LOS ANGELES (AP) – “The French Connection” director William Friedkin has died at the age of 87, according to his executive assistant. Friedkin was 32 when he made “The French Connection,” which won the best picture Oscar in 1972. Friedkin also directed “The Exorcist,” “To Live and Die in L.A.” and “Rules of Engagement.” Friedkin's latest film, “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial" with Kiefer Sutherland, will premiere at the Venice Film Festival next month.
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Rapper Tory Lanez faces possible prison time as he is sentenced today in Los Angeles for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020. Lanez was convicted in December of three felonies. Megan testified Lanez had shot at her feet and shouted at her to dance as she walked away from an argument. While prosecutors are seeking at least 13 years in prison, Lanez’ lawyers are asking for probation, saying the evidence against him was questionable.
NEW YORK (AP) – The creator of a new game show based on fans of musicians says it is “not a talent show – this is a talentless show.” “Superfan” creator Keltie Knight says, “Some of us are not good at anything except loving the artist we love.” The contestants of each show must show how passionate they are about their idols through a series of competitions. Kelsea Ballerini, Gloria Estefan, Little Big Town, LL Cool J, Pitbull and Shania Twain are the artists who will decide who their superfans are. The show premieres Wednesday on CBS.
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) – When “Crazy Rich Asians” came out, some Asian Americans loved it and some hated it. That debate formed the opening scene of the new movie “Shortcomings,” which features Asian American characters arguing over a similar movie. Actor Justin H. Min said in an interview before the Hollywood strikes that when “Crazy Rich Asians” came out, it was an important moment for Asian Americans, but a lot of people who didn’t like it were not able to talk about it openly. Co-star Sherry Cola said it’s fun to start “Shortcomings” with a big-picture thing like that and then go microscopically into a slice of life.
