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Sofia Richie

In August and September 2016, Justin Bieber’s romantic escapades took a turn toward Sofia Richie, a brief but notable fling. The pair celebrated Richie’s 18th birthday with a romantic getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, as revealed in her September 17 cover story with Billboard. Describing their connection, Richie shared, “We have a special relationship. Justin is very easy to talk to, and that’s hard to find with people in Los Angeles.”

Beyond being a good conversationalist, Bieber proved to be a protective partner, going as far as threatening to make his Instagram account private due to disturbing comments aimed at Richie. The intense scrutiny led Bieber to temporarily delete his account. However, despite the protective measures, their relationship eventually fizzled out. This brief chapter with Richie added another layer to the intricate tapestry of Bieber’s romantic history.

Hailee Steinfeld (2017)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Hailee Steinfeld

Following his involvement with Sofia Richie, Justin’s next romantic link was rumoured to be with Hailee Steinfeld, star of Pitch Perfect 2, in May 2017. Despite the actress denying the speculations and asserting a longstanding friendship, TMZ insisted that the two were officially an item, highlighting a shared connection through their attendance at the same church. While the actress refuted the claims, the storyline didn’t evolve further, suggesting a possibly short-lived romance.

Paola Paulin (2017)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paola Paulin (@paola_paulin)

In September and October 2017, Justin Bieber found a brief connection with Ballers actress and Colombian model Paola Paulin. The two embarked on their romantic journey after attending church together on 27 September, with Bieber taking the initiative to make it a shared experience. Following their intimate church outing, they continued their connection with a private date. Their shared spiritual moments extended to 4 October, coinciding with the night when both Kourtney Kardashian and Bieber’s current wife, Hailey Baldwin, were also in attendance.

Despite enjoying each other’s company, the romantic spark between Bieber and Paulin was short-lived, marking another chapter in the singer’s long list of girlfriends. The intertwining of faith and romance characterised this fleeting connection in Bieber’s love life.

Baskin Champion (2018)

Picture Credits: Instagram/Baskin Champion

Following his March 2018 split with Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber found comfort in the company of model Baskin Champion. Spotted together at a Craig David concert in West Hollywood, their fling remained casual and never progressed into a serious relationship. Lasting for approximately two months, this rendezvous with Baskin Champion added another fleeting romance to Bieber’s post-Gomez love escapades.

Hailey Baldwin (2014 – present)

Justin Bieber dating history
Picture Credits: Instagram/Hailey Baldwin

It seems like Justin Bieber’s never-ending dating history might be coming to an end, or at least we hope so. The last name on the list, until 2023, is his on-and-off girlfriend turned wifey, Hailey Baldwin. Sparks flew high between them in 2014, but their relationship officially began in 2016. The couple flooded social media with dreamy photos, and Hailey even became part of Bieber’s family vacation. Despite the seriousness of their connection, Justin’s hectic tour schedule created obstacles.

Fast forward a couple of years and a few other girlfriends, Justin and Hailey reconciled in 2018. The couple officially tied the knot during a small courthouse wedding in September 2018 before exchanging ‘I dos’ in front of family and friends a year later. Hailey is now officially Mrs. Bieber, marking Justin’s departure from the market.

In a February 2019 interview with Vogue, Justin shared, “Hailey’s very logical and structured, which I need. I’ve always wanted security — with my dad being gone sometimes when I was a kid, with being on the road. With the lifestyle I live, everything is so uncertain. I need one thing that’s certain. And that is my baby boo.” Although they keep a low profile on red carpets, Justin and Hailey consistently express their admiration for each other in various interviews.

In a March 2021 interview with ELLE magazine, Hailey explained, “We were friends first for a really long time before there was anything romantic. But we always knew that we were aligned on what we wanted in our future. We had talked about wanting to be married young and having a family young and building a life. Even before we knew we wanted to be with each other.”

Well, Justin’s endless dating journey culminates with his marriage to the wonderful Hailey Baldwin. Out of all his ex-girlfriends, she might just be the one for a happily ever after.

(Hero and feature image: Courtesy Instagram/Justin Bieber/Selena Gomez/Kendall Jenner)

This story first appeared on Augustman India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How long did Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber date before getting married?
Justin and Hailey have known each other since 2009, but they started dating in 2014. They dated for four years before tying the knot in 2018.

The post Justin Bieber’s Dating History: 21 A-Listers Who Called The Pop Star Their ‘Boyfriend’ appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Apartment 404: Yoo Jae-suk, Jennie Blackpink, Other Cast Members, Trailer https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/apartment-404-blackpink-jennie-yoo-jae-suk-to-star-in-tvn-variety-show/ Mon, 25 Dec 2023 09:00:51 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=296780 yoo jae suk Apartment 404 jennie

K-pop idol Jennie joins the star-studded cast of tvN’s 2024 variety show ‘Apartment 404’ along with Yoo Jae-suk. Here are all the details we know so far.

Jennie will join an array of six noted Korean entertainment celebrities on the TV show, which is expected to go on air in the first half of the new year.

Here are all the details about Apartment 404

What Apartment 404 is about

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by tvN (@tvn_joy)

The upcoming tvN show revolves around six residents of an apartment building who must investigate new mysteries that are based on real-life events every week.

The cast and crew of Apartment 404

Besides Jennie, the main cast includes Running Man (2010) stars Yoo Jae-suk and Yang Se-chan, Moving (2023) actors Cha Tae-hyun and Lee Jung-ha, as well as Alchemy of Souls (2022) actor Oh Na-ra.

The project will be produced by Jung Chul-min who was behind the success of Running Man and Sixth Sense (2020).

The series marks Jennie’s first variety show appearance since the 2018 SBS series Village Survival, the Eight and the first time Yoo and Cha are cast together as main cast members.

Is there a trailer?

While a full-length trailer is yet to be released, tvN has released a short teaser that reveals the cast members.

(Hero and feature image credit: J/ @jennierubyjane/ Instagram)

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-How famous is Yoo Jae-suk in Korea?
A noted name in the Korean entertainment industry, Yoo Jae-suk has been named the most popular comedian for five consecutive years, since 2004, according to IMDb. He is a well-known TV personality, host and actor and has titles like Running Man, Sixth Sense and Happy Together (2001-2020) in his oeuvre.

-How many awards has Yoo Jae-suk won?
Many Yoo-Jae-suk shows have earned prestigious awards. According to Soompi, he won the 2022 Daesang Grand Award for Running Man, which took his overall Daesang count to 19. In 2021, he won the Grand Prize at the MBC Entertainment Awards for his reality show Hangout With Yoo (2019).

-Is Yoo Jae Suk in ‘Gangnam Style’?
Yoo Jae-suk has appeared in PSY’s 2012 viral music video “Gangnam Style”.

The post Apartment 404: Yoo Jae-suk, Jennie Blackpink, Other Cast Members, Trailer appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> yoo jae suk Apartment 404 jennie

K-pop idol Jennie joins the star-studded cast of tvN’s 2024 variety show ‘Apartment 404’ along with Yoo Jae-suk. Here are all the details we know so far.

Jennie will join an array of six noted Korean entertainment celebrities on the TV show, which is expected to go on air in the first half of the new year.

Here are all the details about Apartment 404

What Apartment 404 is about

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by tvN (@tvn_joy)

The upcoming tvN show revolves around six residents of an apartment building who must investigate new mysteries that are based on real-life events every week.

The cast and crew of Apartment 404

Besides Jennie, the main cast includes Running Man (2010) stars Yoo Jae-suk and Yang Se-chan, Moving (2023) actors Cha Tae-hyun and Lee Jung-ha, as well as Alchemy of Souls (2022) actor Oh Na-ra.

The project will be produced by Jung Chul-min who was behind the success of Running Man and Sixth Sense (2020).

The series marks Jennie’s first variety show appearance since the 2018 SBS series Village Survival, the Eight and the first time Yoo and Cha are cast together as main cast members.

Is there a trailer?

While a full-length trailer is yet to be released, tvN has released a short teaser that reveals the cast members.

(Hero and feature image credit: J/ @jennierubyjane/ Instagram)

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-How famous is Yoo Jae-suk in Korea?
A noted name in the Korean entertainment industry, Yoo Jae-suk has been named the most popular comedian for five consecutive years, since 2004, according to IMDb. He is a well-known TV personality, host and actor and has titles like Running Man, Sixth Sense and Happy Together (2001-2020) in his oeuvre.

-How many awards has Yoo Jae-suk won?
Many Yoo-Jae-suk shows have earned prestigious awards. According to Soompi, he won the 2022 Daesang Grand Award for Running Man, which took his overall Daesang count to 19. In 2021, he won the Grand Prize at the MBC Entertainment Awards for his reality show Hangout With Yoo (2019).

-Is Yoo Jae Suk in ‘Gangnam Style’?
Yoo Jae-suk has appeared in PSY’s 2012 viral music video “Gangnam Style”.

The post Apartment 404: Yoo Jae-suk, Jennie Blackpink, Other Cast Members, Trailer appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Best Christmas Horror Movies to Watch This Yuletide Season https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/best-christmas-horror-movies-to-watch/ Sun, 24 Dec 2023 12:00:21 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=296687 Christmas horror movies

It’s that time of year when becoming an official couch potato is not only acceptable but almost a holiday tradition. Wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, holding a steaming cup of cocoa, and getting lost in the world of television is the ultimate winter sport. Normally, this time of year is all about chocolate chip cookies and romantic stories, but if your rebellious side is calling for some spine-chilling thrill, don’t worry! There are a lot of Christmas horror movies ready to keep you company this holiday season.

So, set aside the sugarplum fairies and joyful Santas for a while. These films replace candy canes and cosy fireside settings with with blades and goosebumps-inducing fear. Buckle up as we enter the dark side of Christmas with these excellent horror movies.

Best Christmas horror movies you can watch this holiday season

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is a unique and enchanting stop-motion animated musical fantasy movie. For audiences of all ages, the film has become a cult classic and a beloved holiday favourite. The story follows Halloween town’s Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who becomes tired of the boring routine of Halloween and stumbles into Christmas Town. Captivated by the pleasure and enchantment of Christmas, Jack resolves to take over and put his evil spin on the celebration. The film perfectly blends Halloween’s creepy charm with Christmas’ joyous spirit.


Watch Here

A Christmas Carol (1984)

A Christmas Carol has been transformed into countless films, plays, and other forms of media over the years. Initially written by Charles Dickens, the story has become synonymous with the holiday season, and it is beloved for its themes of redemption, giving, and the true spirit of Christmas. The 1984 film adaptation of A Christmas Carol featuring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge is one of the most celebrated creations.

The main character, Scrooge, is a miserly and cold-hearted old man who despises the holiday season and everything associated with it. Scrooge is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of the repercussions of living a life solely for greed and self-interest. The strange incidents throughout the night help Scrooge to change for the better.


Watch Here

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is a dark fantasy-horror film that takes a new and twisted approach to the traditional Christmas story, fusing folklore, horror, and a dash of black humour. The story takes place in Lapland’s isolated and cold setting, where an American archaeological team has discovered something enigmatic and ancient. As they delve further, they unintentionally awaken the real Santa Claus, but he is not a cheerful gift-giver. Here, Santa is represented as a scary, supernatural creature who prefers punishment to presents. But when a little kid named Pietari Kontio and his friends try to solve the mystery behind this wicked Santa, they find themselves fighting against a terrifying folklore creature.


Watch Here

The Curse of the Cat People (1944)

The Curse of the Cat People is a sequel to the 1942 hit horror film Cat People. With fantasy and drama elements, this movie is more evocative and psychological than a simple horror flick. The plot continues to follow Irena Dubrovna, played by Simone Simon, who had a pivotal role in the first film. In Cat People, Irena had a mysterious past and she believed that if she was emotionally aroused, she would transform into a panther.

Irena has died in the sequel, and her widowed husband, Oliver Reed (played by Kent Smith), has remarried and has a young daughter named Amy, played by Ann Carter. Amy, who is feeling disconnected and misunderstood, conjures up an imaginary friend in the form of Irena, who becomes a calming presence in her life. Though it is a horror film, it focuses on themes of childhood innocence, imagination, and the impact of societal expectations, which makes it stand out from the others.


Watch Here

The Lodge (2019)

The Lodge is an unnerving psychological horror film about grief, trauma, and the blurred boundaries between reality and mental anguish. Grace, played by Riley Keough, is about to become the stepmother to two children, Aiden and Mia, played by Jaeden Martell and Lia McHugh. Richard Armitage plays Richard, their father and Grace’s fiancé. The family intends to spend Christmas in a remote lodge, but tensions mount as the children’s unresolved sadness over their mother’s death, along with Grace’s tumultuous past, create an uneasy atmosphere.


Watch Here

The Retaliators (2021)

The Retaliators is a thriller film released in 2021 that tells the story of a preacher named John Bishop, played by Michael Lombardi, whose family is brutally killed. In search of justice, Bishop joins forces with a journalist, played by Marc Menchaca, to find the truth behind the crime. As they investigate, they find a web of dark secrets and come across a vigilante gang known as The Retaliators.

The movie distinguishes itself by combining aspects of a horror film with a story that focuses on the music industry and incorporates real-life performers. Rock and metal bands such as Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach, and Ice Nine Kills make appearances and perform in the film.


Watch Here

The Advent Calendar (2021)

The Christmas horror movie The Advent Calendar offers a blend of holiday cheer and suspenseful storytelling. The story revolves around a former dancer, Eva, who is now confined to a wheelchair. When her friend Sophie gives her an old wooden antique advent calendar before Christmas, she discovers that each window contains a surprise that causes real-life consequences: some good, but most of them bad. Now, Eva has to make a decision — whether to get rid of the calendar or to walk again even when it causes death around her.


Watch Here

Gremlins (1984)

Gremlins is a 1984 dark fantasy comedy-horror flick. The plot revolves around a young man named Billy Peltzer, played by Zach Galligan, who receives a little creature called a Mogwai as a present for Christmas. However, three key guidelines must be followed: Keep the Mogwai away from bright light, don’t get him wet, and never feed him after midnight. Despite the warnings, the rules are accidentally breached, resulting in the development of mischievous and malicious creatures known as Gremlins. The Gremlins create chaos in the small town of Kingston Falls, triggering a series of humorous and horrific incidents. With its unique take on Christmas festivities gone wrong, the film expertly blends humour, horror, and holiday joy, creating a cult classic.


Watch Here

Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

Anna and the Apocalypse is a Christmas zombie musical film released in 2017. It’s a one-of-a-kind genre mash-up that combines elements of a coming-of-age story, a musical, and horror flick, all set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse.

The film follows Anna Shepherd, played by Ella Hunt, as she navigates high school life in the town of Little Haven. As Christmas approaches, the community is abruptly struck by a zombie epidemic, turning the holiday season into a survival struggle. The film addresses themes of friendship, love, and growing up as Anna and her companions battle the undead. The catchy musical pieces, along with the dark humour and horror components, provide an enjoyable and emotionally evocative viewing experience.


Watch Here

Silent Night (2021)

The 2021 Christmas horror movie Silent Night starring Keira Knightley (Nell) and Matthew Goode (Simon) revolves around a Christmas dinner they host at their country house for their former school friends and their loving partners. It eventually becomes clear that an environmental disaster is looming and that this supper will be their last night alive.


Watch Here

Black Christmas (1974)

Black Christmas is a 1974 classic Canadian horror movie. The movie carries the vibe of the slasher genre, noteworthy for its atmospheric tension, suspenseful pacing, and influence on subsequent horror films. The story takes place during the Christmas season at a sorority house, where a group of college students is getting ready for the holiday break. When the sorority starts getting threatening phone calls from an unnamed and frightening voice, the joyous environment takes a sinister turn. As the calls pile up, one by one, sorority sisters go missing, and the house spirals into fear.


Watch Here

Better Watch Out (2016)

Better Watch Out is a horror-comedy film that takes a fresh and witty approach to the home invasion thriller genre. Ashley, played by Olivia DeJonge, is a babysitter who is assigned to watch after 12-year-old Luke, played by Levi Miller, on a calm suburban evening during the Christmas season. The seemingly ordinary babysitting job, however, takes a dark and unforeseen twist as the night progresses.


Watch Here

(Main image: Silent Night/IMDb; Featured image: The Advent Calendar/IMDb)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is the best Christmas horror movie?

Some of the best Christmas horror movies are Black Christmas, Gremlins, Silent Night, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Which is the highest-rated Christmas horror movie according to IMDB?

A Christmas Carol (1951) is the highest-rated Christmas horror movie with an 8.1/10 rating.

The post Best Christmas Horror Movies to Watch This Yuletide Season appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Christmas horror movies

It’s that time of year when becoming an official couch potato is not only acceptable but almost a holiday tradition. Wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, holding a steaming cup of cocoa, and getting lost in the world of television is the ultimate winter sport. Normally, this time of year is all about chocolate chip cookies and romantic stories, but if your rebellious side is calling for some spine-chilling thrill, don’t worry! There are a lot of Christmas horror movies ready to keep you company this holiday season.

So, set aside the sugarplum fairies and joyful Santas for a while. These films replace candy canes and cosy fireside settings with with blades and goosebumps-inducing fear. Buckle up as we enter the dark side of Christmas with these excellent horror movies.

Best Christmas horror movies you can watch this holiday season

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is a unique and enchanting stop-motion animated musical fantasy movie. For audiences of all ages, the film has become a cult classic and a beloved holiday favourite. The story follows Halloween town’s Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who becomes tired of the boring routine of Halloween and stumbles into Christmas Town. Captivated by the pleasure and enchantment of Christmas, Jack resolves to take over and put his evil spin on the celebration. The film perfectly blends Halloween’s creepy charm with Christmas’ joyous spirit.

Watch Here

A Christmas Carol (1984)

A Christmas Carol has been transformed into countless films, plays, and other forms of media over the years. Initially written by Charles Dickens, the story has become synonymous with the holiday season, and it is beloved for its themes of redemption, giving, and the true spirit of Christmas. The 1984 film adaptation of A Christmas Carol featuring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge is one of the most celebrated creations.

The main character, Scrooge, is a miserly and cold-hearted old man who despises the holiday season and everything associated with it. Scrooge is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of the repercussions of living a life solely for greed and self-interest. The strange incidents throughout the night help Scrooge to change for the better.

Watch Here

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is a dark fantasy-horror film that takes a new and twisted approach to the traditional Christmas story, fusing folklore, horror, and a dash of black humour. The story takes place in Lapland’s isolated and cold setting, where an American archaeological team has discovered something enigmatic and ancient. As they delve further, they unintentionally awaken the real Santa Claus, but he is not a cheerful gift-giver. Here, Santa is represented as a scary, supernatural creature who prefers punishment to presents. But when a little kid named Pietari Kontio and his friends try to solve the mystery behind this wicked Santa, they find themselves fighting against a terrifying folklore creature.

Watch Here

The Curse of the Cat People (1944)

The Curse of the Cat People is a sequel to the 1942 hit horror film Cat People. With fantasy and drama elements, this movie is more evocative and psychological than a simple horror flick. The plot continues to follow Irena Dubrovna, played by Simone Simon, who had a pivotal role in the first film. In Cat People, Irena had a mysterious past and she believed that if she was emotionally aroused, she would transform into a panther.

Irena has died in the sequel, and her widowed husband, Oliver Reed (played by Kent Smith), has remarried and has a young daughter named Amy, played by Ann Carter. Amy, who is feeling disconnected and misunderstood, conjures up an imaginary friend in the form of Irena, who becomes a calming presence in her life. Though it is a horror film, it focuses on themes of childhood innocence, imagination, and the impact of societal expectations, which makes it stand out from the others.

Watch Here

The Lodge (2019)

The Lodge is an unnerving psychological horror film about grief, trauma, and the blurred boundaries between reality and mental anguish. Grace, played by Riley Keough, is about to become the stepmother to two children, Aiden and Mia, played by Jaeden Martell and Lia McHugh. Richard Armitage plays Richard, their father and Grace’s fiancé. The family intends to spend Christmas in a remote lodge, but tensions mount as the children’s unresolved sadness over their mother’s death, along with Grace’s tumultuous past, create an uneasy atmosphere.

Watch Here

The Retaliators (2021)

The Retaliators is a thriller film released in 2021 that tells the story of a preacher named John Bishop, played by Michael Lombardi, whose family is brutally killed. In search of justice, Bishop joins forces with a journalist, played by Marc Menchaca, to find the truth behind the crime. As they investigate, they find a web of dark secrets and come across a vigilante gang known as The Retaliators.

The movie distinguishes itself by combining aspects of a horror film with a story that focuses on the music industry and incorporates real-life performers. Rock and metal bands such as Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach, and Ice Nine Kills make appearances and perform in the film.

Watch Here

The Advent Calendar (2021)

The Christmas horror movie The Advent Calendar offers a blend of holiday cheer and suspenseful storytelling. The story revolves around a former dancer, Eva, who is now confined to a wheelchair. When her friend Sophie gives her an old wooden antique advent calendar before Christmas, she discovers that each window contains a surprise that causes real-life consequences: some good, but most of them bad. Now, Eva has to make a decision — whether to get rid of the calendar or to walk again even when it causes death around her.

Watch Here

Gremlins (1984)

Gremlins is a 1984 dark fantasy comedy-horror flick. The plot revolves around a young man named Billy Peltzer, played by Zach Galligan, who receives a little creature called a Mogwai as a present for Christmas. However, three key guidelines must be followed: Keep the Mogwai away from bright light, don’t get him wet, and never feed him after midnight. Despite the warnings, the rules are accidentally breached, resulting in the development of mischievous and malicious creatures known as Gremlins. The Gremlins create chaos in the small town of Kingston Falls, triggering a series of humorous and horrific incidents. With its unique take on Christmas festivities gone wrong, the film expertly blends humour, horror, and holiday joy, creating a cult classic.

Watch Here

Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

Anna and the Apocalypse is a Christmas zombie musical film released in 2017. It’s a one-of-a-kind genre mash-up that combines elements of a coming-of-age story, a musical, and horror flick, all set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse.

The film follows Anna Shepherd, played by Ella Hunt, as she navigates high school life in the town of Little Haven. As Christmas approaches, the community is abruptly struck by a zombie epidemic, turning the holiday season into a survival struggle. The film addresses themes of friendship, love, and growing up as Anna and her companions battle the undead. The catchy musical pieces, along with the dark humour and horror components, provide an enjoyable and emotionally evocative viewing experience.

Watch Here

Silent Night (2021)

The 2021 Christmas horror movie Silent Night starring Keira Knightley (Nell) and Matthew Goode (Simon) revolves around a Christmas dinner they host at their country house for their former school friends and their loving partners. It eventually becomes clear that an environmental disaster is looming and that this supper will be their last night alive.

Watch Here

Black Christmas (1974)

Black Christmas is a 1974 classic Canadian horror movie. The movie carries the vibe of the slasher genre, noteworthy for its atmospheric tension, suspenseful pacing, and influence on subsequent horror films. The story takes place during the Christmas season at a sorority house, where a group of college students is getting ready for the holiday break. When the sorority starts getting threatening phone calls from an unnamed and frightening voice, the joyous environment takes a sinister turn. As the calls pile up, one by one, sorority sisters go missing, and the house spirals into fear.

Watch Here

Better Watch Out (2016)

Better Watch Out is a horror-comedy film that takes a fresh and witty approach to the home invasion thriller genre. Ashley, played by Olivia DeJonge, is a babysitter who is assigned to watch after 12-year-old Luke, played by Levi Miller, on a calm suburban evening during the Christmas season. The seemingly ordinary babysitting job, however, takes a dark and unforeseen twist as the night progresses.

Watch Here

(Main image: Silent Night/IMDb; Featured image: The Advent Calendar/IMDb)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is the best Christmas horror movie?

Some of the best Christmas horror movies are Black Christmas, Gremlins, Silent Night, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Which is the highest-rated Christmas horror movie according to IMDB?

A Christmas Carol (1951) is the highest-rated Christmas horror movie with an 8.1/10 rating.

The post Best Christmas Horror Movies to Watch This Yuletide Season appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> 21 of the Most Expensive Disney Movies Ever Made https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/most-expensive-disney-movies-ever-made/ Fri, 22 Dec 2023 03:00:00 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=294237

Love them, hate them, absolutely can’t live without them – Disney movies, both animated and live action takes alike, are an integral part of our lives, providing joy and entertainment for audiences of all ages. With great production costs come great expectations; while some of these films have sadly fallen short at the box office, they’ve nonetheless racked up some impressive numbers, budget-wise. And if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to fully produce a film? Well, our list of the 21 most expensive Disney movies ever made is sure to answer some questions.

If there is one thing that’s certain in life, it’s that change is constant and unavoidable. Showbiz gives us the perfect example – in the 128 years since the Lumière brothers first presented a projection of moving pictures, we’ve experienced movies, television, live streaming, and subscription-based streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more. Filming methods, sound processing, editing, technology – all of this has continued to evolve, making the movies and shows of today an absolute wonder to behold.

But, as the quality of films goes up, so too do the budgets and costs. Disney’s very first full-length traditionally animated feature film Snow White and the Seven Dwarves cost a total of USD 1,488,422.74. While it was considered a massive sum for 1937, which was when the movie was released, it is almost unheard of for the productions of today. For contrast, Disney’s upcoming release Wish, which premieres 22 November 2023, has a budget of USD 200 million. And it’s not even the studio’s most expensive film to date.

Though it doesn’t make our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made, The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was the among the top ten highest grossing movies of 2023. (Image: Disney)

With colossal budgets and even bigger expectations, it’s no wonder Disney has had some of the highest grossing movies of our era. In 2023 alone, two of the top 10 highest grossing movies were distributed by Disney – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (USD 845.6 million) and The Little Mermaid (USD 569,6 million). In addition to that, Disney also has boasting rights to the second highest grossing movie of all time, Avengers: Endgame (USD 2,798 billion). And, for all the box office dollars they raked in, these three movies cost a total of USD 903 million to make.

While all productions are expected to stay within budget, some overspending is likely to happen, especially given the magnitude of moviemaking and all the moving parts it involves. Having spent USD 27 billion on content in the 2023 fiscal year, Disney is expected to par down their content spendings by at least USD 2 billion for 2024. Despite glowing cinematic successes where the production costs paid dividends and then some, there were sadly also big-budget movies that turned out to be big time flops. While the argument of ‘was the result really worth it?’ will always hang thick in the air, it cannot be denied that quality comes with a hefty price tag.

Sophia Di Martino as Sylvie and Tom Hiddleston as Loki in Marvel Studios’ LOKI, Season 2, exclusively on Disney+ (Image: Gareth Gatrell/MARVEL)

While our list opts out of including anything of Marvel-related fame (yes, we know Loki’s Sylvie is technically a Disney princess), it still includes many modern favourites. From this year’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny to less loudly-lauded films that have nonetheless amassed cult followings such as Inside Out and Big Hero 6, here are 21 of the most expensive Disney movies ever made.

Here’s our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made

21. Moana – USD 150 to 175 million

With a hefty production budget of USD 150 to 175 million, Moana became one of Disney’s most expensive animated movies of all time. (Image: Disney)

Moana is the perfect feel-good flick for kicking off our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made. This incredible and touching coming-of-age story balances themes of courage, loyalty, responsibility, and familial bonds. Released in 2016, it grossed USD 682.6 million in the box office, and is largely considered a resounding success for its representation of Polynesian culture, with the cast sporting a majority of Polynesian talents. Critics also praised the film’s titular character – Moana, for her three-dimensional characterisation, which ultimately did not end in her seeking a prince, but self actualisation. The movie stars break-out actress Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui and also includes Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls fame.

Watch here.

20. Inside Out – USD 175 million

Twentieth on our list of Disney’s most expensive animated movies, Inside Out became an instant hit, with a sequel now announced for 2024. (Image: Disney)

With a highly anticipated sequel newly announced for 2024, this 2015 animation is largely regarded as a triumph of storytelling, especially where our messy human emotions are concerned. Boasting a whopping 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Inside Out follows eleven-year-old Riley through a life-changing move that threatens to upheave her very core personality. While Riley and her family attempt to settle into a brand-new school, home, and life, her topsy-turvy emotions (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear) must come together for their girl. A masterwork showcasing the importance of mental health, the movie grossed USD 858.8 million worldwide, making it the seventh highest grossing film of 2015. Actors Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, and more lent their voices to the show.

Watch here.

19. The Jungle Book – USD 175 million

The live action remake The Jungle Book was a stunning display of CGI prowess, and sits solidly on our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made. (Image: Disney)

Not to be confused with the 1967 animation of the same name, the 2016 live action The Jungle Book is regarded as a huge financial success. Grossing USD 966.6 million worldwide, it quickly became evident that the film was a sleeper hit, garnering an approval rating of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. Inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s works, the movie follows the adventures of orphaned boy Mowgli who lives amongst the wolves. With numerous jungle inhabitants on full majestic display – panther Bagheera, tiger Shere Khan, and even python Kaa – the CGI work is largely viewed as stunning, with The Atlantic even calling it a pointer towards a CGI future. The movie features the voice acting of top Hollywood stars, including Neel Sethi, Bill Muray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, and Christopher Walken.

Watch here.

18. Cars 2 – USD 200 million

Lightning McQueen and his best friend Mater return to the big screen in Disney’s animated Cars 2, which had a budget of USD 200 million. (Image: Disney)

Returning to the big screen in 2011 following the success of its predecessor, Cars 2 expanded on the lore of Lightning McQueen, voiced by the inimitable Owen Wilson. Grossing a total of USD 559 million worldwide, the Pixar animation combines the lightning-speed excitement of racing and the intrigue of spy games, wrapping both up in a fun, playful, and undeniably Disney way. Besides Wilson, other actors who lent their voices to the movie include Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, John Turturro, and British comedian Eddie Izzard who voiced Sir Miles Axlerod, a former oil mogul turned electric car.

Watch here.

17. Elemental – USD 200 million

The 2023 release of Elemental makes it Disney’s latest animated movie with a massive price tag, with a USD 200 million budget. (Image: Disney)

Among Disney’s 2023 releases on this list, Elemental clocks in at a USD 200 million production budget, with a tidy box office grossing of USD 495.7 million. The subtle and poignant tale touches on themes of bias and xenophobia, represented through fire elements Bernie and Cinder Lumens, and their daughter, Ember – and the discrimination they face in Elemental City. Proudly toting a 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the sleeper hit also includes the voice talents of Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Catherine O’Hara.

Watch here.

16. Alice in Wonderland – USD 200 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Whimsical, quirky, colourful – animated expressions come to life in Disney’s live action Alice in Wonderland, making it one of the highest grossing and most expensive movies of 2010. (Image: Disney)

Whimsical, quirky, and colourful, Disney’s 2010 release of Alice in Wonderland boasts a star-studded ensemble, featuring talents the likes of Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, the late Alan Rickman, and more. The plot of the story follows 19-year-old Alice Kingsley, who, while mourning the loss of her father, embarks on a fantastical journey to self-discovery and empowerment after falling into a familiar rabbit hole. On her journey, she encounters familiar friends and foes: the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, Absolem the caterpillar, and the Red and White queens, respectively portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway. The movie grossed USD 1,025 billion worldwide, making it the second highest grossing film of 2010 – right behind Toy Story 3.

Watch here.

15. Incredibles 2 – USD 200 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
One of Disney’s best-beloved animated movies, Incredibles 2 is also one of the studio’s most expensive movies ever made. (Image: Disney)

With a production budget more than double that of the first Incredibles movie (USD 92 million), Incredibles 2 was billed for success from the get-go. Released in 2018, the movie, which encourages deeper thought and discourse on the media, follows media and telecommunications mogul Winston Deavor and his sister Evelyn who engage the Parrs in filming coordinated PR missions to help regain the public’s waning trust in superheroes. With a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie was a clear success, grossing over USD 1.2 billion worldwide.

Watch here.

14. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian – USD 225 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
The second instalment of the Chronicles of Narnia series cost Disney USD 225 million to make. (Image: Disney)

The second in the Chronicles of Narnia series, Prince Caspian, released in 2008, brought the Pevensies back to the magical, mythical land of Narnia – and fans along with them. Grossing a total of USD 419.6 million, it was the tenth highest grossing movie of 2008, with a 66% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on the book of the same name by British author C.S. Lewis, the movie follows the Pevensie siblings on a new quest – to help Prince Caspian reclaim his throne by defeating the evil King Miraz. Returning actors from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Liam Neeson, and Tilda Swinton were joined by newcomers Ben Barnes, Peter Dinklage, Eddie Izzard, and more.

Watch here.

13. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest – USD 225 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Partly animated in CGI and filmed in Palos Verdes, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and The Bahamas, Dead Man’s Chest comes in thirteenth on our list. (Image: Disney)

The second installment of the now world-famous Pirates of the Caribbean series, Dead Man’s Chest (2006) was almost immediately hailed as a resounding success. With a 7.4/10 rating in IMDb, the movie, starring longtime franchise alumni Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, and Jonathan Pryce went on to gross USD 1.066 billion, making it the highest grossing movie of 2006. The movie picks up where the first Pirates left off, with the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow trying to outsmart yet another adversary – in this iteration, the ghostly pirate Captain Davey Jones to whom he owes a blood debt. The motley crew embarks on a journey to retrieve Davey Jones’ heart and thus save Jack from a lifetime of extended servitude, making for a fun and action-filled adventure.

Watch here.

12. Maleficent – USD 226 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Starring Angelina Jolie as the titular character, Maleficent comes in twelfth in this list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made. (Image: Disney)

Widely considered to be Disney’s first foray into Villain origin stories, Maleficent, released in 2014, came out with a bang. A beautiful dark fantasy film directed by Robert Stromberg, Maleficent delves deeper into the mind of the iconic villainess – and, in a surprisingly poignant show of a mother’s love, turns the classic on its head. With the titular character played by Angelina Jolie and Aurora by the angelic Elle Fanning, the movie boasts an all-star cast that also includes The Crown’s Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, and more. The movie grossed USD 758 million worldwide.

Watch here.

11. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales – USD 230 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Dead Men Tell No Tales saw the return of Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley, who reprised their roles as Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann. (Image: Disney)

The fifth and latest installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise, Dead Men Tell No Tales was released in 2017, grossing USD 795.9 million worldwide. It follows longtime franchise favourites Jack Sparrow and Barbossa as they embark on a mission to thwart Spanish pirate-hunter, Captain Armando Salazar. Accompanied by the Barbossa’s long-lost daughter Carina and Henry Turner (that’s Will and Elizabeth’s son for those of you who haven’t kept score), the crew sets about to track down the Trident of Poseidon, which they believe will break all the curses upon the sea. Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley all reprise their roles, joined by newcomers Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, and Kaya Scodelario.

Watch here.

10. The Lone Ranger – USD 250 million

The Lone Ranger stars Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, and Helena Bonham Carter (Image: Disney)

Despite its stellar cast (Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, and Helena Bonham Carter among others) and a rather generous budget, Gore Verbinski’s The Lone Ranger (2013) is widely considered to be a bomb. In addition to its USD 250 billion production costs, the movie also racked up around USD 150 million in marketing costs – all of which were not recouped upon its release, when the film grossed only USD 260.5 million worldwide. The film centers a story told in retrospect by Native American Tonto, who recounts his adventures with his old companion John Reid, a lawman famously known as the Lone Ranger.

9. Beauty and the Beast – USD 255 million

Harry Potter alum Emma Watson brings her sparkle as Belle. (Image: Disney)

Coming in ninth on our list is Disney’s 2017 live action remake of Beauty and the Beast. With a budget of USD 255 million and a superstar cast including Harry Potter alumnus Emma Watson as the titular protagonist Belle, this unforgettable retelling includes a brand-new song, performed by Dan Stevens who portrays the Beast (also known as Prince Adam). Other big names in the cast include Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, Stanley Tucci, Emma Thompson, and more. The movie grossed USD 1,266 billion worldwide and become the second highest-grossing film of 2017.

Watch here.

8. The Lion King – USD 260 million

The Lion King grossed USD 1,663 billion worldwide against a budget of USD 260 million, landing it eighth on our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made. (Image: Disney)

Disney’s live action The Lion King movie was released in 2019, grossing USD 1,663 billion worldwide. The photorealistic computer animated film features the vocal talents of many top-tier industry names, including Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Oliver, James Earl Jones, and even the queen bee herself: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. With a budget of USD 260 million, it is one of the most expensive films ever made by Disney and is currently the 9th highest grossing film of all time.

Watch here.

7. Tangled – USD 260 million

A favourite among animated Disney movies, Tangled is definitely one of the most expensive ever made. (Image: Disney)

Released in 2010 and Disney’s most expensive animated movie to date, Tangled tells the tale of a kidnapped princess Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) on a mission to see floating lanterns that light up the sky every year on her birthday. The sweetly naive princess easily captured the hearts of viewers with her artistic side, cheerful disposition, and inherent goodness, these same traits also winning over the heart of her charming rogue-turned-sidekick-turned-lover Flynn Rider (voiced by Zachary Levi). As one of Disney’s best loved animated movies, Tangled boasts a soft but vibrant animation style that neither tries to be hyper-realistic, nor takes itself too seriously, both of which contribute to its inherent charm. Grossing USD 592.5 million worldwide, it received largely positive reviews from critics, and has an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Watch here.

6. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny – USD 295 million

The latest instalment of the Indiana Jones series cost USD 295 million to make, landing it on sixth in our list. (Image: Disney)

A 2023 release that saw Harrison Ford’s return to screen as the iconic titular character, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny received a production budget of around USD 295 to 300 million – but sadly grossed only USD 384 million in return. The movie follows Jones on a round-the-world treasure hunt for the Dial of Destiny, accompanied by his long-lost god-daughter Helena Shaw (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge of Fleabag acclaim) and her teenage sidekick Teddy Kumar. Astrophysicist Jürgen Voller (portrayed by the ever alluring Mads Mikkelsen) is set up as the movie’s main antagonist who pursues the trio with unbridled zeal. Despite making a loss, the movie holds a fair 69% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Watch a sneak peek here.

5. The Little Mermaid – USD 297 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
The Little Mermaid famously went overbudget, racking up USD 297 million in production costs and making it fifth on our list of the most expensive Disney films ever made. (Image: Disney)

Yet another 2023 release, Disney’s live action remake of The Little Mermaid became one of its most expensive movies of all time. While initially given a production budget of USD 250 million, the movie would eventually end up costing the studio USD 297 million, grossing USD 569 million worldwide. The movie features the stunning vocals of Halle Bailey and relied mostly on CGI to recreate the iconic ocean characters longtime lovers of the tale have come to know and love. Despite the steep cost, netizens were less than impressed with the CGI work, with some calling beloved sidekick Flounder ‘freakishly cartoonish’. However, the general consensus is that the cast is stellar – from Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula to Javier Bardem’s King Triton alike.

Watch here.

4. John Carter – USD 306 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Despite its lacklustre performance at the box office, John Carter was one of the most expensive Disney movies ever made with a budget of USD 306 million – thus making it number four on our list. (Image: Disney)

Released in 2012, sci-fi action-adventure film John Carter stars Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Dominic West, and Mark Strong among others. With a production budget of USD 300 million, the movie had initially been conceived as a trilogy based on the science fantasy novel A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs. However, given its poor response at the box office with the film grossing only USD 284.1 million, the studio decided to cancel the second and third instalments of the trilogy: Gods of Mars and Warlord of Mars.

Watch here.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End – USD 300 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise cost around USD 1,274–1,364 billion to make, in total. Understandably so, all the movies from the franchise, barring the first, appear on our list. (Image: Disney)

The third of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, At World’s End was filmed immediately after Dead Man’s Chest. It was released in 2007 to general acclaim, grossing USD 963.4 million worldwide. The movie follows Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann, and Captain Barbossa as they team up to rescue Captain Jack Sparrow from the depths of Davy Jones’ Locker. A swashbuckling tale that marries backstabbing, pirate politics, and literal shipping, it is a testament to great cinema, and a movie that certainly deserves its hefty price tag. Chow Yun-Fat joins the shining mainstays of the Pirates ensemble: Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush, and more.

Watch here.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – USD 410 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Second on our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made, the fourth instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise cost USD 410 million to make. (Image: Disney)

Disney certainly knows how to make waves and make waves they did with the fourth instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise – which incidentally also happens to be the fourth most expensive film of all time. On Stranger Tides, which was released in 2011, brought Captain Jack Sparrow back to the big screen, this time sans the antics of longtime companions Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann. On the hunt for the Fountain of Youth, Jack encounters his former lover Angelica, longtime rival Barbossa, legendary pirate and Captain Blackbeard, and a bevy of other characters that make the journey an absolute adventure to remember. Showcasing the talents of actors Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, and Sam Claflin among others, the movie would go on to gross USD 1.046 billion worldwide.

Watch here.

1. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens – USD 447 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Clocking in at a budget of USD 447 million, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens tops our list as the most expensive Disney movie ever made. In fact, it’s the most expensive movie ever made, period. (Image: Disney)

The Star Wars franchise needs no introduction. Rich in lore featured in movies spanning decades, it comes as no surprise that the seventh instalment of the series, which was released in 2015, would rack up a massive production cost, which, at USD 447 million, makes it the most expensive Disney movie ever made. And fun fact: It is also simply the most expensive movie ever made across all studios.

To this day, it is the fifth highest grossing movie of all time, raking in USD 2,07 billion worldwide and gaining critical acclaim among fans and critics alike. With a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Force Awakens is certified fresh, with the original dream team Harrison Ford, Carrie Fischer, and Mark Hamill reprising their roles alongside the newer faces of the franchise: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, and more.

Watch here.

Honourable mentions

Big Hero 6 – USD 165 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
An honourable mention in our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made, Big Hero 6 is an animated hit that is often praised for its poignant take on grief and loss. (Image: Disney)

Academy award-winning Big Hero 6 may not be the most expensive animated Disney movie ever made, but it sure pulled its weight in box office earnings and deserves a place in our list. Grossing USD 657.8 million, the 2014 animation is beloved for its themes of courage, loyalty, heart, and humour; it is also much lauded for its poignant take on grief and loss. The plot follows 14-year-old robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada in his quest to avenge his brother’s death. On the way, he is joined by an inflatable healthcare robot Baymax – his brother’s work and legacy, as well as his brother’s friends. It stars Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Daniel Henney, T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung, and more.

Watch here.

Ralph Breaks The Internet – USD 175 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Although it isn’t the most expensive animated Disney movie ever made, Ralph Breaks The Internet was still met with enthusiasm. (Image: Disney)

Disney’s animated movie Ralph Breaks The Internet (2018) is a sequel to Wreck-It Ralph, and follows the misadventures of 8-bit video game baddie Ralph and his best friend, Vanellope von Schweetz. The fun-filled show, which grossed USD 529.3 million worldwide finds the dynamic (and destructive) duo in a race against time through the Internet to save Vannelope’s video game, “Sugar Rush”. Along the way, they meet with the denizens of the internet – netizens, many of whom are familiar faces we have all come to know and love. Lending their voices to the animation is a star-studded cast including Sarah Silverman, John C. Reilly, Taraji P. Henson, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk, and more. As far as cameos go, this movie has got it all.

Watch here.

(Main and featured image: Disney)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is Disney’s most expensive movie?

To date, the most expensive Disney movie ever made is Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, which had a production budget of USD 447 million. The most expensive animated Disney movie ever made, however, is Tangled, which had a production budget of USD 260 million.

– What is the most expensive film ever made?

With its budget of USD 447 million, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is the most expensive film ever made.

– What are the 5 most expensive movies ever made?

The five most expensive movies ever made are, in order: Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015) with a production budget of USD 447 million, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) with a production budget of USD 432 million, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) with a production budget of USD 416 million, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) with a production budget of USD 379 million, and Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) with a production budget of USD 365 million.

– What is the cheapest Disney movie ever made?

Bambi (1942) only had a budget of USD 858,000, making it the cheapest Disney movie ever made.

The post 21 of the Most Expensive Disney Movies Ever Made appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

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Love them, hate them, absolutely can’t live without them – Disney movies, both animated and live action takes alike, are an integral part of our lives, providing joy and entertainment for audiences of all ages. With great production costs come great expectations; while some of these films have sadly fallen short at the box office, they’ve nonetheless racked up some impressive numbers, budget-wise. And if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to fully produce a film? Well, our list of the 21 most expensive Disney movies ever made is sure to answer some questions.

If there is one thing that’s certain in life, it’s that change is constant and unavoidable. Showbiz gives us the perfect example – in the 128 years since the Lumière brothers first presented a projection of moving pictures, we’ve experienced movies, television, live streaming, and subscription-based streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more. Filming methods, sound processing, editing, technology – all of this has continued to evolve, making the movies and shows of today an absolute wonder to behold.

But, as the quality of films goes up, so too do the budgets and costs. Disney’s very first full-length traditionally animated feature film Snow White and the Seven Dwarves cost a total of USD 1,488,422.74. While it was considered a massive sum for 1937, which was when the movie was released, it is almost unheard of for the productions of today. For contrast, Disney’s upcoming release Wish, which premieres 22 November 2023, has a budget of USD 200 million. And it’s not even the studio’s most expensive film to date.

Though it doesn’t make our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made, The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was the among the top ten highest grossing movies of 2023. (Image: Disney)

With colossal budgets and even bigger expectations, it’s no wonder Disney has had some of the highest grossing movies of our era. In 2023 alone, two of the top 10 highest grossing movies were distributed by Disney – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (USD 845.6 million) and The Little Mermaid (USD 569,6 million). In addition to that, Disney also has boasting rights to the second highest grossing movie of all time, Avengers: Endgame (USD 2,798 billion). And, for all the box office dollars they raked in, these three movies cost a total of USD 903 million to make.

While all productions are expected to stay within budget, some overspending is likely to happen, especially given the magnitude of moviemaking and all the moving parts it involves. Having spent USD 27 billion on content in the 2023 fiscal year, Disney is expected to par down their content spendings by at least USD 2 billion for 2024. Despite glowing cinematic successes where the production costs paid dividends and then some, there were sadly also big-budget movies that turned out to be big time flops. While the argument of ‘was the result really worth it?’ will always hang thick in the air, it cannot be denied that quality comes with a hefty price tag.

Sophia Di Martino as Sylvie and Tom Hiddleston as Loki in Marvel Studios’ LOKI, Season 2, exclusively on Disney+ (Image: Gareth Gatrell/MARVEL)

While our list opts out of including anything of Marvel-related fame (yes, we know Loki’s Sylvie is technically a Disney princess), it still includes many modern favourites. From this year’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny to less loudly-lauded films that have nonetheless amassed cult followings such as Inside Out and Big Hero 6, here are 21 of the most expensive Disney movies ever made.

Here’s our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made

21. Moana – USD 150 to 175 million

With a hefty production budget of USD 150 to 175 million, Moana became one of Disney’s most expensive animated movies of all time. (Image: Disney)

Moana is the perfect feel-good flick for kicking off our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made. This incredible and touching coming-of-age story balances themes of courage, loyalty, responsibility, and familial bonds. Released in 2016, it grossed USD 682.6 million in the box office, and is largely considered a resounding success for its representation of Polynesian culture, with the cast sporting a majority of Polynesian talents. Critics also praised the film’s titular character – Moana, for her three-dimensional characterisation, which ultimately did not end in her seeking a prince, but self actualisation. The movie stars break-out actress Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui and also includes Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls fame.

Watch here.

20. Inside Out – USD 175 million

Twentieth on our list of Disney’s most expensive animated movies, Inside Out became an instant hit, with a sequel now announced for 2024. (Image: Disney)

With a highly anticipated sequel newly announced for 2024, this 2015 animation is largely regarded as a triumph of storytelling, especially where our messy human emotions are concerned. Boasting a whopping 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Inside Out follows eleven-year-old Riley through a life-changing move that threatens to upheave her very core personality. While Riley and her family attempt to settle into a brand-new school, home, and life, her topsy-turvy emotions (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear) must come together for their girl. A masterwork showcasing the importance of mental health, the movie grossed USD 858.8 million worldwide, making it the seventh highest grossing film of 2015. Actors Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, and more lent their voices to the show.

Watch here.

19. The Jungle Book – USD 175 million

The live action remake The Jungle Book was a stunning display of CGI prowess, and sits solidly on our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made. (Image: Disney)

Not to be confused with the 1967 animation of the same name, the 2016 live action The Jungle Book is regarded as a huge financial success. Grossing USD 966.6 million worldwide, it quickly became evident that the film was a sleeper hit, garnering an approval rating of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. Inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s works, the movie follows the adventures of orphaned boy Mowgli who lives amongst the wolves. With numerous jungle inhabitants on full majestic display – panther Bagheera, tiger Shere Khan, and even python Kaa – the CGI work is largely viewed as stunning, with The Atlantic even calling it a pointer towards a CGI future. The movie features the voice acting of top Hollywood stars, including Neel Sethi, Bill Muray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, and Christopher Walken.

Watch here.

18. Cars 2 – USD 200 million

Lightning McQueen and his best friend Mater return to the big screen in Disney’s animated Cars 2, which had a budget of USD 200 million. (Image: Disney)

Returning to the big screen in 2011 following the success of its predecessor, Cars 2 expanded on the lore of Lightning McQueen, voiced by the inimitable Owen Wilson. Grossing a total of USD 559 million worldwide, the Pixar animation combines the lightning-speed excitement of racing and the intrigue of spy games, wrapping both up in a fun, playful, and undeniably Disney way. Besides Wilson, other actors who lent their voices to the movie include Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, John Turturro, and British comedian Eddie Izzard who voiced Sir Miles Axlerod, a former oil mogul turned electric car.

Watch here.

17. Elemental – USD 200 million

The 2023 release of Elemental makes it Disney’s latest animated movie with a massive price tag, with a USD 200 million budget. (Image: Disney)

Among Disney’s 2023 releases on this list, Elemental clocks in at a USD 200 million production budget, with a tidy box office grossing of USD 495.7 million. The subtle and poignant tale touches on themes of bias and xenophobia, represented through fire elements Bernie and Cinder Lumens, and their daughter, Ember – and the discrimination they face in Elemental City. Proudly toting a 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the sleeper hit also includes the voice talents of Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Catherine O’Hara.

Watch here.

16. Alice in Wonderland – USD 200 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Whimsical, quirky, colourful – animated expressions come to life in Disney’s live action Alice in Wonderland, making it one of the highest grossing and most expensive movies of 2010. (Image: Disney)

Whimsical, quirky, and colourful, Disney’s 2010 release of Alice in Wonderland boasts a star-studded ensemble, featuring talents the likes of Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, the late Alan Rickman, and more. The plot of the story follows 19-year-old Alice Kingsley, who, while mourning the loss of her father, embarks on a fantastical journey to self-discovery and empowerment after falling into a familiar rabbit hole. On her journey, she encounters familiar friends and foes: the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, Absolem the caterpillar, and the Red and White queens, respectively portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway. The movie grossed USD 1,025 billion worldwide, making it the second highest grossing film of 2010 – right behind Toy Story 3.

Watch here.

15. Incredibles 2 – USD 200 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
One of Disney’s best-beloved animated movies, Incredibles 2 is also one of the studio’s most expensive movies ever made. (Image: Disney)

With a production budget more than double that of the first Incredibles movie (USD 92 million), Incredibles 2 was billed for success from the get-go. Released in 2018, the movie, which encourages deeper thought and discourse on the media, follows media and telecommunications mogul Winston Deavor and his sister Evelyn who engage the Parrs in filming coordinated PR missions to help regain the public’s waning trust in superheroes. With a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie was a clear success, grossing over USD 1.2 billion worldwide.

Watch here.

14. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian – USD 225 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
The second instalment of the Chronicles of Narnia series cost Disney USD 225 million to make. (Image: Disney)

The second in the Chronicles of Narnia series, Prince Caspian, released in 2008, brought the Pevensies back to the magical, mythical land of Narnia – and fans along with them. Grossing a total of USD 419.6 million, it was the tenth highest grossing movie of 2008, with a 66% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on the book of the same name by British author C.S. Lewis, the movie follows the Pevensie siblings on a new quest – to help Prince Caspian reclaim his throne by defeating the evil King Miraz. Returning actors from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Liam Neeson, and Tilda Swinton were joined by newcomers Ben Barnes, Peter Dinklage, Eddie Izzard, and more.

Watch here.

13. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest – USD 225 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Partly animated in CGI and filmed in Palos Verdes, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and The Bahamas, Dead Man’s Chest comes in thirteenth on our list. (Image: Disney)

The second installment of the now world-famous Pirates of the Caribbean series, Dead Man’s Chest (2006) was almost immediately hailed as a resounding success. With a 7.4/10 rating in IMDb, the movie, starring longtime franchise alumni Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, and Jonathan Pryce went on to gross USD 1.066 billion, making it the highest grossing movie of 2006. The movie picks up where the first Pirates left off, with the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow trying to outsmart yet another adversary – in this iteration, the ghostly pirate Captain Davey Jones to whom he owes a blood debt. The motley crew embarks on a journey to retrieve Davey Jones’ heart and thus save Jack from a lifetime of extended servitude, making for a fun and action-filled adventure.

Watch here.

12. Maleficent – USD 226 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Starring Angelina Jolie as the titular character, Maleficent comes in twelfth in this list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made. (Image: Disney)

Widely considered to be Disney’s first foray into Villain origin stories, Maleficent, released in 2014, came out with a bang. A beautiful dark fantasy film directed by Robert Stromberg, Maleficent delves deeper into the mind of the iconic villainess – and, in a surprisingly poignant show of a mother’s love, turns the classic on its head. With the titular character played by Angelina Jolie and Aurora by the angelic Elle Fanning, the movie boasts an all-star cast that also includes The Crown’s Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, and more. The movie grossed USD 758 million worldwide.

Watch here.

11. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales – USD 230 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Dead Men Tell No Tales saw the return of Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley, who reprised their roles as Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann. (Image: Disney)

The fifth and latest installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise, Dead Men Tell No Tales was released in 2017, grossing USD 795.9 million worldwide. It follows longtime franchise favourites Jack Sparrow and Barbossa as they embark on a mission to thwart Spanish pirate-hunter, Captain Armando Salazar. Accompanied by the Barbossa’s long-lost daughter Carina and Henry Turner (that’s Will and Elizabeth’s son for those of you who haven’t kept score), the crew sets about to track down the Trident of Poseidon, which they believe will break all the curses upon the sea. Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley all reprise their roles, joined by newcomers Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, and Kaya Scodelario.

Watch here.

10. The Lone Ranger – USD 250 million

The Lone Ranger stars Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, and Helena Bonham Carter (Image: Disney)

Despite its stellar cast (Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, and Helena Bonham Carter among others) and a rather generous budget, Gore Verbinski’s The Lone Ranger (2013) is widely considered to be a bomb. In addition to its USD 250 billion production costs, the movie also racked up around USD 150 million in marketing costs – all of which were not recouped upon its release, when the film grossed only USD 260.5 million worldwide. The film centers a story told in retrospect by Native American Tonto, who recounts his adventures with his old companion John Reid, a lawman famously known as the Lone Ranger.

9. Beauty and the Beast – USD 255 million

Harry Potter alum Emma Watson brings her sparkle as Belle. (Image: Disney)

Coming in ninth on our list is Disney’s 2017 live action remake of Beauty and the Beast. With a budget of USD 255 million and a superstar cast including Harry Potter alumnus Emma Watson as the titular protagonist Belle, this unforgettable retelling includes a brand-new song, performed by Dan Stevens who portrays the Beast (also known as Prince Adam). Other big names in the cast include Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, Stanley Tucci, Emma Thompson, and more. The movie grossed USD 1,266 billion worldwide and become the second highest-grossing film of 2017.

Watch here.

8. The Lion King – USD 260 million

The Lion King grossed USD 1,663 billion worldwide against a budget of USD 260 million, landing it eighth on our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made. (Image: Disney)

Disney’s live action The Lion King movie was released in 2019, grossing USD 1,663 billion worldwide. The photorealistic computer animated film features the vocal talents of many top-tier industry names, including Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Oliver, James Earl Jones, and even the queen bee herself: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. With a budget of USD 260 million, it is one of the most expensive films ever made by Disney and is currently the 9th highest grossing film of all time.

Watch here.

7. Tangled – USD 260 million

A favourite among animated Disney movies, Tangled is definitely one of the most expensive ever made. (Image: Disney)

Released in 2010 and Disney’s most expensive animated movie to date, Tangled tells the tale of a kidnapped princess Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) on a mission to see floating lanterns that light up the sky every year on her birthday. The sweetly naive princess easily captured the hearts of viewers with her artistic side, cheerful disposition, and inherent goodness, these same traits also winning over the heart of her charming rogue-turned-sidekick-turned-lover Flynn Rider (voiced by Zachary Levi). As one of Disney’s best loved animated movies, Tangled boasts a soft but vibrant animation style that neither tries to be hyper-realistic, nor takes itself too seriously, both of which contribute to its inherent charm. Grossing USD 592.5 million worldwide, it received largely positive reviews from critics, and has an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Watch here.

6. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny – USD 295 million

The latest instalment of the Indiana Jones series cost USD 295 million to make, landing it on sixth in our list. (Image: Disney)

A 2023 release that saw Harrison Ford’s return to screen as the iconic titular character, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny received a production budget of around USD 295 to 300 million – but sadly grossed only USD 384 million in return. The movie follows Jones on a round-the-world treasure hunt for the Dial of Destiny, accompanied by his long-lost god-daughter Helena Shaw (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge of Fleabag acclaim) and her teenage sidekick Teddy Kumar. Astrophysicist Jürgen Voller (portrayed by the ever alluring Mads Mikkelsen) is set up as the movie’s main antagonist who pursues the trio with unbridled zeal. Despite making a loss, the movie holds a fair 69% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Watch a sneak peek here.

5. The Little Mermaid – USD 297 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
The Little Mermaid famously went overbudget, racking up USD 297 million in production costs and making it fifth on our list of the most expensive Disney films ever made. (Image: Disney)

Yet another 2023 release, Disney’s live action remake of The Little Mermaid became one of its most expensive movies of all time. While initially given a production budget of USD 250 million, the movie would eventually end up costing the studio USD 297 million, grossing USD 569 million worldwide. The movie features the stunning vocals of Halle Bailey and relied mostly on CGI to recreate the iconic ocean characters longtime lovers of the tale have come to know and love. Despite the steep cost, netizens were less than impressed with the CGI work, with some calling beloved sidekick Flounder ‘freakishly cartoonish’. However, the general consensus is that the cast is stellar – from Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula to Javier Bardem’s King Triton alike.

Watch here.

4. John Carter – USD 306 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Despite its lacklustre performance at the box office, John Carter was one of the most expensive Disney movies ever made with a budget of USD 306 million – thus making it number four on our list. (Image: Disney)

Released in 2012, sci-fi action-adventure film John Carter stars Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Dominic West, and Mark Strong among others. With a production budget of USD 300 million, the movie had initially been conceived as a trilogy based on the science fantasy novel A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs. However, given its poor response at the box office with the film grossing only USD 284.1 million, the studio decided to cancel the second and third instalments of the trilogy: Gods of Mars and Warlord of Mars.

Watch here.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End – USD 300 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise cost around USD 1,274–1,364 billion to make, in total. Understandably so, all the movies from the franchise, barring the first, appear on our list. (Image: Disney)

The third of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, At World’s End was filmed immediately after Dead Man’s Chest. It was released in 2007 to general acclaim, grossing USD 963.4 million worldwide. The movie follows Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann, and Captain Barbossa as they team up to rescue Captain Jack Sparrow from the depths of Davy Jones’ Locker. A swashbuckling tale that marries backstabbing, pirate politics, and literal shipping, it is a testament to great cinema, and a movie that certainly deserves its hefty price tag. Chow Yun-Fat joins the shining mainstays of the Pirates ensemble: Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush, and more.

Watch here.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – USD 410 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Second on our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made, the fourth instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise cost USD 410 million to make. (Image: Disney)

Disney certainly knows how to make waves and make waves they did with the fourth instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise – which incidentally also happens to be the fourth most expensive film of all time. On Stranger Tides, which was released in 2011, brought Captain Jack Sparrow back to the big screen, this time sans the antics of longtime companions Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann. On the hunt for the Fountain of Youth, Jack encounters his former lover Angelica, longtime rival Barbossa, legendary pirate and Captain Blackbeard, and a bevy of other characters that make the journey an absolute adventure to remember. Showcasing the talents of actors Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, and Sam Claflin among others, the movie would go on to gross USD 1.046 billion worldwide.

Watch here.

1. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens – USD 447 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Clocking in at a budget of USD 447 million, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens tops our list as the most expensive Disney movie ever made. In fact, it’s the most expensive movie ever made, period. (Image: Disney)

The Star Wars franchise needs no introduction. Rich in lore featured in movies spanning decades, it comes as no surprise that the seventh instalment of the series, which was released in 2015, would rack up a massive production cost, which, at USD 447 million, makes it the most expensive Disney movie ever made. And fun fact: It is also simply the most expensive movie ever made across all studios.

To this day, it is the fifth highest grossing movie of all time, raking in USD 2,07 billion worldwide and gaining critical acclaim among fans and critics alike. With a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Force Awakens is certified fresh, with the original dream team Harrison Ford, Carrie Fischer, and Mark Hamill reprising their roles alongside the newer faces of the franchise: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, and more.

Watch here.

Honourable mentions

Big Hero 6 – USD 165 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
An honourable mention in our list of the most expensive Disney movies ever made, Big Hero 6 is an animated hit that is often praised for its poignant take on grief and loss. (Image: Disney)

Academy award-winning Big Hero 6 may not be the most expensive animated Disney movie ever made, but it sure pulled its weight in box office earnings and deserves a place in our list. Grossing USD 657.8 million, the 2014 animation is beloved for its themes of courage, loyalty, heart, and humour; it is also much lauded for its poignant take on grief and loss. The plot follows 14-year-old robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada in his quest to avenge his brother’s death. On the way, he is joined by an inflatable healthcare robot Baymax – his brother’s work and legacy, as well as his brother’s friends. It stars Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Daniel Henney, T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung, and more.

Watch here.

Ralph Breaks The Internet – USD 175 million

disney movies list, most expensive disney movies ever made
Although it isn’t the most expensive animated Disney movie ever made, Ralph Breaks The Internet was still met with enthusiasm. (Image: Disney)

Disney’s animated movie Ralph Breaks The Internet (2018) is a sequel to Wreck-It Ralph, and follows the misadventures of 8-bit video game baddie Ralph and his best friend, Vanellope von Schweetz. The fun-filled show, which grossed USD 529.3 million worldwide finds the dynamic (and destructive) duo in a race against time through the Internet to save Vannelope’s video game, “Sugar Rush”. Along the way, they meet with the denizens of the internet – netizens, many of whom are familiar faces we have all come to know and love. Lending their voices to the animation is a star-studded cast including Sarah Silverman, John C. Reilly, Taraji P. Henson, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk, and more. As far as cameos go, this movie has got it all.

Watch here.

(Main and featured image: Disney)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is Disney’s most expensive movie?

To date, the most expensive Disney movie ever made is Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, which had a production budget of USD 447 million. The most expensive animated Disney movie ever made, however, is Tangled, which had a production budget of USD 260 million.

– What is the most expensive film ever made?

With its budget of USD 447 million, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens is the most expensive film ever made.

– What are the 5 most expensive movies ever made?

The five most expensive movies ever made are, in order: Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015) with a production budget of USD 447 million, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) with a production budget of USD 432 million, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) with a production budget of USD 416 million, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) with a production budget of USD 379 million, and Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) with a production budget of USD 365 million.

– What is the cheapest Disney movie ever made?

Bambi (1942) only had a budget of USD 858,000, making it the cheapest Disney movie ever made.

The post 21 of the Most Expensive Disney Movies Ever Made appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> ‘Sweet Home’ Season 3: Its Release Date, Plot Details, Cast And More https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/sweet-home-season-3-release-date-plot-details-cast/ Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:01 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=296254

Korean dramas have a unique charm, captivating audiences around the world with their passionate storytelling and compelling plots. One such gem is the Netflix sensation Sweet Home, an action-horror series based on the popular webtoon of the same name. Since its debut in December 2020, the show has garnered immense popularity, leaving fans in much anticipation for season 2 which premiered on December 1 2023.

Being hailed as one of the best post-apocalyptic shows out there, the gripping narrative in Sweet Home season 2 follows survivors Cha Hyun-su (Song Kang), Lee Eun-yu (Go Min-si), Seo Yi-kyung (Lee Si-young) and Pyeon Sang-wook (Lee Jin-uk) as they navigate a world where the majority of the population has transformed into grotesque monsters.

While the gap between the first two seasons was three years, fortunately, that won’t be the case with Sweet Home season 3. While Netflix had promptly reassured fans by announcing the renewal for both the second and third seasons in June 2022, excitement is building as season 3 is scheduled for a 2024 release. Now the question arises, when exactly in 2024 will Sweet Home season 3 premiere? 

If you are eager to find out the answer, scroll on as we unravel everything there is to know about Sweet Home season 3, including its potential plot twists and of course, its release date.

‘Sweet Home’ season 3: What do we know about its potential plot? 

sweet home season 3 release date
Picture Credits: Instagram/Netflix

Season 2 served as a tantalising setup, posing mysteries about the fate of human souls post-transformation into monsters and the survival of humanity itself.

Season 3 of Sweet Home has the potential to delve deeper into the origins, motivations and vulnerabilities of the characters. From the enigma surrounding Yi Kyung’s daughter to Chief Ji and Sergeant Tak revealing secrets, the upcoming season promises to unravel these mysteries, offering a more satisfying conclusion.

The introduction of two new monster variations, including Yi-kyung’s child with special powers and humanlike creatures from monster cocoons, also adds an intriguing layer. The revelation of Eun-hyeok’s transformation into a monster sets the stage for him to be a menacing villain in Sweet Home season 3.

Do we have a release date for ‘Sweet Home’ season 3?

Picture Credits: Instagram/Netflix

While the season 2 finale left fans on the edge of their seats with multiple cliffhangers, the good news is that Sweet Home season 3 is set to premiere in the summer of 2024, allowing viewers to quench their curiosity about the development sooner than they think.

The swift return of the next instalment is attributed to both seasons being filmed back-to-back. In fact, production for season 3 concluded back in March 2023.

‘Sweet Home’ season 3 cast: Who’s reprising their roles?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Netflix Korea (@netflixkr)

Fans can anticipate the return of all cast members including Song Kang (Cha Hyun-su), Go Min-si (Lee Eun-yu), Jinyoung (Park Chan-young), Yoo Oh-seong (Tak In-hwan), Oh Jung-se (Dr. Lim), Kim Moo-yeol (Kim Young-hu), Kim Si-a (Ah-yi) and Lee Jin-uk (Pyeon Sang-wook/Jung Ui-Myeong).

Notably, the surprise return of Lee Eun-hyuk adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.

Do we have a trailer for ‘Sweet Home’ season 3?

Sweet Home season 3 release date
Picture Credits: Instagram/Netflix

As of now, there’s no trailer for Sweet Home season 3. However, with its anticipated summer 2024 release, fans won’t have to wait for long before being treated to a sneak peek of the thrilling K-drama.

Meanwhile, you can check out the trailer for ‘Sweet Home 2′: 

(Header and feature image courtesy: Instagram/Netflix)

This story first appeared on Augustman. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Is Sweet Home season 3 confirmed?
Yes, Sweet Home season 3 is confirmed. Netflix announced the renewal of the third instalment in June 2022.

– When is Sweet Home season 3 releasing?
Sweet Home season 3 is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2024.

– What will be the plot of Sweet Home season 3?
Season 3 is expected to delve deeper into the origins, motivations and vulnerabilities of the characters. It will also address the mysteries that were left unresolved in season 2.

– When is the Sweet Home season 3 trailer expected to be released?
As of now, there’s no specific release date for the season 3 trailer. 

The post ‘Sweet Home’ Season 3: Its Release Date, Plot Details, Cast And More appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Korean dramas have a unique charm, captivating audiences around the world with their passionate storytelling and compelling plots. One such gem is the Netflix sensation Sweet Home, an action-horror series based on the popular webtoon of the same name. Since its debut in December 2020, the show has garnered immense popularity, leaving fans in much anticipation for season 2 which premiered on December 1 2023.

Being hailed as one of the best post-apocalyptic shows out there, the gripping narrative in Sweet Home season 2 follows survivors Cha Hyun-su (Song Kang), Lee Eun-yu (Go Min-si), Seo Yi-kyung (Lee Si-young) and Pyeon Sang-wook (Lee Jin-uk) as they navigate a world where the majority of the population has transformed into grotesque monsters.

While the gap between the first two seasons was three years, fortunately, that won’t be the case with Sweet Home season 3. While Netflix had promptly reassured fans by announcing the renewal for both the second and third seasons in June 2022, excitement is building as season 3 is scheduled for a 2024 release. Now the question arises, when exactly in 2024 will Sweet Home season 3 premiere? 

If you are eager to find out the answer, scroll on as we unravel everything there is to know about Sweet Home season 3, including its potential plot twists and of course, its release date.

‘Sweet Home’ season 3: What do we know about its potential plot? 

sweet home season 3 release date
Picture Credits: Instagram/Netflix

Season 2 served as a tantalising setup, posing mysteries about the fate of human souls post-transformation into monsters and the survival of humanity itself.

Season 3 of Sweet Home has the potential to delve deeper into the origins, motivations and vulnerabilities of the characters. From the enigma surrounding Yi Kyung’s daughter to Chief Ji and Sergeant Tak revealing secrets, the upcoming season promises to unravel these mysteries, offering a more satisfying conclusion.

The introduction of two new monster variations, including Yi-kyung’s child with special powers and humanlike creatures from monster cocoons, also adds an intriguing layer. The revelation of Eun-hyeok’s transformation into a monster sets the stage for him to be a menacing villain in Sweet Home season 3.

Do we have a release date for ‘Sweet Home’ season 3?

Picture Credits: Instagram/Netflix

While the season 2 finale left fans on the edge of their seats with multiple cliffhangers, the good news is that Sweet Home season 3 is set to premiere in the summer of 2024, allowing viewers to quench their curiosity about the development sooner than they think.

The swift return of the next instalment is attributed to both seasons being filmed back-to-back. In fact, production for season 3 concluded back in March 2023.

‘Sweet Home’ season 3 cast: Who’s reprising their roles?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Netflix Korea (@netflixkr)

Fans can anticipate the return of all cast members including Song Kang (Cha Hyun-su), Go Min-si (Lee Eun-yu), Jinyoung (Park Chan-young), Yoo Oh-seong (Tak In-hwan), Oh Jung-se (Dr. Lim), Kim Moo-yeol (Kim Young-hu), Kim Si-a (Ah-yi) and Lee Jin-uk (Pyeon Sang-wook/Jung Ui-Myeong).

Notably, the surprise return of Lee Eun-hyuk adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.

Do we have a trailer for ‘Sweet Home’ season 3?

Sweet Home season 3 release date
Picture Credits: Instagram/Netflix

As of now, there’s no trailer for Sweet Home season 3. However, with its anticipated summer 2024 release, fans won’t have to wait for long before being treated to a sneak peek of the thrilling K-drama.

Meanwhile, you can check out the trailer for ‘Sweet Home 2′: 

(Header and feature image courtesy: Instagram/Netflix)

This story first appeared on Augustman. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Is Sweet Home season 3 confirmed?
Yes, Sweet Home season 3 is confirmed. Netflix announced the renewal of the third instalment in June 2022.

– When is Sweet Home season 3 releasing?
Sweet Home season 3 is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2024.

– What will be the plot of Sweet Home season 3?
Season 3 is expected to delve deeper into the origins, motivations and vulnerabilities of the characters. It will also address the mysteries that were left unresolved in season 2.

– When is the Sweet Home season 3 trailer expected to be released?
As of now, there’s no specific release date for the season 3 trailer. 

The post ‘Sweet Home’ Season 3: Its Release Date, Plot Details, Cast And More appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Love Is Blind: Everything We Know About Seasons 6 And 7 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/love-is-blind-season-6-and-7-details/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 18:00:40 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=296511

Love Is Blind fans are in for even more fun, as season 6 has now been given a release date and season 7 has just been confirmed.

It’s the Netflix reality show that continues to grip viewers despite its wild premise, but we’re not just getting one more season of Love Is Blind as the popular dating reality show has been picked up for a seventh instalment, with its season 7 release date yet to be confirmed.

Season 5 of the hit Netflix series premiered on the streamer back in September, but fans will have to wait until February next year for season 6, which has been confirmed to debut on Wednesday, 14 February 2024, aka Valentine’s Day.

Once more, a batch of single men and women will take to the pods to chat to strangers with the hopes of finding their match, falling in love and forming an emotional connection not founded on the basis of physical attraction.

The news was announced with a teaser posted to Netflix’s Twitter account (which has rebranded to X) in which hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey are seen putting some finishing touches to the pods, saying they need a little more time to get things ready.

Previous seasons of Love Is Blind have ventured to Seattle in Washington, Portland in Oregon and Houston in Texas, but the sixth season will be in Charlotte, North Carolina.

What to expect on Love Is Blind season 6

nick and vanessa lachey
Vanessa and Nick Lachey are the hosts of Love Is Blind, which returns for season 6 in 2024 and has been renewed for season 7. (Image: Netflix)

The show’s season 6 participants are yet to be confirmed, but if previous seasons are anything to go by, there’s set to be a fair share of drama, explosive storylines and, of course, some budding love stories.

The series has kept viewers gripped since season 1 initially premiered in 2020 and has continually dominated Netflix’s charts upon new season releases.

According to the streamer, every season has ranked in the top 10 upon its release. The fifth season spent five consecutive spending weeks on the English-language TV list and went on to reach the top 10 in 49 countries after its premiere.


Watch Love Is Blind here

(Main image: Netflix/ IMDb; Featured image: Netflix)

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

 

The post <i>Love Is Blind</i>: Everything We Know About Seasons 6 And 7 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]>

Love Is Blind fans are in for even more fun, as season 6 has now been given a release date and season 7 has just been confirmed.

It’s the Netflix reality show that continues to grip viewers despite its wild premise, but we’re not just getting one more season of Love Is Blind as the popular dating reality show has been picked up for a seventh instalment, with its season 7 release date yet to be confirmed.

Season 5 of the hit Netflix series premiered on the streamer back in September, but fans will have to wait until February next year for season 6, which has been confirmed to debut on Wednesday, 14 February 2024, aka Valentine’s Day.

Once more, a batch of single men and women will take to the pods to chat to strangers with the hopes of finding their match, falling in love and forming an emotional connection not founded on the basis of physical attraction.

The news was announced with a teaser posted to Netflix’s Twitter account (which has rebranded to X) in which hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey are seen putting some finishing touches to the pods, saying they need a little more time to get things ready.

Previous seasons of Love Is Blind have ventured to Seattle in Washington, Portland in Oregon and Houston in Texas, but the sixth season will be in Charlotte, North Carolina.

What to expect on Love Is Blind season 6

nick and vanessa lachey
Vanessa and Nick Lachey are the hosts of Love Is Blind, which returns for season 6 in 2024 and has been renewed for season 7. (Image: Netflix)

The show’s season 6 participants are yet to be confirmed, but if previous seasons are anything to go by, there’s set to be a fair share of drama, explosive storylines and, of course, some budding love stories.

The series has kept viewers gripped since season 1 initially premiered in 2020 and has continually dominated Netflix’s charts upon new season releases.

According to the streamer, every season has ranked in the top 10 upon its release. The fifth season spent five consecutive spending weeks on the English-language TV list and went on to reach the top 10 in 49 countries after its premiere.

Watch Love Is Blind here

(Main image: Netflix/ IMDb; Featured image: Netflix)

This story first appeared on www.radiotimes.com

© Immediate Media Company London Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. First published on RadioTimes.com and reproduced with permission of Immediate Media Company London Limited. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission is prohibited. Radio Times and the Radio Times logo are registered trade marks of Immediate Media Company London Limited and used under licence.

 

The post <i>Love Is Blind</i>: Everything We Know About Seasons 6 And 7 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> The Game Awards 2023: The Winners And The Big Reveals https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/game-awards-2023-winners-reveals-news-info/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:30 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=296253

The recent Game Awards 2023 had celebrities, very little devs, Christopher Judge and a CoD joke—oh, and some winners and big reveals.

Last Friday, The Game Awards 2023 ceremony was hosted at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles and live-streamed to viewers all over the world. 2023 has been a massive year for games and saw majorly successful titles competing for the same awards. Not only that, but exciting news about upcoming games and trailers had fans hyped up all night.

There were 31 categories and the winners were decided by fans and a voting jury of experts. For the majority of the winners, fans’ choice weighed 10% while the experts’ choice weighed 90%. A separate Players’ Voice award was 100% voted for by the public. After four weeks of voting, fans finally got to see if their most beloved games would be recognised.

Game of the Year

The biggest award of the night had very strong contenders from this year’s releases. All the nominees were fan-favourites and excelled in every aspect. Alan Wake 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Resident Evil 4, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are all great games in their own right, but only one could win Game of the Year, and that was Baldur’s Gate 3.

Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, was the biggest winner of the night, winning six out of nine nominations for The Game Awards. In addition to the most prestigioous Game of the Year, they also won Best Role Playing Game, Best Multiplayer, and Players’ Voice. The game had been in development for six years and offered an interactive player experience like no other. With all the love and critical acclaim it has gotten since release, it’s safe to say that Baldur’s Gate 3 deserves the awards they won. Watch the moment when CEO and Founder of Larian Studios, Swen Vincke, accepted the Game of the Year award (and in full suit of armour no less).

Reveals, trailers, and more

This year’s Game Awards had some exciting news on long-awaited games, some of which were being revealed for the very first time. Monster Hunter fans can look forward to slaying and carving more monsters in Monster Hunter: Wilds, which is coming in 2025. Look forward to playing as a certain vampire hunter, because Marvel’s Blade is in development at Arkane Lyon, the same studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop. Hello Games, developer of No Man’s Sky, also revealed Light No Fire, set in a world “the size of Earth”.

Hideo Kajima gave a first look into his upcoming Xbox game, now titled OD, with Jordan Peele being revealed as a collaborator and the likes of Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier set to feature in the game. Released games got some love too — God of War Ragnarok will be getting a free DLC available on December 12 while Final Fantasy XVI just dropped Echoes of the Fallen with a second DLC, The Rising Tide, coming in spring 2024.

Though 2023 has been a great year for games, the next few years are looking to be just as promising. Head below for the full list of winners from the award show.

2023 Winners of The Game Awards

Game of the Year: Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian Studios

Best Game Direction: Alan Wake 2 — Remedy Entertainment / Epic Games Publishing

Best Narrative: Alan Wake 2 — Remedy Entertainment / Epic Games Publishing

Best Art Direction: Alan Wake 2 — Remedy Entertainment / Epic Games Publishing

Best Score and Music: Final Fantasy XVI — Masayoshi Soken

Best Audio Design: Hi-Fi Rush — Tango Gameworks / Bethesda Softworks

Best Performance: Neil Newbon as Astarion — Baldur’s Gate 3

Games for Impact: Tchia — Awaceb / Kepler Interactive

Best Independent Game: Sea of Stars — Sabotage Studios

Best Debut Indie Game: Cocoon — Geometric Interactive / Annapurna Interactive

Best Ongoing Game: Cyberpunk 2077 — CD Projekt Red / CD Projekt

Best Community Support: Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian Studios

Best Mobile Game: Honkai: Star Rail — miHoYo / HoYoverse

Best VR/AR Game: Resident Evil Village — Capcom

Best Action Game: Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon — FromSoftware / Bandai Namco Entertainment

Best Action/Adventure Game: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — Nintendo EPD / Nintendo

Best Role Playing Game: Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian Studios

Best Fighting Game: Street Fighter 6 — Capcom

Best Family Game: Super Mario Bros. Wonder — Nintendo EPD / Nintendo

Best Sim/Strategy Game: Pikmin 4 — Nintendo EPD / Nintendo

Best Sports/Racing Game: Forza Motorsport — Turn 10 Studios / Xbox Game Studios

Best Multiplayer Game: Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian Studios

Innovation in Accessibility: Forza Motorsport — Turn 10 Studios / Xbox Game Studios

Best Adaptation: The Last of Us (television series) — PlayStation Productions / HBO

Most Anticipated Game: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth — Square Enix Creative Business Unit I / Square Enix

Players’ Voice: Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian Studios

(Images: The Game Awards)

The post The Game Awards 2023: The Winners And The Big Reveals appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

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The recent Game Awards 2023 had celebrities, very little devs, Christopher Judge and a CoD joke—oh, and some winners and big reveals.

Last Friday, The Game Awards 2023 ceremony was hosted at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles and live-streamed to viewers all over the world. 2023 has been a massive year for games and saw majorly successful titles competing for the same awards. Not only that, but exciting news about upcoming games and trailers had fans hyped up all night.

There were 31 categories and the winners were decided by fans and a voting jury of experts. For the majority of the winners, fans’ choice weighed 10% while the experts’ choice weighed 90%. A separate Players’ Voice award was 100% voted for by the public. After four weeks of voting, fans finally got to see if their most beloved games would be recognised.

Game of the Year

The biggest award of the night had very strong contenders from this year’s releases. All the nominees were fan-favourites and excelled in every aspect. Alan Wake 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Resident Evil 4, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are all great games in their own right, but only one could win Game of the Year, and that was Baldur’s Gate 3.

Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, was the biggest winner of the night, winning six out of nine nominations for The Game Awards. In addition to the most prestigioous Game of the Year, they also won Best Role Playing Game, Best Multiplayer, and Players’ Voice. The game had been in development for six years and offered an interactive player experience like no other. With all the love and critical acclaim it has gotten since release, it’s safe to say that Baldur’s Gate 3 deserves the awards they won. Watch the moment when CEO and Founder of Larian Studios, Swen Vincke, accepted the Game of the Year award (and in full suit of armour no less).

Reveals, trailers, and more

This year’s Game Awards had some exciting news on long-awaited games, some of which were being revealed for the very first time. Monster Hunter fans can look forward to slaying and carving more monsters in Monster Hunter: Wilds, which is coming in 2025. Look forward to playing as a certain vampire hunter, because Marvel’s Blade is in development at Arkane Lyon, the same studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop. Hello Games, developer of No Man’s Sky, also revealed Light No Fire, set in a world “the size of Earth”.

Hideo Kajima gave a first look into his upcoming Xbox game, now titled OD, with Jordan Peele being revealed as a collaborator and the likes of Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier set to feature in the game. Released games got some love too — God of War Ragnarok will be getting a free DLC available on December 12 while Final Fantasy XVI just dropped Echoes of the Fallen with a second DLC, The Rising Tide, coming in spring 2024.

Though 2023 has been a great year for games, the next few years are looking to be just as promising. Head below for the full list of winners from the award show.

2023 Winners of The Game Awards

Game of the Year: Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian Studios

Best Game Direction: Alan Wake 2 — Remedy Entertainment / Epic Games Publishing

Best Narrative: Alan Wake 2 — Remedy Entertainment / Epic Games Publishing

Best Art Direction: Alan Wake 2 — Remedy Entertainment / Epic Games Publishing

Best Score and Music: Final Fantasy XVI — Masayoshi Soken

Best Audio Design: Hi-Fi Rush — Tango Gameworks / Bethesda Softworks

Best Performance: Neil Newbon as Astarion — Baldur’s Gate 3

Games for Impact: Tchia — Awaceb / Kepler Interactive

Best Independent Game: Sea of Stars — Sabotage Studios

Best Debut Indie Game: Cocoon — Geometric Interactive / Annapurna Interactive

Best Ongoing Game: Cyberpunk 2077 — CD Projekt Red / CD Projekt

Best Community Support: Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian Studios

Best Mobile Game: Honkai: Star Rail — miHoYo / HoYoverse

Best VR/AR Game: Resident Evil Village — Capcom

Best Action Game: Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon — FromSoftware / Bandai Namco Entertainment

Best Action/Adventure Game: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — Nintendo EPD / Nintendo

Best Role Playing Game: Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian Studios

Best Fighting Game: Street Fighter 6 — Capcom

Best Family Game: Super Mario Bros. Wonder — Nintendo EPD / Nintendo

Best Sim/Strategy Game: Pikmin 4 — Nintendo EPD / Nintendo

Best Sports/Racing Game: Forza Motorsport — Turn 10 Studios / Xbox Game Studios

Best Multiplayer Game: Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian Studios

Innovation in Accessibility: Forza Motorsport — Turn 10 Studios / Xbox Game Studios

Best Adaptation: The Last of Us (television series) — PlayStation Productions / HBO

Most Anticipated Game: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth — Square Enix Creative Business Unit I / Square Enix

Players’ Voice: Baldur’s Gate 3 — Larian Studios

(Images: The Game Awards)

The post The Game Awards 2023: The Winners And The Big Reveals appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Best Christmas Specials to Watch This Holiday Season https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/best-christmas-specials-to-watch-this-holiday-season/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 06:00:30 +0000 https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/?p=295318 Christmas specials shows

Have you planned your Christmas binge-watching schedule for this year yet? If not, you’re in for a treat! The holiday season is a time for family and good times and there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by watching Christmas specials on television. Whether you’re a fan of animated jewels or love a good family drama, these holiday shows are the perfect way to add some festive cheer to your life. So, get ready to take a sleigh ride down memory lane, as we look back at some of the greatest specials that have never failed to capture the spirit of the season.

TV and Christmas specials go hand in hand, like twinkling lights on a Christmas tree. Ever since the advent of television, we’ve been able to mark the arrival of the festive season by watching our favourite comedy show transform into a magical winter wonderland full of garlands and twinkling lights. Even though streaming has revolutionised our viewing habits, the magic of the good old-fashioned Christmas variety show lives on. On many platforms, it’s an annual tradition, bringing together an all-star cast of movie stars or pop stars to perform Christmas classics on stage. So, here’s to snuggling, cocoa and the bright lights of Christmas, all wrapped up in the timeless magic of television’s finest holiday specials.

Christmas special shows that’ll warm your heart

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)


When it comes to Dr. Seuss’ classic tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas! the small screen triumphs over its feature-length counterparts. Though the 2018 film The Grinch is the highest-grossing Christmas film of all time, the 1966 TV feature solidified its position as a holiday classic. Unlike the original novel, this film cemented the Grinch’s legacy as a true holiday icon. The proof is literally in the green pudding. The Grinch isn’t featured in the book with the famous green hue that we’ve come to identify with his mischievous deeds. The TV special Christmas show is responsible for turning him green and instilling this colourful image in our collective holiday psyche, making it an essential part of the holiday season.

The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

The Year Without a Santa Claus is a famous Rankin/Bass animated Christmas television special. The plot revolves around Santa Claus, who grows disheartened and decides to forego Christmas for a year, believing that people have forgotten the actual spirit of the season. Mrs. Claus sets off on a journey with two adorable elves named Jingle and Jangle to restore Santa’s confidence in humanity. They travel to Southtown, USA, in search of proof that people still believe in and care about Christmas. They meet memorable characters along the route, such as the Heat Miser and Snow Miser, who manipulate the elements. The special is remembered for its lovable characters, catchy tunes, and theme of rediscovering the magic of Christmas.

The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

The animated Christmas special The Little Drummer Boy (1968) has left a lasting impression on holiday traditions. This timeless classic tells the story of Aaron, a young drummer who discovers the true meaning of Christmas through a miracle encounter. Aaron, who is distrustful of others, finds himself at the centre of the nativity story, where his simple gift of beating the drum transforms an insignificant moment into one of tremendous meaning. This classic Christmas show captures the essence of the holiday spirit, reminding us that even the simplest offerings may carry enormous power when laced with truth and love.

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Frosty the Snowman is a beloved animated Christmas spectacular. The show, produced by Rankin/Bass, is based on the iconic holiday song of the same name, which has been a treasured part of holiday rituals for generations. The plot revolves around Frosty, a snowman who is brought to life by a magical hat. Karen, a young girl, befriends Frosty, and the two set off to the North Pole to save him from melting. Throughout their adventure, they face a variety of difficulties, including the pursuit of the greedy magician Professor Hinkle, who wants his magical hat back.

Christmas in Rockefeller Center with Kelly Clarkson (2023)

Kelly appears to be bringing an extra dose of holiday cheer to New York City this year! Hosting and singing at the “Christmas in Rockefeller Centre” tree-lighting event is an excellent way to kick off the holiday season. This year’s event, which went live on NBC and Peacock on November 29 at 8, was a stunning celebration. The renowned Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree, covered with thousands of sparkling lights, served as the focal point for a night packed with music, cheer, and holiday magic. If you haven’t watched it yet, this is a great musical celebration to watch with family and friends.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a well-known animated Christmas special show. This classic tale is based on the same-named 1939 poem and relates the touching story of Rudolph, a reindeer with a bright red nose that distinguishes him from his peers. Rudolph’s glowing nose serves as both a source of mockery and, eventually, a beacon of hope. The story follows Rudolph as he confronts difficulties, such as being excluded from reindeer games and having concerns about his role on Santa’s sleigh team. On a foggy Christmas Eve, however, Rudolph’s distinctive red nose proves to be a great tool, guiding Santa’s sleigh through the fog.

Barry Manilow’s A Very Barry Christmas (2023)


With A Very Barry Christmas, Barry Manilow is prepared to spread holiday cheer in a joyous musical spectacular. The iconic singer-songwriter promises a holiday event that will thrill both fans and holiday aficionados. Whether you watch it on Peacock or the NBC app, the streaming event provides the ideal opportunity to enjoy Barry Manilow’s iconic tunes and trademark style as he performs a special Christmas performance. Prepare yourself for a dose of holiday pleasure and musical brilliance as Barry Manilow brings his distinct charm to the holiday season. It’s a must-watch for anyone wishing to add the magic of Barry Manilow’s musical prowess to their celebrations.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

The animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas is well-known. This holiday classic, created by Charles M. Schulz, is part of the Peanuts series and has become an essential element of the holiday season. The plot focuses on Charlie Brown, the iconic figure who is struggling with the commercialisation of Christmas. Charlie is appointed director of the school Christmas performance, despite his disillusionment and search for the actual meaning of the holiday. Charlie Brown seeks solace and counsel from his pal Linus as he navigates issues such as a mournful Christmas tree and the pressures of holiday materialism. It is still a beloved holiday movie for many, reminding us of the value of love, friendship, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town is a classic stop-motion animated Christmas television special that explores the origin tale of Santa Claus, focusing on how Kris Kringle became the legendary character who provides joy to children all over the world. The myth of Santa Claus is told to children by the Winter Warlock and the mailman, Special Delivery Kluger. We learn about Kris Kringle, a kindhearted orphan who grows up to become Santa Claus. Along the way, he faces several obstacles, including the Winter Warlock, a toy-hating mayor, and a toy prohibition in the town of Sombertown. Throughout his travels, Kris Kringle presents toys to children and gradually changes into the merry old Saint Nicholas we know and love.

Black Mirror: White Christmas (2014)

Black Mirror: White Christmas is a special Christmas episode of the Netflix anthology series Black Mirror. The episode tells three interrelated stories on the darker side of technology and its impact on society. On Christmas Day, two protagonists, Matt (Jon Hamm) and Joe (Rafe Spall), are stationed in a lonely cabin. The story unfolds as they relate their experiences. The first narrative follows a dating coach who employs an implant to analyse people’s interactions, showing the problems of modern relationships. The second story is about a smart home system that regulates every aspect of a woman’s life, with troubling results. In the third story, a guy can “block” others in real life, causing them to appear as featureless avatars.

A Saturday Night Live Christmas Special (2023)

Look no further than the Christmas skits from the cult-favourite Saturday Night Live (SNL) for a hearty dose of laughter during the holiday season. The SNL Christmas special, which will run on December 14 and again on December 23, promises to be a holiday treat, featuring well-known skits from the show’s nearly 50-year history. SNL, which is known for its irreverent humour and satirical perspective on pop culture, has provided unforgettable holiday-themed sketches that feature legendary characters and humorous parodies. SNL’s Christmas special will undoubtedly offer joy and humour, making it a must-see for both fans and novices. Prepare to have a jolly good time as SNL unwraps the gift of holiday comedy!

iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2023

Celebrate this Christmas with amazing musical performances from some of pop’s biggest performers. The programme, recorded during the Jingle Ball Tour, will highlight the skills of major musicians who took part in the tour, including the brilliant Olivia Rodrigo, the soulful SZA, the captivating Niall Horan, and the iconic Nicki Minaj. Their electric performances will undoubtedly bring a musical touch to the holiday festivities, making this Christmas special a delight for comedy and music fans. Prepare for a star-studded party that combines laughter and chart-topping music to create the ideal festive environment for viewers of all tastes.

Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas (2011)


The holiday television special Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas is based on the iconic Ice Age animated film franchise. The special, directed by Karen Disher, reunites the iconic characters from the “Ice Age” series for a festive and heartwarming trip. Manny the Mammoth (voiced by Ray Romano), Sid the Sloth (played by John Leguizamo), Diego the Sabertooth Tiger (voiced by Denis Leary), and their eccentric companions prepare for the holiday season in the story. Things take a turn for the worse when Sid accidentally ruins Manny’s favourite holiday decorations. Sid, feeling responsible, embarks on a voyage to the North Pole to persuade Santa Claus to put Manny back on the nice list.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is a Disney+ original special that premiered last year. This holiday adventure involves Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), and Groot (Vin Diesel) from MCU‘s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. The Guardians embark on a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, in this holiday-themed adventure. Eventually, they go to Earth in pursuit of the perfect present for Quill. It has a unique blend of the franchise’s signature humour, action, and emotion, all wrapped up in a festive holiday package as the Guardians engage in chaotic hijinks.

A Flintstones Christmas Carol (1994)

The animated television special A Flintstones Christmas Carol is a holiday rendition of Charles Dickens’s classic work “A Christmas Carol,” but with the iconic prehistoric twist of the Flintstones universe. The special is a continuation of the long-running animated series “The Flintstones,” which shows the daily lives and adventures of the Stone Age family. In this Christmas special, Fred Flintstone plays Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly character from Charles Dickens’ story. The narrative arc is similar, with Fred being visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who strive to teach him the true meaning of Christmas.

Toy Story That Time Forgot (2014)

The Christmas-themed television Christmas special Toy Story That Time Forgot stars characters from the Toy Story film series. The plot picks up immediately after the events of Toy Story 3 and follows Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), and the gang as they come upon a troop of dinosaur action figurines known as the Battlesaurs. The Battlesaurs have no idea they are toys and assume they are genuine warriors fighting in gladiatorial conflicts. As the Toy Story characters traverse this foreign world of furious conflicts and action-figure delusions, the plot takes a funny turn. Trixie the triceratops, played by Kristen Schaal, plays an important role in the special as she attempts to speak with the Battlesaurs and assist her pals.

Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (2020)

The holiday musical show Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special stars the legendary pop diva Mariah Carey. Mariah Carey joins a host of special guests, including Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, and Snoop Dogg, for a fantasy adventure to the North Pole. They set out on a mission to spread holiday cheer and magic over the world. The musical extravaganza features renditions of iconic holiday tunes, including Mariah Carey’s chart-topping smash “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The event also includes new musical arrangements and joyous collaborations that give old songs a new and captivating spin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I watch Christmas episodes of TV shows?

Christmas episodes of a TV show are generally available to watch on the streaming platform the show is running.

Are there any shows similar to Black Mirror?

If you love Black Mirror you can give Love Death + Robots, Dark, Weird City, and Maniac a try.

What are the BBC Christmas specials?

Hundreds of box sets and vintage Christmas specials from popular shows such as Ghosts, Gavin and Stacey, Line of Duty, Shetland, Man Like Mobeen, Call the Midwife, This Country, Not Going Out and The Royle Family will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

What episodes of Friends are Christmas episodes?

The Christmas episodes of the show FRIENDS are, Season 2, Episode 9: “The One with Phoebe’s Dad”, Season 3, Episode 10: “The One Where Rachel Quits”, Season 4, Episode 10: “The One with the Girl from Poughkeepsie”, Season 5, Episode 10: “The One with the Inappropriate Sister”, Season 6, Episode 10: “The One with the Routine”, Season 7, Episode 10: “The One with the Holiday Armadillo”, Season 8, Episode 11: “The One with the Creepy Holiday Card”, Season 9, Episode 10: “The One with Christmas in Tulsa”.

The post Best Christmas Specials to Watch This Holiday Season appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

]]> Christmas specials shows

Have you planned your Christmas binge-watching schedule for this year yet? If not, you’re in for a treat! The holiday season is a time for family and good times and there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by watching Christmas specials on television. Whether you’re a fan of animated jewels or love a good family drama, these holiday shows are the perfect way to add some festive cheer to your life. So, get ready to take a sleigh ride down memory lane, as we look back at some of the greatest specials that have never failed to capture the spirit of the season.

TV and Christmas specials go hand in hand, like twinkling lights on a Christmas tree. Ever since the advent of television, we’ve been able to mark the arrival of the festive season by watching our favourite comedy show transform into a magical winter wonderland full of garlands and twinkling lights. Even though streaming has revolutionised our viewing habits, the magic of the good old-fashioned Christmas variety show lives on. On many platforms, it’s an annual tradition, bringing together an all-star cast of movie stars or pop stars to perform Christmas classics on stage. So, here’s to snuggling, cocoa and the bright lights of Christmas, all wrapped up in the timeless magic of television’s finest holiday specials.

Christmas special shows that’ll warm your heart

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)


When it comes to Dr. Seuss’ classic tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas! the small screen triumphs over its feature-length counterparts. Though the 2018 film The Grinch is the highest-grossing Christmas film of all time, the 1966 TV feature solidified its position as a holiday classic. Unlike the original novel, this film cemented the Grinch’s legacy as a true holiday icon. The proof is literally in the green pudding. The Grinch isn’t featured in the book with the famous green hue that we’ve come to identify with his mischievous deeds. The TV special Christmas show is responsible for turning him green and instilling this colourful image in our collective holiday psyche, making it an essential part of the holiday season.

The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

The Year Without a Santa Claus is a famous Rankin/Bass animated Christmas television special. The plot revolves around Santa Claus, who grows disheartened and decides to forego Christmas for a year, believing that people have forgotten the actual spirit of the season. Mrs. Claus sets off on a journey with two adorable elves named Jingle and Jangle to restore Santa’s confidence in humanity. They travel to Southtown, USA, in search of proof that people still believe in and care about Christmas. They meet memorable characters along the route, such as the Heat Miser and Snow Miser, who manipulate the elements. The special is remembered for its lovable characters, catchy tunes, and theme of rediscovering the magic of Christmas.

The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

The animated Christmas special The Little Drummer Boy (1968) has left a lasting impression on holiday traditions. This timeless classic tells the story of Aaron, a young drummer who discovers the true meaning of Christmas through a miracle encounter. Aaron, who is distrustful of others, finds himself at the centre of the nativity story, where his simple gift of beating the drum transforms an insignificant moment into one of tremendous meaning. This classic Christmas show captures the essence of the holiday spirit, reminding us that even the simplest offerings may carry enormous power when laced with truth and love.

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Frosty the Snowman is a beloved animated Christmas spectacular. The show, produced by Rankin/Bass, is based on the iconic holiday song of the same name, which has been a treasured part of holiday rituals for generations. The plot revolves around Frosty, a snowman who is brought to life by a magical hat. Karen, a young girl, befriends Frosty, and the two set off to the North Pole to save him from melting. Throughout their adventure, they face a variety of difficulties, including the pursuit of the greedy magician Professor Hinkle, who wants his magical hat back.

Christmas in Rockefeller Center with Kelly Clarkson (2023)

Kelly appears to be bringing an extra dose of holiday cheer to New York City this year! Hosting and singing at the “Christmas in Rockefeller Centre” tree-lighting event is an excellent way to kick off the holiday season. This year’s event, which went live on NBC and Peacock on November 29 at 8, was a stunning celebration. The renowned Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree, covered with thousands of sparkling lights, served as the focal point for a night packed with music, cheer, and holiday magic. If you haven’t watched it yet, this is a great musical celebration to watch with family and friends.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a well-known animated Christmas special show. This classic tale is based on the same-named 1939 poem and relates the touching story of Rudolph, a reindeer with a bright red nose that distinguishes him from his peers. Rudolph’s glowing nose serves as both a source of mockery and, eventually, a beacon of hope. The story follows Rudolph as he confronts difficulties, such as being excluded from reindeer games and having concerns about his role on Santa’s sleigh team. On a foggy Christmas Eve, however, Rudolph’s distinctive red nose proves to be a great tool, guiding Santa’s sleigh through the fog.

Barry Manilow’s A Very Barry Christmas (2023)


With A Very Barry Christmas, Barry Manilow is prepared to spread holiday cheer in a joyous musical spectacular. The iconic singer-songwriter promises a holiday event that will thrill both fans and holiday aficionados. Whether you watch it on Peacock or the NBC app, the streaming event provides the ideal opportunity to enjoy Barry Manilow’s iconic tunes and trademark style as he performs a special Christmas performance. Prepare yourself for a dose of holiday pleasure and musical brilliance as Barry Manilow brings his distinct charm to the holiday season. It’s a must-watch for anyone wishing to add the magic of Barry Manilow’s musical prowess to their celebrations.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

The animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas is well-known. This holiday classic, created by Charles M. Schulz, is part of the Peanuts series and has become an essential element of the holiday season. The plot focuses on Charlie Brown, the iconic figure who is struggling with the commercialisation of Christmas. Charlie is appointed director of the school Christmas performance, despite his disillusionment and search for the actual meaning of the holiday. Charlie Brown seeks solace and counsel from his pal Linus as he navigates issues such as a mournful Christmas tree and the pressures of holiday materialism. It is still a beloved holiday movie for many, reminding us of the value of love, friendship, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town is a classic stop-motion animated Christmas television special that explores the origin tale of Santa Claus, focusing on how Kris Kringle became the legendary character who provides joy to children all over the world. The myth of Santa Claus is told to children by the Winter Warlock and the mailman, Special Delivery Kluger. We learn about Kris Kringle, a kindhearted orphan who grows up to become Santa Claus. Along the way, he faces several obstacles, including the Winter Warlock, a toy-hating mayor, and a toy prohibition in the town of Sombertown. Throughout his travels, Kris Kringle presents toys to children and gradually changes into the merry old Saint Nicholas we know and love.

Black Mirror: White Christmas (2014)

Black Mirror: White Christmas is a special Christmas episode of the Netflix anthology series Black Mirror. The episode tells three interrelated stories on the darker side of technology and its impact on society. On Christmas Day, two protagonists, Matt (Jon Hamm) and Joe (Rafe Spall), are stationed in a lonely cabin. The story unfolds as they relate their experiences. The first narrative follows a dating coach who employs an implant to analyse people’s interactions, showing the problems of modern relationships. The second story is about a smart home system that regulates every aspect of a woman’s life, with troubling results. In the third story, a guy can “block” others in real life, causing them to appear as featureless avatars.

A Saturday Night Live Christmas Special (2023)

Look no further than the Christmas skits from the cult-favourite Saturday Night Live (SNL) for a hearty dose of laughter during the holiday season. The SNL Christmas special, which will run on December 14 and again on December 23, promises to be a holiday treat, featuring well-known skits from the show’s nearly 50-year history. SNL, which is known for its irreverent humour and satirical perspective on pop culture, has provided unforgettable holiday-themed sketches that feature legendary characters and humorous parodies. SNL’s Christmas special will undoubtedly offer joy and humour, making it a must-see for both fans and novices. Prepare to have a jolly good time as SNL unwraps the gift of holiday comedy!

iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2023

Celebrate this Christmas with amazing musical performances from some of pop’s biggest performers. The programme, recorded during the Jingle Ball Tour, will highlight the skills of major musicians who took part in the tour, including the brilliant Olivia Rodrigo, the soulful SZA, the captivating Niall Horan, and the iconic Nicki Minaj. Their electric performances will undoubtedly bring a musical touch to the holiday festivities, making this Christmas special a delight for comedy and music fans. Prepare for a star-studded party that combines laughter and chart-topping music to create the ideal festive environment for viewers of all tastes.

Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas (2011)


The holiday television special Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas is based on the iconic Ice Age animated film franchise. The special, directed by Karen Disher, reunites the iconic characters from the “Ice Age” series for a festive and heartwarming trip. Manny the Mammoth (voiced by Ray Romano), Sid the Sloth (played by John Leguizamo), Diego the Sabertooth Tiger (voiced by Denis Leary), and their eccentric companions prepare for the holiday season in the story. Things take a turn for the worse when Sid accidentally ruins Manny’s favourite holiday decorations. Sid, feeling responsible, embarks on a voyage to the North Pole to persuade Santa Claus to put Manny back on the nice list.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is a Disney+ original special that premiered last year. This holiday adventure involves Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), and Groot (Vin Diesel) from MCU‘s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. The Guardians embark on a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, in this holiday-themed adventure. Eventually, they go to Earth in pursuit of the perfect present for Quill. It has a unique blend of the franchise’s signature humour, action, and emotion, all wrapped up in a festive holiday package as the Guardians engage in chaotic hijinks.

A Flintstones Christmas Carol (1994)

The animated television special A Flintstones Christmas Carol is a holiday rendition of Charles Dickens’s classic work “A Christmas Carol,” but with the iconic prehistoric twist of the Flintstones universe. The special is a continuation of the long-running animated series “The Flintstones,” which shows the daily lives and adventures of the Stone Age family. In this Christmas special, Fred Flintstone plays Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly character from Charles Dickens’ story. The narrative arc is similar, with Fred being visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who strive to teach him the true meaning of Christmas.

Toy Story That Time Forgot (2014)

The Christmas-themed television Christmas special Toy Story That Time Forgot stars characters from the Toy Story film series. The plot picks up immediately after the events of Toy Story 3 and follows Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), and the gang as they come upon a troop of dinosaur action figurines known as the Battlesaurs. The Battlesaurs have no idea they are toys and assume they are genuine warriors fighting in gladiatorial conflicts. As the Toy Story characters traverse this foreign world of furious conflicts and action-figure delusions, the plot takes a funny turn. Trixie the triceratops, played by Kristen Schaal, plays an important role in the special as she attempts to speak with the Battlesaurs and assist her pals.

Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (2020)

The holiday musical show Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special stars the legendary pop diva Mariah Carey. Mariah Carey joins a host of special guests, including Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, and Snoop Dogg, for a fantasy adventure to the North Pole. They set out on a mission to spread holiday cheer and magic over the world. The musical extravaganza features renditions of iconic holiday tunes, including Mariah Carey’s chart-topping smash “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The event also includes new musical arrangements and joyous collaborations that give old songs a new and captivating spin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I watch Christmas episodes of TV shows?

Christmas episodes of a TV show are generally available to watch on the streaming platform the show is running.

Are there any shows similar to Black Mirror?

If you love Black Mirror you can give Love Death + Robots, Dark, Weird City, and Maniac a try.

What are the BBC Christmas specials?

Hundreds of box sets and vintage Christmas specials from popular shows such as Ghosts, Gavin and Stacey, Line of Duty, Shetland, Man Like Mobeen, Call the Midwife, This Country, Not Going Out and The Royle Family will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

What episodes of Friends are Christmas episodes?

The Christmas episodes of the show FRIENDS are, Season 2, Episode 9: “The One with Phoebe’s Dad”, Season 3, Episode 10: “The One Where Rachel Quits”, Season 4, Episode 10: “The One with the Girl from Poughkeepsie”, Season 5, Episode 10: “The One with the Inappropriate Sister”, Season 6, Episode 10: “The One with the Routine”, Season 7, Episode 10: “The One with the Holiday Armadillo”, Season 8, Episode 11: “The One with the Creepy Holiday Card”, Season 9, Episode 10: “The One with Christmas in Tulsa”.

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