Entertainment

Actors wear red pins calling for Gaza ceasefire on Oscars red carpet

Published

2 years ago

March 11, 2024

Staff Reporter

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Los Angeles [US], March 11 (ANI): On the Oscars red carpet, a striking departure from the typical glitz and glamour unfolded, with notable celebrities such as singer Billie Eilish and actor Mark Ruffalo proudly donning red pins as a poignant call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, The New York Times reported.

This marked a significant departure from the general trend of Hollywood stars shying away from drawing attention to the ongoing conflict during this awards season.

The red pins served as a symbol of solidarity with Artists4Ceasefire, a coalition of celebrities and industry members who, in a collective effort, signed an open letter urging President Joe Biden to advocate for an immediate cease-fire, according to The New York Times.

The list of nearly 400 signatories includes this year’s Oscar nominees Bradley Cooper and America Ferrera, along with prominent names like Cate Blanchett, Drake, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Lopez.

“The pin symbolizes collective support for an immediate and permanent cease-fire, the release of all of the hostages and for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza,” Artists4Ceasefire said in a news release. “Compassion must prevail,” the release continued.

One of the entertainers who wore the symbolic pins was comedian and actor Ramy Youssef, who starred in the highly nominated film “Poor Things.” Youssef expressed a mixture of hope and disappointment, saying, “There’s a part of you that hopes it doesn’t have to get to pins… There’s a part of us that hoped we would already be at a cease-fire, and we’re not.”Youssef also reflected on the surprising lack of questions about the war during earlier red carpet events this season. At the Golden Globe Awards in January, he seized an opportunity to redirect a question about Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein ad into a call for a cease-fire. He emphasized that this isn’t about political strategy but a simple plea: “Hey, let’s stop killing kids.”Other notable personalities joining this movement included director Ava DuVernay, actor Quannah ChasingHorse, and Billie Eilish, who won the Best Original Song for “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie.” Eilish incorporated the red accent into her black-and-white Chanel ensemble, a sentiment echoed by her brother and producer, Finneas, as reported by The New York Times.

While the Israel-Hamas war had a limited presence on red carpets since the Golden Globe Awards in January, where stars wore yellow ribbons in solidarity with hostages held by Hamas, the Oscars served as a platform to renew attention to the humanitarian crisis.

The Artists4Ceasefire pins, resembling glossy red quarters with an image of a hand surrounding a small black heart, have made intermittent appearances throughout the awards season. At the Grammy Awards, members of the indie rock trio boygenius attached these pins to their suits, and actors Tony Shalhoub and Ebon Moss-Bachrach showcased them on the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Mark Ruffalo, nominated for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Poor Things,” also proudly displayed an Artists4Ceasefire pin at the Directors Guild of America Awards in February. Ruffalo emphasised the need to give a ceasefire a chance, stating, “We’re not going to bomb our way to peace.”The Israel-Hamas war has resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 30,000 people reported killed in Gaza, according to Gazan officials, and around 1,200 casualties in Israel from the Hamas attack on October 7.

Red carpets at award shows have traditionally provided opportunities for stars to draw attention to various issues. At the 2023 Oscars, blue ribbons were donned to express support for refugees. In 2018, women in Hollywood wore black to the Golden Globes in solidarity with victims of sexual harassment. Natalie Portman, in 2020, wore a cape embroidered with the names of female directors at the Oscars.

While Hollywood stars have increasingly spoken out on political leaders, abortion rights, and racial inequality on award show stages, discussions surrounding the war in the Middle East have been relatively subdued. However, the Grammy Awards saw a slight shift last month when Annie Lennox called for a cease-fire during her musical tribute to singer Sinead O’Connor.

The Los Angeles Police Department anticipated possible protests related to the Israel-Hamas war on the day of the Oscars, leading to increased security around the Dolby Theater, the venue for the awards show.

Ramy Youssef emphasised the unique role of artists in encouraging viewers to engage with humanitarian issues, saying, “There’s that term ‘talking heads’ — I think artists are talking hearts,” he said. “We’re appealing on an emotional level,” The New York Times reported. (ANI)

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Staff Reporter

Entertainment

Canada Super 60 set to dazzle with star-studded concert line-up at Vancouver’s BC Place

Published

2 weeks ago

October 9, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The Canada Super 60 isn’t just changing the game; it’s creating North America’s newest entertainment spectacle. From October 8 to 13, Vancouver’s iconic BC Place will transform into a full-fledged cultural carnival, blending high-octane cricket with back-to-back music concerts.

Get ready for six nights of non-stop entertainment, headlined by some of the biggest names in Punjabi, Desi, and global fusion music. From the infectious beats of Harrdy Sandhu and Jassie Gill to the international flair of Mickey Singh, each night promises a festival atmosphere both on and off the pitch.

Concert Line-Up Highlights

Oct 8 – Harrdy Sandhu (9pm)
Oct 9 – Jassie Gill (9pm)
Oct 10 – Mickey Singh (9pm)
Oct 11 – Parmish Verma (9pm)
Oct 12 – Raf-Saperra (9pm)
Oct 13 – GirlsLikeYou x Indo Warehouse (6:15pm)

The entertainment bonanza runs alongside thrilling cricket matches featuring international stars and fan favourites. With Yuvraj Singh backing the league and legends like Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina on the field, Canada Super 60 is shaping up to be the ultimate blend of glamour, game, and groove.

“This is not just cricket; this is a lifestyle experience,” said a spokesperson for Canada Super 60. “Our entertainment line-up reflects the league’s ambition to unite cultures through music, sport, and community.”

Fans can expect full-scale stadium productions, food and cultural showcases, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, turning BC Place into Canada’s most happening venue this October.

About Canada Super 60

Canada Super 60 is the newest format in global cricket, a 60-ball showdown that delivers fast-paced action and festival-style entertainment. Backed by international icons and powered by music, sport, and cultural unity, it’s redefining how fans experience cricket in North America.

Entertainment

UAE students risk repeating a year if absences exceed 15 days, new rules state

Published

2 months ago

September 2, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Public school students in the UAE could be required to repeat an academic year if their unexcused absences exceed 15 days, under new rules announced by the Ministry of Education.

The updated guidelines exclude absences related to illness, medical travel, official event participation, emergencies, or family bereavements. Students will now be allowed up to five unexcused absences per term, capped at 15 across the year. Any excess will trigger a review, with the student’s file referred to the relevant authorities and child protection services.

The ministry also clarified that absences on Fridays, or on days immediately before or after official holidays, will count as two days. A warning system has been introduced to notify parents on the first day of absence.

Special exemptions will apply to students of determination and those with chronic illnesses. Parents may also appeal within five working days of being notified, ensuring fairness in implementation.

The initiative is aimed at tackling absenteeism, which the ministry said has a direct impact on academic performance. Citing studies, it noted that missing 10 per cent of school days equates to a loss of half an academic year, while absences beyond 20 per cent amount to a full year’s loss in achievement.

Schools have been instructed to create individual support plans for students at risk of frequent absences, including counselling sessions, parent engagement, and incentive programmes.

The ministry added that it will be up to educational boards to decide whether these rules will also extend to private schools.

Announcements

Tickets now live for Dubai’s first homegrown musical spectacle

Published

4 months ago

June 14, 2025

Staff Reporter

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A cultural revolution is about to begin. Tickets are now available for Once Upon A Time in Dubai, the most ambitious, emotional, and spectacular musical ever produced in the region. Opening this December at The Agenda in Dubai Media City, the show is already being called a once-in-a-generation phenomenon — and for good reason.

More than just a stage production, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is the first original large-scale musical entirely created in the UAE, blending Broadway-worthy storytelling with the energy and dreams of one of the world’s most iconic cities. Behind this bold vision is Stéphane Boukris, entrepreneur and cultural trailblazer, who has brought together an international creative dream team — including Universal Music Group MENA as co-producer — to craft a deeply emotional journey of love, ambition, and transformation, set in today’s Dubai.

“This show is a tribute to everything Dubai represents: ambition, diversity, and the power to build your own destiny,” says Boukris. “We are creating something people will never forget.”

A World-Class Team Behind the Curtain

The production brings together talents who have previously worked on global shows such as Céline Dion, Disney shows, and Arabs Got Talent (MBC). From lighting to choreography and technical design, every detail is crafted by artists and technicians at the highest international standards.

A Story That Speaks to a Generation

At the heart of the show is Will, a young English dancer who arrives in Dubai to search for Sophia, the woman he loves. Along the way, he meets artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from all walks of life, culminating in a celebration of courage, community, and reinvention.

The cast features rising stars Amanda Maalouf (X Factor) and Joe Woolford (The Voice UK) — with many of the lead vocalists and performers previously featured on international talent platforms, bringing an exceptional level of stage presence and vocal power. The musical includes over 20 original songs composed by Nazim Khaled, including already-viral hits like “Habibi”, “Stranger in the World”, and “Think Big”.

A City-Wide Movement

With over 150,000 spectators expected across 55 performances, the show is much more than an event — it’s becoming a movement. Once Upon A Time in Dubai is already making waves across the city with:

● Strategic brand partnerships: McDonald’s, Carrefour MAF, Careem, Accor, Mall of the

Emirates, Tilal Al Ghaf, GEMS Education, and more

● Immersive activations: Soundtracks in Hala taxis, QR codes in malls, music in retail

stores, and dedicated social media campaigns

● Youth engagement: Auditions and showcases for students across GEMS schools,

opening the stage to the next generation of performers

The show will be performed in English, and supported by a multicultural creative team led by stage director Johan Nus.

Exclusive Ticket Sale

Tickets are available exclusively via Fever, the global ticketing platform. Pre-sale access has already launched with selected partners such as GEMS, Muse by Chalhoub, and Accor’s ALL loyalty members — with thousands of tickets snapped up in just days.

🎤 Behind the scenes videos, interviews with the cast, and a full media kit are available upon request. 📸 Press passes for opening week are now being issued — be among the first to witness the birth of a new cultural landmark.