LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Emmy Awards have been pushed from September to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 15. The Emmys were forced to delay because of the actors and writers strikes affecting TV and movie production. Striking writers and actors normally would work on the Emmy telecast or do interviews to promote their shows. The Emmys traditionally kick off the fall TV broadcast season, but scripted shows in particular are not ready to air because of the strikes. The Creative Arts Emmys will be held the weekend of Jan. 6 and will air on Fox Jan 13.
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Striking screenwriters and the major studios will meet for negotiations tomorrow. The Writers Guild of America tells its members that they expect the studios to respond to their proposals during a meeting tomorrow. The WGA has been striking since early May over issues like compensation for streaming services and protections regarding artificial intelligence. SAG-AFTRA, which represents actors, has been on strike since mid-July.
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Taylor Swift fans at her Los Angeles concert last night got to hear the news first: she will release a new version of her “1989” album. Swift performed some of the tracks from that album. She told the crowd that instead of saying what she’s been working on, she’d show them. Behind her, the screen showed, “’1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ available Oct. 27!”
UNDATED (AP) – The head of Disney says prices will go up on Disney Plus and Hulu, and the company will crack down on password sharing. CEO Bob Iger says the monthly cost of ad-free Disney Plus will go up by $3, to almost $14, while the cost of ad-free Hulu will likely go up $3, to almost $18 a month. Iger acknowledges the price hikes are intended to steer customers to the cheaper versions with advertising, which will not have price hikes. He did not give details on how Disney will stop users from sharing passwords, only that Disney could reap some benefits by next year.
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Director Martin Scorsese says long before he ever met Robbie Robertson of The Band, Robertson’s music played a central role in his life. Scorsese says in a statement Robertson’s music “seemed to come from the deepest place at the heart of this continent, its traditions and tragedies and joys.” Robertson died yesterday at the age of 80. Scorsese directed The Band’s concert film “The Last Waltz.” Scorsese and Robertson frequently collaborated on movie music, including the soundtracks for “The Departed,” “The Color of Money,” “The Departed” and “The Irishman.” They worked together on Scorsese’s upcoming film, “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Kuwait is banning the release of the “Barbie” movie there, while Lebanon is making a move to ban it. Kuwait officials announced last night that the film promotes “ideas and beliefs that are alien to the Kuwaiti society and public order.” Lebanon Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada recommended the film be banned there, saying it was found to “contradict values of faith and morality” and to “promote homosexuality and sexual transformation.” While there is no overt sexuality or references to LGBTQ+ rights in “Barbie,” it does feature Kate McKinnon, who is gay, and transgender actor Hari Nef. Vietnam also banned “Barbie,” but for a different reason: it shows a map that includes disputed Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – The weapons supervisor on the set of the movie “Rust” has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence. New Mexico court officials say Hannah Gutierrez-Reed waived her right to an arraignment on charges connected to the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021. A trial is tentatively set for December. Alec Baldwin had pointed a gun at Hutchins during a scene rehearsal when it went off. An attorney for Gutierrez-Reed says it was a tragic accident. Prosecutors say Gutierrez-Reed was negligent in handling firearms and ammunition on the set.
SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) – “Heart of Stone” actor Jamie Dornan keeps himself in shape for his main job, and it’s not acting. It’s being a dad. Dornan said in an AP interview before the actors strike he has to stay fit to keep up with the energy that his kids have. Dornan acknowledged that as he ages, he feels the aches and pains that come with that – what he calls “old man injuries.” He said cycling has helped with that. “Heart of Stone,” also starring Gal Gadot, premieres tomorrow on Netflix.
