Category: Entertainment

Arts, Coronavirus, Entertainment

Creating Art Together- Figuratively

Francesca R., journalist

As is common knowledge, COVID-19 was officially characterized as a pandemic on March 11, 2020.  Following this, emails and news stories announcing the cancellations of various performances, classes, and even the closing of studios as a whole flooded into artist’s inboxes. Before we all knew it, everyone’s calendar was emptier than a grocery store’s toilet paper aisle. However, rather than being excited and looking at this as an extended spring break, this brought about significant panic. Artists already get paid very little, would they be paid during this time? And as it is so difficult to “make it,” in a career in the art industry, every minute of practice is of the essence for students. How would they receive proper instruction and training? Fortunately, because of modern technology, continuity in training and a continuation of practice in the arts has been made possible.

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Coronavirus, Entertainment

Art During an Epidemic

Hank T., journalist

Background:

On March 12, 2020 every Broadway show currently running was shut down by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. This was a response to stop the spread of COVID-19. Initially, the theaters were only supposed to be shut down until April 12. However, this date has been extended to June 7, the day the Tony Awards were supposed to be broadcast. Although this response is completely appropriate and helpful in stopping the spread of Coronavirus, it is leaving many people in the entertainment industry in need of money and supplies. So, many people with industry jobs are turning to an organization called The Actors Fund.

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Entertainment, Feature, US News

The Weinstein Trial

A Timeline of Events and Key Takeaways

Jessica Mann (center), one of women who testified against Weinstein, leaving a Manhattan courtroom after Weinstein’s sentencing.

Alexa W., journalist

(GW CHRONICLE) — Harvey Weinstein.  This name–his name–could be seen on the credits of almost every major motion picture at one point in time, establishing his power and control that he had over Hollywood and the entertainment industry.  However, many failed to realize that as his name flashed across screens everywhere, it also elicited fear and anger from the many women whom he objectified, harassed, manipulated, and assaulted.  

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Arts, Entertainment

The Oscars Dilemma

A look into the ceremony’s diversity issue

Alexa W., journalist

We have barely stepped into the new decade and the new year, however it already seems as though we are going backwards.  Recently, the Oscars held its 92nd show to honor a myriad of films, however the spotlight fell onto its nominees or rather the lack of diversity present in the nominations.  While a lack of diversity in a nomination list for an award show celebrating elite members of society seems small in comparison to many other issues plaguing the world, this issue is much larger than it seems.  In fact lack of diversity in the Oscars led to popular trends such as #OscarsSoWhite and led many people to boycott the Oscars, celebrities included. Natalie Portman even showed up to the 2020 Awards show in a custom Dior gown which had the names of all female directors who were snubbed by the Academy.

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Arts, climate change, Entertainment, Environment

From the Big Screen to the Phone Screen: Leonardo DiCaprio’s Efforts to Bring About Change

Alexa W., journalist

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Buckner/Variety/REX/Shutterstock (5343725bt) Leonardo DiCaprio during the show Screen Actors Guild Foundation 30th anniversary celebration, Los Angeles, America – 05 Nov 2015

Social media acts as a powerful force in spreading awareness to issues and events as they occur in the world.  Over the years, celebrities have begun to utilize their growing influence to help further raise attention to such information.  Leonardo DiCaprio is one star in particular who has utilized his voice to raise awareness about climate change in the world and its consequences. 

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Entertainment, Feature

The War on the “Ideal” Body: How Jameela Jamil is Fighting Against Body Standards

Alexa W., journalist

Jameela Jamil, known by many as Tahani al Jamil on NBC’s “The Good Place,” continuously proves that she is much more than just an actor with fame and money.  Jamil utilizes her influence to preach body neutrality, a movement that doesn’t focus on appearance, but rather mental health and accepting every piece of yourself.  As a means of doing so, Jamil began to bring light to the harmful diet cultures and body shaming that exists in the world, as well as creating her own movement known as “I weigh.”  In fact, her determination even led to Instagram creating a new rule that prohibits the promotion of diet products.  In order to truly understand the significance of this new Instagram rule and the impact of Jamil’s preaching, we must look at the entire journey as a whole.

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