Yungblud, Maggie Rogers, St. Vincent among artists speaking out against new Texas abortion law

Matt Reeves never meant for Colin Farrell to look unrecognizable in “The Batman.”In the finished film, Farrell’s appearance is utterly obliterated in the role of Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, the scarred and dumpy mid-level Gotham City gangster with the (unwelcome) nickname of “the Penguin.” But when the 55-year-old director — who co-wrote “The Batman” with Peter Craig — first approached Farrell for the role, he was focused on Farrell’s ability to bring grit and sensitivity in the same performance.“He could have that mix of being incredibly, incredibly scary and volatile, and then all of a sudden, you’d see this vulnerable side that really made you feel for that guy,” Reeves tells Variety. “So I really wanted him to play the character.” When they met, however, Reeves noticed that Farrell had recently gained weight for a different movie, which fit into his conception of the longstanding Batman villain as a mobster akin to John Cazale’s Fredo in “The Godfather” films.“I thought John Cazale has a kind of Penguin nose,” Reeves says.

Troy Kotsur kicked off the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday with his win for Best Supporting Male Actor for his Apple TV+ film CODA.The move solidified his standing as an Oscars frontrunner after his win in the same category late last month at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.Kotsur, who is deaf, stars in the inspiring film as a deaf fisherman who relies on his hearing daughter to help him, his wife and his other son — all deaf — navigate a fishing community that doesn't respect or understand them. Big win: Troy Kotsur kicked off the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday with his win for Best Supporting Male Actor for his Apple TV+ film CODAKotsur joked in his acceptance speech that his character wouldn't fit in Santa Monica, because a fisherman from Gloucester, Massachusetts wouldn't be able to afford a beer in the coastal Southern California city.The Independent Spirit Awards were back Santa Monica, California, for the first time in two years as the ceremony returned to celebrating independent cinema.

Julia Fox made another bold fashion statement as she attended the Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica on Sunday.The former girlfriend of Kanye West, 32, put on a jaw-dropping display in an edgy black dress with a bra top and hip cut-out.The Uncut Gems actress was looking as fierce as ever with a winged slick of black eyeshadow bringing out her blue eyes and a silver snake bracelet on her arm. If you've got it! Julia Fox put on an edgy display at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday in a bold black dressWith it's off the shoulder design and hip cut out, the bold black dress did little to hide Julia's fab body.Her glossy brunette hair was styled into a center part and cascaded down sleek and straight.

Gigi Hadid pledged to donate her Fashion Week earnings to those affected by the war in Ukraine.The 26-year-old supermodel shared a series of snaps from various shows and revealed she was making a sizable contribution to help those in need.The fashion icon explained that despite her job on and off the runway, it was also her responsibility to give back, and she was doing so in a big way by giving her full earnings from the Fall 2022 campaign to Ukrainian organizations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) Hadid pointed out that her professional commitments kept her from actively reflecting on world events.She wrote: 'Having a set Fashion Month schedule has meant that my colleagues and I often present new fashion collections during heartbreaking and traumatic times in history.' Hadid added that she and her fellow models were interested in helping to create positive change through their work.'We don't have control over most of our work schedules, but we would like to walk "for" something,' she wrote.

Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko say that they are 'ready to die' to protect their native Ukraine from Russian invaders.The iconic boxing brothers immediately took up arms following news that Russian president Vladimir Putin was to invade - and are even said to be on his 'kill list' of targets among 24 others as the 69-year-old looks to wrestle control of the neighbouring country.Images of the pair have now been taken on the outskirts of Kyiv while wearing bulletproof vests, posing in front of a painted van that had the words 'Iron Kyiv' sprayed on it.Vitali, who was WBC heavyweight king between 2008 and his 2012 retirement, is also the current Mayor of Kyiv - and has stayed in the capital despite his political importance.Wladimir, who held the unified WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and Ring magazine titles between 2012 and 2015, has also offered his assistance by joining the military.Previously, older brother Vitali told Sky News that their group had already killed six Russian soldiers while trying to find separatist groups.Are the Klitschko brothers two of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history? Tell us in the comments sectionIn their latest update Vitali told CNN: "I am very proud to see how patriotic people are."We’re not interested in how strong the Russian army is, we’re ready to fight."And we’re ready to die for our home country and for our families, because it’s our home."It’s our future and somebody wants to come to our home and steal our future from us."That comes as 45-year-old Wladimir called on world spiritual leaders to take a stand.He said: "The drama that is unfolding in Ukraine at this very moment questions the very notion of humanity.“The dignity of Man is being called into question through the voluntary

Kanye West appears to have addressed the backlash he faced over the music video for his track ‘Eazy’, which was shared last week.The clip featured a claymation version of SNL comedian Pete Davidson – who is currently dating West’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian – being kidnapped and buried alive.“Everyone lived happily ever after, except Skete you know who – JK he’s fine,” a series of title cards read at the end of the video. The track itself also includes the lyric: “God saved me from that crash / Just so I can beat Pete Davidson’s ass”.In his latest Instagram post, the rapper appears to have responded to the criticism he faced for the visuals. “Art is therapy just like this view,” he captioned an image of what looks like a church on fire.

Eurovision fans are convinced TikTok star Sam Ryder is set to represent the UK at this year’s contest. The identity of our act is due to be announced by the BBC this week.There has been speculation about a number of artists on forums and social media in recent months.But now scores of fans think they have worked out it will be singer Sam with his song Space Man.The star appears to have cleared his schedule around the time of this year’s Eurovision.He has cancelled a gig in Glasgow on May 15, which is the day after the contest.Sam has also had backing from Scott Mills, who hosts Eurovision coverage for the BBC.Space Man was made Tune of the Week on Scott’s Radio 1 show and he was so pleased he tweeted about it.Fans have also spotted that Spain’s act Chanel Terrero is following Sam on Instagram.One fan said: “Honestly if the uk rumours about Sam Ryder are true, I’d actually be quite happy about it.”Another said: “Please let the Sam Ryder for Eurovision rumours be true.

Zack Sharf Independent Spirit Awards hosts Megan Megan and Nick Offerman took a brief moment during the awards ceremony to show support to Ukraine and tell Russian president Vladimir Putin to “fuck off.” The 2022 Spirit Awards took place in Santa Monica, California as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continued overseas. Mullally and Offerman wished those in Ukraine “best wishes.”“I think we speak for everyone here when we say that we are hoping for a quick, peaceful resolution,” Mullally said.

Ireland Baldwin is sharing how coffee affects her mental health.

Louise Redknapp has announced the arrival of a new family member this evening after she had to say goodbye to her dog Blubelle last month, whom she had since she was a puppy.The star explained that her other dog Rudi had been missing his friend, which spurred her to open her heart once again to a new pet.Louise, 47, took to social media to share the exciting update with her 145,100 Twitter followers. “We were so devastated losing our girl Blubelle a few weeks ago,” she wrote. “And we really noticed a change in Rudi’s behaviour, so we decided a little brother might be what he needs… “Say hello to Banksy Blu… he’s definitely settled in.”The accompanying TikTok video, set to Baha Men’s Who Let The Dogs Out, captured the excitable puppy as he made himself at home. Banksy Blu could be seen playing with Louise’s son Beau as he ran to chase a tennis ball across the room. He could also be seen getting up to other mischief, including tucking into one of Louise’s slippers and chasing along behind “big brother” Rudi. There were also some adorable shots of the puppy cuddling up next to a dinosaur toy as he slept.Louise’s followers took to the comment section to congratulate the former Eternal singer on her new pup. Richard Ayris wrote: “You have to love puppies and how inquisitive and mischievous they are. Glad he has settled in for all of you.”“He is lovely, lots of trouble ahead,” Richard Hoskins penned with a winking emoji.Christine added: “Hello Banksy Blu, you are so cute & beautiful.

A woman with an allergy to the cold is forced to keep her heating on 24/7 - and has admitted she'll soon be 'too scared' to check her energy bills due to enormous price hikes.

Goalkeeper David de Gea has sent a powerful message to Manchester United's supporters following Sunday's 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, becoming the first United player to break his silence on social media since the game in the process.

Coronation Street fans were appalled by gritty scenes featuring relapsed addict Abi Franklin in tonight's hour-long episode.

BirminghamLive's inspiring award ceremony, in partnership with TSB, will take place at Birmingham University's Great Hall on Monday (March 7), and it's sure to be a night to remember.The star-studded Pride of Britain event will be hosted by former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, and it aims to give thanks to the region's "unsung heroes.It gives Birmingham the chance to pay tribute to the most inspiring and courageous locals who have risked their lives or battled against the odds to make a difference.This year's incredible winners include a terminally-ill schoolboy who has inspired everyone around him as he battles his devastating Batten Disease.Another winner is a teenager who has raised thousands of pounds for the hospital which gave her life-saving brain surgery - after starring in a series of moving TikTok videos.The event will also feature a mother who has been campaigning for life-saving bleed kits to be made mroe accessible to the public - following the tragic stabbing of her son.There will also be a young man who risked his life to climb into a smoking car in order to pull a driver to safety after a terrifying road accident.The glam red-carpet event will be bustling with showbiz stars, including Tipping Point host Ben Shepherd, Strictly stars Amy Dowden and Rhys Stephenson, Dancing on Ice's Connor Ball, and musician Ruby Turner.Speaking about the winners, host Kym said: "I'm so excited about Pride of Birmingham. It's been two years since we have been able to get together properly for these awards, so I know it's going to be a fantastic night.

Stars — times two! From Full House duo Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, to Rami Malek and his twin brother, Sami, many celebs have the twin chromosome.

Defending his art. Kanye West said he didn’t mean any harm with his “Eazy” music video.

Paris Jackson, 23, flaunted an epic look in Paris, France on March 6. The daughter of the late Michael Jackson wore a multi-colored long sweater with various designs as a mini dress along with black thigh-high platform boots as she was photographed walking in the popular city. She added to her look with a black necklace and dangling earrings as her shoulder-length blonde hair stayed down.

Refresh for updates and winners Shifting from its traditional immediate pre-Oscars perch, the Film Independent Spirit Awards are back today with a live and in-person ceremony from Santa Monica.

Billy Bragg has shared a brand new song – listen to the family-orientated track ‘Pass It On’ below.The track is the second preview of Bragg’s upcoming 10th studio album ‘The Million Things That Never Happened’, announced in July with the release of single ‘I Will Be Your Shield’.“I read somewhere that the second most googled thing after pornography is ancestry,” Bragg said in a statement. “People want to know where they come from, why they were born, where they were born.“You can get facts from the web, but details are priceless and can often only be learned orally from relatives.

Jack Antonoff and Lucy Dacus have announced that proceeds from their upcoming Texas shows will be donated to abortion charities following the introduction of the state’s new anti-abortion bill.The new legislation, Senate Bill 8, bans most abortions in Texas and makes the state the most restrictive in the US in terms of access to abortion services, according to the New York Times.It prohibits aborting a foetus once cardiac activity can be detected, which is generally around six weeks – a very early point in a pregnancy, when women may not even know they are pregnant.The bill makes no exceptions for victims of rape or incest, and authorises citizens to sue abortion providers or anyone involved in facilitating an abortion for a minimum of

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorSinger-songwriter Lucy Dacus announced on Thursday that in the wake of Texas Senate Bill 8 — which makes the country’s second-most populous state’s abortion ban the most restrictive not only the U.S., but one of the most restrictive in the world — she will donate the proceeds from the four Texas dates on her forthcoming tour to grass-roots pro-abortion funds in the state. That includes ticket and merch sales, and her management is waiving its commission as well.“Whenever I see something that makes me upset, I try to think, ‘What can I do about this?’” she told Rolling Stone.