Entertainment

A look at snubs, surprises of this year’s award ceremony

Published

3 years ago

January 8, 2024

Staff Reporter

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California [US], January 8 (ANI): The 81st edition of the Golden Globes took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. From ‘Barbie’ losing the best comedy to ‘Poor Things’ to ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ beating ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ for the screenplay, there were certain surprises that were witnessed during the prestigious event.

First-time host Jo Koy presided over the telecast, which took place, as always, at the Beverly Hilton, according to Variety.

‘Barbie’ loses Best Comedy to ‘Poor Things”Barbie’ lost best musical or comedy to ‘Poor Things’, capping off a disappointing night for Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s blockbuster.

According to Variety, instead, ‘Poor Things’ landed the biggest upset of the night on a show with very few of them. The film follows Bella Baxter (Emma Stone, who won female actor in a Musical/Comedy earlier in the night), a woman whose brain has been transplanted with an infant’s, as she develops her own peculiar outlook on herself, her sexuality, and the world.

In many ways, it is a companion to ‘Barbie”s unique explanation of what it means to be a woman in the world, and it is also very funny. We are so sorry that “Barbenheimer” fans and entertainment media headline writers were denied the opportunity to celebrate the dual victors in drama and comedy that this year’s Globes promised. However, Stone, who also produced, and director Yorgos Lanthimos will undoubtedly be pleased with their win.

‘Anatomy of a Fall’ beats ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ for screenplayAccording to Variety, both ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ earned their success and acclaim in no small part due to the daring and inventiveness of their screenplays, by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, and Christopher Nolan, respectively.

But these two behemoths lost instead to the writers of “Anatomy of a Fall,” a French courtroom thriller about a novelist (nominee Sandra Huller) on trial for the death of her husband. Director Justine Triet and her co-writer Arthur Harari seemed genuinely floored to be winning.

The movie later went on to win the Globe for best non-English language film, an expected win, so that could have given it momentum. And while the Hollywood Foreign Press is no longer a thing, Globes voting body is still made up of international journalists. But still, this was a real surprise! (And in “Barbie’s” case, a portent of snubs to come.)Elizabeth Debicki beats Meryl Streep in TV Supporting ActressElizabeth Debicki may claim, “I beat Meryl!” regardless of anything else occurring in her career, to paraphrase Jennifer Lawrence from “The First Wives Club.” Indeed, Debicki’s portrayal of the tragic Princess Diana in Netflix’s “The Crown” final season won her the role.

It was predicted by oddsmakers that Streep would win the trophy for her performance in Season 3 of ‘Only Murders in the Building’, and if she didn’t, Hannah Waddingham might have won for her part in Season 3 of ‘Ted Lasso’.

A fascinating aspect of Debicki’s well-deserved win is that it is the second time a performer has taken home a Golden Globe for the same character. In 2021, Emma Corrin won TV Actress for her portrayal of Diana in Season 4 of “The Crown.”Ricky Gervais wins Stand-Up awardRicky Gervais got this award for his Netflix special ‘Armageddon’, demonstrating once again that he is a mainstream comedian and is in no way done with the business.

Gervais is currently at the period of his career where he mostly makes jokes about how controversial he is. In no way do we imply that Gervais’ five Globe hosting stints–2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2020–put him above the rest of the field in the vote; after all, he defeated apparent front-runner Chris Rock for his own Netflix special, “Selective Outrage.”‘The Boy and the Heron’ beats ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ for Animated FilmListen, we’re kind of stretching at this point. Yes, “Across the Spider-Verse” was a gargantuan hit, one of the only successful superhero movies of the year, and just as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, 2018’s “Into the Spider-Verse,” which won the Globe in this category.

But the film that beat “Across the Spider-Verse,” “The Boy and the Heron,” was directed by Hayao Miyazaki, a living legend in animation who came out of retirement at 83 to make the most personal film of his career. And it made history by opening at the top of the domestic box office in December.

But this year’s Globes were so flipping predictable that we’re including it here anyway if only to recognize both of these films as two of the very best of the year, reported Variety. (ANI)

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Staff Reporter

Entertainment

Dubai Miracle Garden returns as UAE’s cooler season begins

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3 weeks ago

October 9, 2026

Staff Reporter

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Dubai’s Miracle Garden has reopened for its 15th season as temperatures begin to fall across the UAE. The popular attraction in Al Barsha South welcomed visitors on Thursday, 8 October, with the new season being launched under the theme “Fifteen Years, Blooming Together”.

Sheikh Theyab bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, chairman of Miracle Group, inaugurated the new season. The garden will remain open until 31 May 2027, with a programme of weekly themes and events planned around the UAE’s cultural and national calendar.

Visitors will see activities linked to occasions including Pink October, United Nations Day, UAE Flag Day and Diwali. The programme will also include live music, family entertainment and fitness activities held as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

Events are also planned for Commemoration Day and Eid Al Etihad.

“For fifteen seasons, Dubai Miracle Garden has grown alongside Dubai and its people,” Sheikh Theyab said. “This season is dedicated to the community that made it possible, particularly the families and residents who return year after year.”

Mohammed Zaher Hammadih, group chief executive of Miracle Group, said the weekly programme was intended to encourage visitors to return throughout the season.

“As we mark our 15th season, Dubai Miracle Garden continues to bring people together through shared experiences,” he said. “Our weekly programme gives families a new reason to return, with cultural celebrations, live entertainment and activities to enjoy throughout the season.”

The garden features more than 150 varieties of flowers and is known for its large-scale floral displays, some of which have previously set Guinness World Records.

Since opening in 2013, it has attracted millions of visitors and become one of Dubai’s established family attractions.The garden is open daily from 9am to 9pm on weekdays and from 9am to 11pm at weekends.

Tickets start at Dh105 for adults and Dh84 for children. Children under three can enter free of charge.

Entertainment

Emirates Dubai 7s 2026: Tickets on sale as festival returns with bigger family zone

Published

2 months ago

August 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Emirates Dubai 7s is returning to The Sevens Stadium from November 27 to 29, with tickets now on sale for the three-day sports and entertainment festival.

The 2026 edition will bring together international rugby, amateur sports, live music and family entertainment, with organisers promising a bigger programme than previous years.

The festival attracted more than 88,000 visitors in 2025 and will again take place during the final weekend of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

Ticket prices

Ticket prices for General Admission and Hospitality have stayed the same for a third consecutive year.

Three-day General Admission tickets cost Dh595 per person, while the three-day Family Pass is Dh1,136 for two adults and two children.

Other ticket options

Group pass: Dh446 per person for four or more adults
Saturday or Sunday: Dh455
Friday: Dh75
Under 15s: Free
People of Determination + carer: Dh375

Tickets can be purchased through the Emirates Dubai 7s website and app.

Bigger family attractions

Family entertainment will get a major boost this year as the UAE celebrates the Year of the Family.

The festival will feature its biggest-ever Kids’ Zone, including the UAE’s largest inflatable kids’ zone, along with a Ferris wheel and zipline. More attractions are expected to be announced ahead of the event.

Six sports and top rugby action

Alongside elite rugby, visitors can watch or take part in competitions across six sports — rugby, netball, cricket, WODON3 fitness, Rebound padel and Gaelic Football.

Gaelic Football will join the festival for the first time in 2026.

The Sevens Stadium will also host the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series 2027, bringing the world’s leading rugby sevens players to Dubai.

The WODON3 Elite final will take place on Pitch 1 between HSBC SVNS matches, with competitors potentially performing in front of crowds of up to 20,000.

Music all weekend

Live entertainment will run throughout the festival, with local and international artists performing across three days.

Last year’s line-up included Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul and Fisher, while the 2026 headline acts will be announced later.

For a premium experience, The Sunroom returns with all-inclusive food and drinks, shaded seating, prime sporting views and dedicated access. Packages start from Dh1,925 per person.

With sport, music and family attractions packed into one weekend, Emirates Dubai 7s is gearing up for another big Dubai event.

Entertainment

Dubai launches ‘Dubai+’ family streaming platform to boost digital media and creative economy

Published

9 months ago

January 29, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new family-oriented digital media platform, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital media and the creative economy.

The approval came as Sheikh Ahmed chaired the Dubai Media Council’s first meeting of 2026 at Dubai Media, where members reviewed sector strategies and plans to strengthen content creation, innovation and local production capabilities.

What is Dubai+?

Dubai+ will offer a wide range of family-friendly content, bringing together:

Local and Emirati productions
Arab series and films
International entertainment

The platform reflects Dubai Media’s integrated digital ecosystem strategy, responding to shifting viewer habits and the growing demand for high-quality, on-demand digital content.

“We believe media is a strategic force that shapes awareness, supports development and builds trust,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

Boosting Local Film and Content Production

The Council also reviewed plans to:

Enhance local production capabilities
Support cinema as a cultural and creative industry
Invest in programmes that drive creative and economic growth

Samr Al Marzooqi, Director of Films and Production at the Dubai Media Council, outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at showcasing Emirati and international talent while strengthening Dubai’s film sector.

Next Phase of Growth

Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said the next phase will focus on monitoring implementation and ensuring measurable outcomes across the sector.

Secretary General Nehal Badri added that priorities include encouraging private sector participation, accelerating content development, and investing in talent, advanced production technologies and future-ready capabilities.