Venice to host first film festival of COVID era

Megan Thee Stallion has been cast in the upcoming A24-made movie musical F*cking Identical Twins.The Houston rapper will be among those to star in the latest project from the acclaimed independent entertainment company, who have been behind such films as Midsommar, Uncut Gems and Moonlight.As The Hollywood Reporter notes, F*cking Identical Twins will star Megan alongside the likes of Nathan Lane, Bowen Yang and Megan Mullally.The film also stars its writers Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp, while Borat director and Seinfeld writer Larry Charles is set to direct.According to THR, F*cking Identical Twins follows “two business adversaries who realise they’re identical twin brothers and decide to switch places in order to reunite their divorced parents and become a family again”.The film is based on the 2014 two-man stage show that premiered at the Upright Citizens Brigade, and is described as a “subversive” spin on The Parent Trap featuring original songs by Jackson, Sharp and Karl Saint Lucy.No release date has been set yet for F*cking Identical Twins.Speaking about her role in the film, Megan told her Instagram followers: “HOTTIES THIS IS OUR FIRST MOVIEEEE/ MUSICAL! WITH SOME MOVIE LEGENDS.“I’m so excited I feel so blessed I feel anxious lol I feel a bunch of shit I really have been quietly putting in this work and I just cant wait for the hotties to see everything.” Earlier this month Megan Thee Stallion shared the track ‘Flamin’ Hottie, which promoted Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Flamin’ Hot Doritos.

Katya Jones, 32, was partnered with former boxer Nicola Adams, 39, in the 2020 series of the show.The Strictly Come Dancing professional has taken to Instagram to congratulate her Strictly partner on her baby news.Nicola and her partner Ella Baig revealed the big news in a joint Instagram post yesterday.The post included pictures of the pair kissing and an ultrasound scan.Katya took to her Instagram story to congratulate the happy couple, along with a picture of their scan.In view of her 206,000 followers she penned: "They are having a baby!!! @nicolaadams @ellabaig."Congratulations! It is utterly beautiful!"Nicola revealed that the couple had been trying to get pregnant for three years using IVF.As she had frozen her eggs during her career as a businesswoman she was able to provide one for her partner with the help of a sperm donor.Ella, who tragically suffered two miscarriages earlier on in their fertility journey, is now in her second trimester.Nicola spoke to Vogue about her fertility journey, admitting she used to worry she could not conceive as a child due to her sexual orientation.She said on February 17: "We decided that Ella would carry the baby, that we’d use my egg, and find a sperm donor that resembled Ella."The main hurdle was not knowing as much about IVF as we do now – about the tests that needed to be done and the things to look out for which can affect the pregnancy."Nicola was partnered with Katya on Strictly in 2020, making history as the first same-sex couple on the show.The pair had to leave the show early however, when Katya tested positive for Covid.A statement said the programme's "protocols" at the time meant the pair would now self-isolate and would not be able to take part in the rest of the

Kelly Clarkson is making changes in her life. The singer and daytime talk show host is seeking to change her well-known name.Clarkson, 39, has filed the required court documents to request a legal name change, according to multiple reports.

A car dashcam captured the terrifying moment a learner driver had to swerve out of the road to avoid a car that had flipped over on a bend.

Residents in Glossop have been fighting plans to build a brand new McDonald's restaurant in their town.

Bruno Fernandes has posted a message on social media that looks to have laughed off criticism of Manchester United's defence.

A former Cheshire sub-postmaster says his 'world fell in' after he was wrongfully convicted of fraud due to a flawed computer accounting system

A mum who quit her job as a primary school teacher to focus on her own beauty business has said it was the best decision ever after getting ready to launch her own line of products.

Students at one of Greater Manchester’s four universities are almost all from under-represented groups, new data shows.

JYP Entertainment‘s upcoming girl group NMIXX have delayed debut showcase performance after a member was diagnosed with COVID-19.Earlier today (February 18), the label announced in a statement that the girl group’s forthcoming debut showcase after NMIXX member Bae was tested positive for COVID-19. The showcase was originally set to be held on February 22 to coincide with the release of NMIXX’s debut single album ‘Ad Mare’, but will now be held on March 1.JYP Entertainment shared that Bae had begun experiencing a sore throat on the evening of February 16, after which the entire group tested themselves using self-test kits.

Prince Charles learned of his grandson Archie’s name for him when he heard him say “pa” in a Zoom call according to a royal source. The Prince of Wales was reportedly “delighted” by the cute name as he enjoyed a call with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to celebrate the Duke of Sussex’s 36th Birthday.

Prince Charles and Prince William are working on a plan to slim down the monarchy in the future as "less people means less drama", according to a royal insider.The revelation comes as the father and son have reportedly discussed their plans for when they both ascend the throne.According a source speaking to the US magazine this week, the pair have agreed to “guide each other” in their mission to reform the Royal Family, so that it resembles a smaller European-style institution made up of fewer members. The Duke of Cambridge is reportedly "excited about this new chapter in his life and the challenges he’ll be facing".William is second in line to the throne after the his father, who is said to be confident his son "knows what he's doing" but "will ensure that his son is up to speed the ins and outs of the royal family on a deeper level".Earlier this month, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee marking 70 years on the thrown.

The action is set to kick-off around 10.00PM, simply hand this voucher into your local shop before then with your bet slip and enjoy the evening's card! So don't miss out pick up your Daily Star tomorrow (Saturday February 19, 2022) to get your free bet voucher!

Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators of Netflix's hit science-fiction show Stranger Things, have shared new details of the show's long-awaited fourth season. The series' next chapter will be spread across two volumes, with the first premiering May 27 and the second July 1.

Los Angeles rapper Buddy has returned with a new song "Wait Too Long" that features fellow Angeleno and rising rapper/singer Blxst. Alongside the new single and video, Buddy has announced his forthcoming sophomore album Superghetto is slated to be released March 25 via Cool Lil Company and RCA Records.

Nancy Tartaglione International Box Office Editor/Senior ContributorIn an introduction to the Venice Film Festival lineup announced this morning in Rome, Alberto Barbera, commented, “The winter of our dismay turned into a springtime of anxiety, and then slipped slowly into a summer marked by uncertainty and fear over a fraught future.” The fest’s director later spoke with Deadline about the process — and challenges — leading up to today’s unveiling of what’s to come at the first major international film gathering since the coronavirus pandemic began; as well as a greatly-reduced presence of flashy Hollywood movies which have become a staple of the Lido event.

Nick Vivarelli International CorrespondentVenice Film Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera has been through a rollercoaster ever since the coronavirus crisis struck.But he never stopped working, and on Tuesday unveiled a 60-title lineup which, while a bit thin on Hollywood glitz, represents the core essence of Venice any year. A rich roster of quality films from top global auteurs and some newcomers that confirms “the vibrancy of contemporary film,” as Barbera put it in his introduction.

Guy Lodge Film CriticIn a normal year, the announcement of the Venice Film Festival lineup — often coming on the heels of its Toronto counterpart across the pond — triggers the first whisperings of awards season. Once second to Cannes in the European festival prestige stakes, Venice has in the last decade taken advantage of its late-summer scheduling to premiere any number of glossy fall hopefuls, from “Gravity” to “La La Land” to “A Star is Born.”But this is not a normal year, and in turn, Venice fest director Alberto Barbera today unveiled an unconventional lineup — light on big U.S.

Nancy Tartaglione International Box Office Editor/Senior ContributorRefresh for latest…: The Venice Film Festival is unveiling its lineup for the 77th edition this morning in Rome. This will be the first major international film event to take place physically since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, and will be held from September 2-12 on the Lido.

Variety Staff Follow Us on TwitterThe Locarno Film Festival StepIn 2020 will take place virtually in the Variety Streaming Room August 5-7 with three 50-minute sessions covering the future of theatrical experience, the state of independent film production and the future of film festivals and markets.Speakers include Rodrigo Teixeira, Producer (‘Call Me By Your Name’, ‘Port Authority’); Kasi Lemmons, Director/Writer (‘Harriet’); Elissa Federoff, President Distribution, NEON; Daniel Battsek, Director, Film4; Alberto Barbera, Director, Venice Film Festival; Jérôme Paillard, Executive Director, Marche du Cannes; Tabitha Jackson, Director, Sundance Film Festival and many more. Each session will be moderated by a Variety journalist.

Andreas Wiseman International EditorFilmmaker Ann Hui and actress Tilda Swinton are each to receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 77th Venice International Film Festival (2 September – 12 September, 2020).The decision was made by the Board of Directors of the Biennale di Venezia upon the recommendation of Venice Film Festival Director, Alberto Barbera.Accepting the award, Swinton said: “This great festival has been dear to my heart for three decades: to be honoured by her in this way is extremely humbling.